Beginning this Sunday August 17, 2008 both visitors and Costa Rican nationals alike will be able to enjoy some of the country's most beautiful surroundings from a completely new perspective. The new Tren & Faenas a la Tica tour will begin operations at the Pacific Station in downtown San José. The tour will continue all the way to Atenas before returning back the capital city after a fun, educational day of celebrating Costa Rica history and culture.
The traditional train will depart San José at 8 am where all ticketed passengers will travel the 42 kilometers with an abundance of entertainment and sightseeing along the way, not to mention an array of delicious snacks and a satisfying traditional lunch.
Snacks will range from fresh fruit cocktails to warm potato filled pastries as well as one of Costa Rica's snack time favorites a gallo. Gallos are similar to open-faced sandwiches made out of tortillas with rice, beans, lettuce, and/or an assortment of different meats, chicken, or vegetables. Lunch will consist of another traditional Costa Rica food known as a casado. The plate can be found in every Tico household and in almost every restaurant in the area. It generally includes rice, beans, a small salad, cooked plantains, and a type of meat or fish. Passengers will also be able to enjoy a large array of traditional Costa Rican beverages such as some delicious hot coffee straight from the nations' own soil or a delicious fruit juice made from fresh local mangoes.
As if the food and drinks aren't enough to keep you occupied while on bored, after a mere two hour and fifteen minute train ride out of the central valley and up through some breathtakingly green mountains, passengers will find themselves in the historic small town known as Atenas, where even more activities will await.
Atenas was originally founded by native Indians in the region, however, it got its true start thanks to the trails created by the traditional ox carts in 1843 that were used to carry coffee, bananas and other goods into the capital city. Not long after it's founding, the Pacific Railway was completed followed by the opening of the Costanera Highway between the capital and the Pacific. The highway is now the main access road used to get to both the Pacific beach towns of Jaco and Quepos making Atenas a small yet pleasant town that is usually only seen from car or bus window as tourists make their journey to the coast. Nonetheless, Atenas is most infamously knows as National Geographic's top pick for the world's best climate and it is truly surprising that this train tour will be Atena's first tourist attraction.
Once arriving at Balsa de Atenas, all passengers will be greeted by students from the Central American Livestock School, which will be followed by various rodeo events such as cow roping and other ranch based activities such as lassoing, etc. In order to complete the true "home on the range" feel the tourists will enjoy a tractor tour around the farm where adults and children alike can visit the crocodile lagoon and the cow milking station. For an additional fee visitors can even sample various cheeses and yogurts made right there on the farm.
Around 3 pm the train will board again for its spectacular journey back to the capital city. The trip is sure not to disappoint as it is noted for its spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and Atenas' own river, the Rio Grande as well as a near bird's eye view of the Central Valley from the hills up above.
As the train begins to head into the station the passengers are sure to be surprised with yet another activity. A carnival like celebration will take place with dancers and music fit to make any tired child perk up and smile.
This new exhilarating train ride is just in time for this Friday's mother's day as both moms and children alike are almost guaranteed to enjoy a day visiting Costa Rica's rural roots.
Story Source: Erin Raub; Image Source: La Nación
August 11th, 2008
