Handmade, the traditional oxcart, or carreta, is the country's most famous type of craft. Ordinarily admired for its decorative qualities, the oxcart plays a very important part in the cultural history of Costa Rica. In the middle of the 19th century, when coffee was first being cultivated in the surrounding countryside, oxcarts provided the only method in which to transport the hand picked beans over the mountains and to the coast. Arduous and timely were these trips, a good, reliable, well-built oxcart could mean the difference between a successful transit and financial ruin. In many cases, oxcarts where a family's only means of transportation, and at times even served as a status symbol. Thus, the tradition of painting and decorating the carts commenced in the early part of this century. Originally each region of Costa Rica had its own particular design, enabling one to identify from which part of the country the driver lived simply by observing the pattern on the wheels.

As highways, trucks and trains have displaced the carreta as the main means of transporting goods, its significance has changed and it is now a symbol of Costa Rican country life. Featured prominently in parades as well as in both religious and secular celebrations, the brightly painted and painstakingly detailed designs now cover every inch of the cart.

The very best Costa Rican oxcarts are made in either of two artisan factories in and around Sarchi. The largest and most frequently visited oxcart factory, better known as the "Joaquín Chaverri Oxcart Factory", opened in 1902 and is recognized as the birthplace of oxcart construction in Costa Rica. With the regions most complete supply of oxcart designs, in all colors, shapes and sizes, this factory/handcraft shop is the most frequently visited by those touring Sarchi. Situated on the town's principal road, the store also contains a very thorough inventory of other handcrafts and items, in an open, spacious setting. In the rear section of the store one can find a enormous variety of pre-assembled oxcarts, all of which can be easily disassembled and packaged for shipment; credit cards are accepted.

A far less commercial factory, open since 1923, is located just minutes from the center of town. Constructing oxcarts upon special request, this workshop might serve your greatest opportunity to view the construction of oxcarts utilizing the same methods applied during the early part of the century. Open to the public, the factory's nearby river generates the energy needed to power the numerous tools required to carve, cut and piece together these magnificent carts. A series of long, wide, and interconnected bands are manually adjusted, enabling the worker to quickly and effortlessly engage or disengage the selected machinery. Difficult to find on your own, it is recommend that one visit this factory with an organized tour.

Source: www.worldheadquarters.com

San José is the country’s most highly populated province. Located in the Central Plateau, it extends to the northeast, crossing the impressive mountains of the Central Mountain Range, which includes national parks, forest reserves and fertile lands, with an abundance of coffee plantations.

Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is in the Central Valley. It’s an extense plain, guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout the national territory.

Founded in the first half of the eighteenth century, San José is nowadays a city where visitors of the entire world converge; metropolis full of interesting places, faces and colors reflecting the history of a population.

Its architecture is diverse, as may be the people walking its streets. In the north sector of the city you can find the most refined samples of urban development of the early last century. There are many houses and buildings of European inspiration, built with a profound Costa Rican sense of style.

Among the most representative places of the city, we can mention the National Theater, Costa Rica’s pride, and historically, house to some of the best artists, national as well as foreign. Inaugurated in 1897, fruit of the determination of merchants, intellectuals and politicians, who were able to identify the importance an opera house could have, to present the best artistic productions in the world.

Nonetheless, a list of world class museums, parks, hotels, theaters and historic buildings, are some other options to be discovered by the thousands of tourists visiting San José yearly.

Once in the city, visitors may choose among dozens of one-day tours to the most outstanding natural places, inside and out of the Central Valley, as well as having access to a great variety of sports adventures and activities for exploring.

With its pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters, superb natural surroundings, and near perfect weather, it is no wonder that Tamarindo is among the most popular vacation destinations in Costa Rica. A former fishing village in the northern regions of Guanacaste province on the North Pacific Coast, Tamarindo is the area’s most well developed tourist town with plenty of accommodations to suit every pocket. With much to enjoy & even more to do, this multi-cultural community is the ideal place to have some fun in the sun!

The beaches here are first-rate, and the entire town has a relaxed laidback feel to it, making it a fabulous place for anyone looking to have a good time. With the surfing and windsurfing conditions here near perfect for the experienced as well as novice surfers, Tamarindo Costa Rica is probably the most accessible beach town on the country’s entire northern Pacific Coast. Besides surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, boogie boarding, horseback riding and scuba diving, visit the nearby wildlife refuge of Diria, as well as the Marino Las Baulas National Park, where leatherback turtles come every summer to nest and breed.

The beach at Tamarindo Costa Rica is large enough for those who are looking to find some peace and quiet to get some. But for those who want to be where the action is, another favorite past time here is sportfishing, with record marlin, tuna and sailfish catches off the coast. For the land loving traveler, golf is a popular option at the Hacienda Pinilla, one of the finest golf courses in Central America.

It is important to keep in mind that Playa Tamarindo has strong rip currents and barely submerged rocks, so be careful swimming here. Also the estuaries to the north and south are very dangerous to cross at medium to high tide. The estuary to the north that separates Tamarindo from Playa Grande is quite big and canoes can be rented to view the wildlife here. To the south is the beautiful but upscale beach of Playa Langosta, with its excellent Bed & Breakfasts. Most of the high-end expensive hotels and B&B’s are spread out along Playa Langosta & south of Tamarindo.

Tamarindo town itself is quite colorful with plenty of local Tico flavor. Here you can find several bakeries, an outdoor vegetable market, an art gallery, pottery stores, a beauty spa and more than 40 restaurants, bars and discos with cuisines to suit every palette. Easily accessible by bus, the best way to get to Tamarindo is to fly into the Liberia International Airport or if you are already in San Jose take the domestic flight to Tamarindo Domestic Airport which is just outside of town.

Warning: Recent years have seen a growth in tourist robberies, while rental car break-ins are of particular concern.

Source: costaricahostels.net

Lying in Ballena or Whale Bay, the laidback town of Tambor is located in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula in northern Puntarenas province. Roughly some 20 km south of Paquera and 38 km south of Naranjo, Tambor has a lovely, long, white, sandy beach, ideal for swimming and diving. Situated amidst lush green hills, this town is quite well developed and has its own airport, which is the only local airport in the southern region of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Chosen as the location for Temptation Island 2, a hit Fox TV series, Tambor is now becoming a fast growing tourist travel destination. There are plenty of hotels and resorts found in the area including the Barcelo Playa Tambor Beach Resort, Costa Rica’s first all inclusive resort, and the Los Delfines Golf and Country Club, which has a 9-hole golf course on its premises.

A major attraction of this town is that every year whales migrate from the north to the warm waters of Ballena Bay to mate and give birth amid the abundant marine habitat found here. Bordered by two rocky platforms to the north and south, Tambor beach is protected from ocean swells, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

To get here, it is best to fly into Tambor from San Jose Airport via a domestic flight. However, for those traveling on a strict budget, one can drive or take a bus to Puntarenas city and catch a ferry to Paquera. After that, you have to drive around 45 km to Tambor. This drive, though a little bumpy, is very nice as it offers travelers stunning costal views, and lush green sceneries.

Tambor is also a great place to use as a stop over if you wish to go to Tortuga Island, or if you wish to visit the beautiful and diverse Curu National Wildlife Refuge or Cabo Blanco National Park. With lots of foliage, bird watching is quite popular out here. While for the more active and adventurous, there is plenty of hiking, horseback riding and various water sports to be enjoyed in the area. Plus with some excellent deep sea fishing opportunities and golfing, there is a lot to do out here.

"A small-paradise"

Casa Lima is a small exclusive bed and breakfast nestled in one of Costa Rica's unique and privileged neighborhoods, Rohrmoser. Located only 20 minutes from the airport (Juan Santamaria International Airport), 10 minutes from downtown San Jose, and two blocks from the American Embassy, Casa Lima offers the perfect strategic location when visiting the Central Valley and exploring Costa Rica. Casa Lima is just a short drive away from all the amenities of San Jose and Escazu, and is your ideal place for a tranquil and relaxing tropical vacation or business travel.

Casa Lima's on-site restaurant offers local, International and Cuban cuisine. Had a long tour? Kick your feet up, order a glass of wine and wind down in "Rancho la Pacion", our charming bar. We serve complementary breakfast every morning to our guests.

Rohrmoser, San Jose.
Website: www.casalimacr.com

Photo Gallery

Rooms and Rates

At Casa Lima they offer 4 different types of rooms. Each has access to High Speed WiFi Internet, and are equipped with Cable TV, a DVD player, a queen or two twin size beds, mini-bar and a private full bathroom with accessories. All rooms have their own view to the beautiful outdoor courtyard and tropical garden.

Tour Packages

CONTACTS

Casa Lima Bed & Breakfast
Del Colegio Humboldt 175 norte
50 oeste numero 23
Rohrmoser, San Jose
Costa Rica (506) 2231.0064
Miami, FL  (786) 991.8112
www.CasaLimaCR.com
info@casalimacr.com

Location

Reviews From BedandBreakfast.com

“A Must See” 10/08

I stayed this summer at Casa Lima. How quaint and adorable it was and the price totally unbeatable. The staff was very friendly and attentive to my needs. You have to try the restaurant!! Specially the “ropa vieja”. It was AMAZING! The Court yard was very romantic and made me feel like if I was in the rain forest. A must see!

“Beautiful Place” 11/08

I had never been to Costa Rica, and was very apprehensive on where to stay. I am from Miami and found Casa Lima via the internet. The service, the cleanliness, and the lush paradise that surrounds this picturesque bed and breakfast really made me connect with the beauty of Costa Rica. The food was spectacular and the friendly and helpful staff made me feel right at home. I would definitely recommend Casa Lima. It was a wonderful choice!!!!!

“Unique” 11/08 

I just came back from spending a week in Costa Rica. Flew in to San Jose and stayed two nights at Casa Lima. It was a very unique bed and breakfast. I loved the courtyard, reminded me of being in an actual rainforest. This is so different from a hotel. I so much rather stay at a b & b. I loved it so much that after spending 3 nights in Manuel Antonio, I returned to Casa Lima for another 2 before returning to the states. Would definitely stay again.

“Loved It” 11/08

Loved the place…tranquil and relaxing. There is a man-made tropical courtyard right outside your window. And “KIKO” was adorable. Every morning, my friends and I had breakfast, which was included in the price, and head out for a day of adventure. The atmosphere in the hotel was just what we needed after a long day.

“I Didn’t Want To Leave” 11/08

I just traveled to Costa Rica for the thanksgiving holiday. I stayed at Casa Lima and loved it so much, that it was tuff when it was time to leave. It's a mini paradise...the lush greenery sorrounding the courtyard is breathtaking paired with the soothing sound of their waterfall. What a peaceful and beutiful place. Staff was amazing!

“A Wonderful Surprise” 12/08

I'm a producer and I had to go on a location scout for a possible shoot in San Jose. I wanted to stay in a non-conventional well known hotel, because I like to be with the people one-on-one. It helps me to get a true feel and vibe for the place... So an associate recommended we stay here, just to see what its all about, and... What a wonderful surprised! I stayed in a Family suite and the service was wonderful. Great space, internet and everything... The next time I go there I'll be at Casa Lima FOR SURE. It's a great value for the pocket and exceeds your expectations on the whole experience.

“Your Wife Will Love It” 1/09

I was looking for a quick getaway not too far from the states when a friend recommended I check out Costa Rica. I had never been there before but I had heard about what a beautiful place it is. I got online, booked the flights and found this inexpensive bed and breakfast called Casa Lima. Located about 25 minutes from the airport, Casa Lima was more than I expected, a charming little place that set the tone for a very special weekend. The staff at Casa Lima was fabulous and helped me with selecting 2 tremendous excursions which picked us up right in front of Casa Lima. The first tour started with a spectacular tour of a volcano called Poas, then proceeded with a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens which contains some of the most amazing species in the world. The second tour was an incredible Canopy adventure, something I never thought I would ever do, became the coolest thing I ever did in my life as I safely "soared" from tree to tree by traversing along a cable from one mountain side to another. What a thrill! What a weekend! My wife loved it and I became a hero!