Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos)

Introducing Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos)

The official name of this small city is Ciudad Quesada (sometimes abbreviated to ‘Quesada’), but all the locals know it as San Carlos, and local buses often list San Carlos as the destination. It’s long been a bustling ranching and agricultural center, known for its talabaterías (saddle shops). They make and sell some of the most intricately crafted leather saddles in Costa Rica; a top-quality saddle can cost US$1000. The city is also home to the Feria del Ganado (cattle fair and auction), which is held every April and accompanied by carnival rides and a tope.

Although San Carlos is surrounded by pastoral countryside, the city of 31, 000 has developed into the commercial center of the region – it’s also gritty and congested, and driving here can be harrowing for the uninitiated driver. Fortunately, there’s no real reason to enter the city, except to either change buses or to visit one of the area’s fine hot springs.

Check your email at Internet Café (per hr US$1; 8am-9pm Mon-Sat, 3-7pm Sun), 100m north of the parque. Banco de San José, 200m north of the parque, and the Mutual de Alajuela across the street both have ATMs on the Cirrus and Plus systems.

If you’re not staying at one of the two private hot-springs resorts, you can visit the budget-friendly Aguas Termales de la Marina (460 1692; admission US$2). The springs are located on the outskirts of town, and locally referred to as ‘El Tucanito’ (El Tucano is the name of the most expensive resort in town).

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009