BackpackerMom

SARCHI–IS IT WORTH THE TRIP?

Sarchi is a tiny town about one hour outside of San Jose, more or less on the way to no major attraction. So why the hype?

Sarchi is known for a few reasons:
1. The majority of Costa Rican artists sell their work here, primarily woodwork and furniture.
2. The Oxcart (called Carretas) is one of the only true traditional artworks of Costa Rica and at one point was used in the villages as the Ox would transport milk, products, and anything else. The tradition has practically faded into history but the the Oxcarts are still a huge part of Costa Rica’s souvenier sales.
3. The oldest Oxcart factory, which is now a huge store as well, is located here. And when the artists are working you can check them paint away.

So these sound like three good reasons to visit Sarchi. Maybe, but let’s get real. When I travel, I’m usually on a time restraint, unless of course you have all the time in the world then it’s a whole different ballgame. But let’s say you don’t have unlimited time, then why waste an entire day on a town that is not much to see (it looks exactly like all the other little towns), visit stores that are not at all accessible by foot, check out souveniers that you can purchase in any corner of Costa Rica for not much of a discount.

Ironically, tourist company horde their clients over to this town, actually they have deals with one or two of the stores where they reap in the rewards while foreigners spend their hard earned money. And the unknowing tourists end up precious time when they could be enjoying a full day exploring the rare beauties of Costa Rica, like volcanoes, beaches or jungles.

If you do make it here, the Oxcart Factory (Fabrica de Carretas Chaverri) is one of the biggest stores here and besides checking out their workshops they usually have some free fruit in thier beautiful backyard.

However, I can let you in on a couple of secrets:
If you cross the street you will find stores with the exact same stuff at much more reasonable prices, and on top of that you can ask for a cash discount and they’ll gladly give it to you. Also, a tiny bit down the road is a huge white mall with more woodwork and oxcarts and other trinkets than you’ll ever need to see in your life and again at much better prices.

And the biggest secret of them all:
The restaurant attached to factory also called Chaverri–Fabrica de Carretas is without a doubt the biggest rip off. They offer meager buffets for $9 plus 13% tax plus 10% tip. That is an extremely expensive lunch. If you walk less than 50 feet from the Oxcart store you will find a Soda (local restaurants) that are less than half the price, delicious homemade food with fresh fruit juices, wonderful service and a cozy table. They don’t charge the tax or tip so leave an amount of your choice.

Note: The Sodas are located in every single crevice of Costa Rica and usually serve the same food at much much better prices.

Hi all, here are some of the secrets of Costa Rica travel.
First and foremost, for any of you who are interested in traveling around Costa Rica you’ll know that it’s not on the cheap side at all.
So I’ve come up with a few tips to make your trip just as fun and not pay as much:
1. When eating there are a few things to look out for:

a. Why go to the commercialized restaraunts when you can get a better meal at the local ones called: SODAS. They usually serve homemade stuff at half the price and (this is important) they don’t charge 13% tax. The majority of the other restaraunts all charge 13% plus 10% tip.

b. the tip is almost always included in the price of the meal, so before you tip check your bill.

c. If you do go to a commercialized restaraunt make sure to say you’re paying cash, sometimes they will waver the 13% or give you some other discount.

2. CASH!!!!!!! is king in Costa Rica. No matter where you go if you say you’re paying in cash (EFFECTIVO–in spanish) you are almost always guaranteed a discount. And I’m not talking about restaruants and hotels only, I mean pharamcies, super markets, anywhere you possibly can ask. Chances are there will be a small discount.

3. If traveling to Costa Rica on the off-season (September-November) you are guaranteed to get a better deal and especially with cash. Make sure you first say is there a cash discount, they’ll say yes. Once you’ve established that, then say well it’s also the slow season what discount do you have for that?

4. Taxis–this is tricky. You must make sure that the cab has a meter and that it’s running. Never let them quote you a price it will always be much greater. If the meter isn’t running, the next cab’s will. So wait for it.

5. If you can hack it, take public transportation from one location to the next. There are hundreds of different services these days and they are all quite pricey. I recommend you go with them only if you’re on a time frame and if you have little kids. But otherwise the amount of money you can save is dramatic. I mean over 50 bucks a pop.

6. Always shop locally. Stay away from the tourist shops and especially ones owned by foreigners. They are major rip-offs and the discounts you’ll get are meager to say the least. Street shopping with some haggling can get you great deals and souvenirs, and if the area has a central market it’s a great place to shop for food, eat, and find some trinkets.

Stay tuned for more tips traveling in Costa Rica…

If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask me on this blog or email me:
marina@backpackermom.com