General Information:
Location: 95 kms. Northwest of San José
Weather: Moderate (high 70’s), frequent light rain. The dry season runs from January through April.
Temperature: 62-80° F year round, see Cuidad Quesada climate
Altitude: 650 meters (2,138 feet) above sea level
Read more about the Northern Tourism Region
About:
San Carlos, also known as Ciudad Quesada, is nestled in the green valley of the San Carlos plain, southeast of the Arenal Volcano.
With an abundance of rich volcanic soil, agriculture and ranching are
the heart of the town’s industry. Named after the poet, Napoleon
Quesada, the town is worth a stop on the way to Arenal, if nothing else
but to enjoy the friendly locals and sample some tasty string cheese, a
specialty of the region.
The town has a lovely Parque Central, around which several restaurants serve simple yet delicious food.
Services:
There is an Internet cafe 1 block north of Parque Central.
Banco San José and Mutual de Alajuela both have ATMs for cash withdrawals.
Things to Do:
Enjoy
the hot springs of Aguas Termales de la Marina, a public park located
on the outskirts of town. Termales de Bosque, also popular with locals,
has hot springs, cabinas, a restaurant and canopy tours.
Browse arts and crafts at the Mercado de Artesanía, located on the northwest corner of Parque Central.
Dine on some of the best beef in Costa Rica at the Chicharronera Tierras San Carleñas or the Coca Loca Steakhouse.
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Places to Stay:
Several budget to mid-range hotels are found around the center of town.
El
Tucano Resort and Thermal Spa, 8 kms away, is a luxury resort boasting
great volcanic views, natural hot springs and a newly-remodeled spa.
Getting There:
By car: Follow the Inter-American Highway west to the Naranjo exit; continue 30 kms. north past Zarcero, to Ciudad Quesada. See driving directions to Ciudad Quesada
By Bus:
Buses depart San José for Ciudad Quesada at: 5 a.m., 6:40 a.m., 7:10
a.m., 8:15 a.m., 9:20 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.,
5:35 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Buses depart La Fortuna for Ciudad Quesada at: 6 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Nearby:
Arenal Volcano
Arenal / La Fortuna
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