Costa Rican Casado

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Spanish for Success
Study Spanish in Costa Rica

A typical dish served during lunch, and at times can be served for dinner. The Casado, or “marriage in the dish,” is a combination of various types of food into one plate.

Casados consist of rice, beans, vegetables (salads), and your choice of chicken, beef, fish, or pork.

When visiting Costa Rica and looking for something authentic from the country, Casado would be one of those experiences one should not miss. Many of family owned small diners, or “Sodas,” as they call it, will normally serve the dish.

Here is video made by one of the students who participated in program.

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Adventure Tours in Costa Rica

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Spanish for Success
Study Spanish in Costa Rica 
 
Explornatura
The adventure company, Explornatura is a close associate of Spanish for Success. Many of the past students who attended programs in Turrialba, Dominical, and Arenal had used the services of the company.

The company has been operating since early 2000 and they’ve had a great track record on safety. The owners Massi and Ronald had taken the proper steps in order to keep the adventure tours running smoothly and safely for adventurist participating. They are one of the premier services that operate from the town of Turrialba.

Explornatura operates several tours, the two most popular ones are white water rafting, and canyoneering. They also offer other tours operating within other parts of the country. For more information, hop on the website www.explornatura.com

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While participating in one of the tours, our blog contributor, Russo Mutuc, had interviewed Massi and the raft guide. See video below.

Russo Mutuc – “Participating in one of these tours is definitely a highlight when you come to Costa Rica. I have known most of the owners of Explornatura for almost 9 years, and every time I come back to the country, I try and participate in one of the tours. When I first came to Costa Rica in 2002, it was the first time I had ever rafted and ziplined. I thought this was such an amazing experience, and it definitely got me talking about it within my social media friends in Friendster and Myspace. Living and participating in the tours, the excitement was flowing, and I was constantly posting videos and pictures. With the incoming travelers visiting Costa Rica, often times, these tours are a must in their itinerary. From the customers I had spoken with after, many had commented on the high adrenaline fun and excitement. Though some of the tours are not meant for everybody, I definitely would recommend checking with your doctor prior to arriving in the country and participating in any adventure sports. Keep in mind, these tours are in nature’s environment, and often times, nature or the environment is unpredictable. “

Taking Cabs (taxi) in San Jose, Costa Rica

How to Take a Cab in San Jose, Costa Rica

If you’re traveling to Costa Rica, and it’s your first time in Latin America, you might come across the cab (taxi) services they have. Taxis are a great way to get around in the city, and sometimes within the country. They are relatively in-expensive, if taken within the city.

For travelers coming in the country who are reluctant to take the transportation system, it can be intimidating, especially, if they do not speak the language. Communication can be an issue, but if proper precautions are taken, anyone can use these services with ease.

What to look for?

Airport Taxis - In the airport of San Jose, there are official taxis services that work specifically with passengers arriving and even departing the country. Taxi Unidos offers services almost anywhere in Costa Rica. All the drivers speak English, and are accustom to servicing foreigners.


Red colored taxis - Are the general taxi services within the country. When looking for official taxis, keep an eye out for cars; with red in color, and with yellow triangles on both passenger and driver doors. These yellow triangle signs are to signify they had registered their car, and they have specific numbers assigned. Most of the red cabs are associated with taxi companies, and are very reputable services, which a lot of travel services use. With big companies, reservations can be arranged via phone, and arrival times are very convenient. Plus their meter system is usually fair, and they tend to be a more honest in taking you to your destination, without having to go through extra mileage.

There are also other red taxis that have the same look, but work independently from the big companies. These taxis tend to have a bad reputation, because they that tend to charge more than usual, or they never use the meter. But not all of them are like that, if the passenger knows what they are doing, they can find out respectable independent taxis. If a passenger decides to take one of these taxis, be prepared to negotiate a price prior to entering the cab. If you know your destination, and the normal price, you can ask that driver how much would it cost to get there? If the price sounds just about right, then, it’s a fair ride.
Generally when taking red cabs, off the streets, it’s a good idea to know a few phrases and questions prior to taking the ride. Normally passengers would ask;
• Maria? (locals call the meter Maria)
• Marca con Maria?
• Cobra con Maria?
• Usas con Maria?
If they say no, you can either negotiate a price, or move on to the next taxi.
Un-marked cars – in smaller towns of Costa Rica, they have taxi services that have un-marked cars. Independently run, these taxi services are usually negotiations only. They are not red in color, and often times, it’s a local who uses his or her personal car as a taxi.

What to prepare for?
It’s suggested when taking any taxi to get your directions pre-planned or ready. This way the passenger can get to the destination a lot faster and possibly save some money. If possible try and memorize your directions, especially in Costa Rica, they don’t use numbers on buildings and houses. Instead directions are based on land marks.
Have enough money in your pocket or bag, to pay the taxi, in case you have to get out prior to your destination during heavy traffic. Plus having exact change will prevent showcasing bigger bills, which prevent theft.

For the new travelers coming in the country, know the Costa Rican money currency before you pay. Often times, people mistakenly paid more money, because the bill looked the same in color. If the driver is not honest, they might simply drive off without giving you change.

This blog is for anyone traveling in the country, and for study abroad Costa Rica students.

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica From A Different View

One way to see Costa Rica from a different view, is from the sky. Here is a video and photo essay of Costa Rica from a different point of view.

Raw video taking off

The hanger

The runway

Take off time...

Pilots view

Let us know what you think?

Study Spanish in Costa Rica

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What is it About Costa Rican Beaches, that Travelers Flock to?

When you think of Costa Rica, the beach is one of the most popular destinations to go to. Costa Rica beaches are so beautiful, often times, it's mandatory for a traveler to put in their itinerary. What is it about Costa Rican beaches, travelers love? Is it the warm waters all year round? The exciting waves to surf? The sunrise and sunsets? The laid back feeling? The food? The tropical weather? The people and culture? Whatever it is, travelers and tourist come from all over the world to experience the natural ingredients of the country.

In general the beach makes people happy, and Costa Rica is one of those places that makes people smile and have a good time. It was even named one of the most happiest place on earth, in 2009. So many tourist enjoyed their experience in the country, that they turned ex-pats and changed their life styles to get a piece of paradise.

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

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Salsa Dancing in Costa Rica

Samara, Costa Rica An alternative, must-try, activity in Costa Rica are the Latin dances. Ideal for anyone who is willing to try, or even the most experienced dancers. Being in the tropics and moving and shaking your hips, will make you feel immersed in the Costa Rican culture. The most common dance types in the country are; Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bolero, Bachata, and some of the latest Latin Dance "Ritmo." (Rhythm) The locals, "Ticos" love to dance, and you can find many places within the country to go and dance. In the cities i.e. San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela are many dance clubs that open their doors several nights a week. Even at the beaches, it's common for open-air bars to start playing Latin dance music, and many of the locals and tourist mix to enjoy the night. The students that study Spanish in Costa Rica, many of the programs offer Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia classes, as part of the package. It's a great way to get-to-know other students from different countries. The picture above is taken from a Spanish school in Samara, and students are learning to dance, from an experienced instructor, and they are just a few steps from the beach. Imagine listening to music, moving your body, and getting that nice ocean breeze as the waves are crashing. Dancing in the tropics is a definitely a must-try! To learn more about Spanish courses in Samara Beach and dance classes, contact Spanish for Success.




Imagine dancing to the sexy dance of Salsa, and behind you is the pacific coast. Here in the Samara location, the school is located just a meters away from the beach. Move your body to the beat of the music and waves crashing. Let your sweat, from the tropics, energize your experience.

A listing of Dance Clubs in Costa Rica

More Pictures from Samara
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Pamela Chelin - freelance journalist in Los Angeles who has worked with Access Magazine, Globe and Mail, LA Times, German Glamour, etc.

By: Pamela Chelin (California, USA) 2008
Repost By SFS Subscribe to SFS Blogs

"I had an amazing time in Costa Rica and I developed a real fondness for the laid back and 'carpe diem' Costa Rican culture. Further, I discovered an adventurous side which I didn't even know that I had to the degree that I do have and, now, indulge freely! Between the wonderful fish and plantain desserts I feasted upon, the amazing time white water rafting and overnight camping along the Pacuare, the incredibly informative experience I had at CATIE learning about the flora, the wonderful Costa Rican people I met during my travels and the beautiful scenery from the volcanoes to simply gorgeous waterfalls, I have a love affair with Costa Rica. I am eager to return to this wonderful, laid back and inspiring country."

Pamela Chelin is a freelance journalist in Los Angeles who has worked with Access Magazine, Globe and Mail, LA Times, German Glamour, etc.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Costa Rica

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Costa Rica

By Spanish for Success

10) Easily accessible from the USA; about 2-8 hours flight from a major hub

9) Compared to Euros, a dollar goes further, and lot more affordable than Europe

8) Abundance of fruits and vegetable (Mango, Pineapples, bananas, and many more)

7) Costa Rican Foods and Cuisines (Casados, Gallo Pinto, Ceviches, and many more)

6) See exotic creatures and animals (4 types of monkeys, green turtles, red eye tree frogs, and many more)

5) Known for some of the best Eco-tourism (National Parks; active volcano, cloud forests, rivers, beaches, and many more)

4) Good quality coffee (Soil in volcanic areas, mountain ranges produce amazing coffee tastes)

3) The weather is great all year round (Only two season; rainy and dry)

2) Has plenty of Adventure Tourism (River Rafting, Zipline, Canyoneering, hiking, surfing, and many more)

1) GREAT PLACE TO LEARN SPANISH (Spanish for Success)

Costa Rica is an ideal place to visit anytime of the year, many travelers and tourist are amazed by the experience they get from the country. Many have returned to the country more than ones, some have taken on residence in the country as an expat or investor. The investments within the country has grown dramatically, in the last 10 years, from; Real Estate, B&B, restaurants, and even surf schools.

Here are some more points about the country.
• There have been no recent acts of terrorism in the country. Relatively safe for women travelers
• The capital of Costa Rica offers advance Medical Facilities and the latest technology
• Ideal place for retirees
• American Passports automatically have three months visa stay upon arrival
• The locals, or as known as Tico’s, are some of the friendliest people you will meet. The majority has a laid back relaxed feeling about life.
• Transportation in the ground and air is very efficient in most popular destinations.
• There is a fusion of different cultures from the North, South, East, and West.

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