Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

When Rob and I were making plans to visit the pottery artisans of Guaitel, we realized we would have to take a bus from San Jose to Santa Cruz and then bus out to Guaitel from there. Getting bad directions (twice) to the right bus terminal in San Jose we arrived late in Santa Cruz so decided to explore the town and go the next day.

There is not a lot to Santa Cruz as far as things of interest. It is definitely a rural town but does have a really nice Central Park. Apparently if you plan to visit January is the best month as their huge fiesta is then. They say the town really comes alive during the festival, and in my opinion dies quickly after that.

The bus terminal is quite nice with a small Central Market located there also. We found a nice little restaurant at the terminal called "El Chili Dulce" owned and operated by Edwin, who speaks english. His food was typical Tico, quite good and he was very helpful and informative about the town and surrounding area.

The next morning we had breakfast and planned to head out to Guaitel bright and early. We had read that buses leave for Guaitel every 2 hrs. between 7 and 5 daily. Once again we got some bad info and waited a long time for a bus before finally hiring a taxi.

Santa Cruz is a central hub used by many to reach the beaches of the Guanacaste and Nicoya areas. Buses to Tamarindo and Flamingo left regularly.

Bus Terminal Santa Cruz

Edwin sweeping before opening at 6:30AM

El Chile Dulce

Street in Santa Cruz

Looks can be deceiving - the sign said this was a lawyer's office

Cute House in Santa Cruz