Places to Explore
The Best Hidden Secrets
As part of our mission we want to highlight places that you should visit when in different areas of Costa Rica.
These are small Tico run businesses that we make a point to visit when we are in the area.
They could be unique stores, activities, preserves or even something that never crossed your mind.
Costa Rica is all about being on Tico Time so be patient, relax and just Pura Vida as you immerse yourself.
Rosewood Gallery
Woodworking
Rosewood Gallery
Monteverde
This little gallery is so much more than what you might think. Jose is a woodworker and his gallery offers bowls and other handcrafted wooden objects for you to take home but this place is more that a wood gallery.
Take the time and ask for Jose to take you on a tour of his garden behind the gallery. It is simple amazing. Jose has a garden with a full canopy weaving it way though his backyard.
It's filled with all kinds of flowers including many different varieties of orchids, including the smallest one you'll ever see. He guides you though this tiny maze pointing out the smallest of details, often picking a leave or two for you to smell or taste. Often times he'll point out a bird hiding just above your head that you'd never notice.  Â
At the back of the garden is Jose modest little workshop, complete with his own unique lathe. If you haven't had fun yet, Jose will turn the lathe on and you get to try turning your own bowl.
This is a special place and should not be missed if you are in the Monteverde area.
Click below to take you to Rosewood Galley Website
CASEM
The Cooperativa de Artesanas de Santa Elena y Monteverde
CASEM
Santa Elena/Monteverde
CASEM is the Cooperative of Artist for Santa Elena and Monteverde. It's a non-profit cooperative that is dedicated to increasing economic and social well-being of local women artist.
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CASEM has a store and workshop which showcases handcraft works and boasts a community of nearly 100 current members.
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This is one of those places in Costa Rica that has a direct economic impact on the community and in this case, women of the community.
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Please support this cooperative by visiting and purchasing local artwork. Your purchases go directly back into the community unlike many of the souvenir shops located around Santa Elena & Monteverde.
Reserves, Hiking, Waterfalls & More
Nature, Wildlife, Relaxation
Costa Rica tourism is based on the eco-logical diversity that the country has to offer and the way they maintain, invest and protect their diversity.
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It would be impossible for any guide, conservation group, tour agency or Costa Rican to highlight all the rich diversity that this small country has to offer. There is literally something around every corner, in every town or even in someone's own backyard that is worth a visit.
As is our mission, Scarlet Tours will stay out of the way of the large businesses or tourist attractions that have more than enough money to promote themselves. You will recognize what businesses we mean when you visit Costa Rica. These businesses are vital to the tourism industry of Costa Rica and employ countless Ticos which helps those communities. They just don't need us to promote them.
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What we will do is recommend small Tico run reserves, hiking, waterfall and personal properties that offer a safe, enjoyable and unique experience.
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If you have any questions, need advice, or would like to give us feedback please email us today. Click, "Get in Touch"
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If you would like advice on some of the larger tourist attractions we are here to help and can chat on the side.
Monteverde Ecological SanctuaryÂ
Monteverde, Puntarenas Province
This is a special little piece of land. We have visited numerous times and it never lets us down. There is always some special piece of wildlife that surprises us.
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The trails are easy to navigate and the hiking is on the easy side. You can cover most of the area in a couple hours but it's worth it to take your time or you're bond to miss something.
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This little sanctuary is located in the cloud forests of Monteverde so it has tremendous diversity for a small touch of land.
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Numerous studies have taken place in this Sanctuary, which only goes to tell you how ecologically special it is.
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Click on the button below to go to the Santuario Ecologico Monteverde website to get all the details you need.
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Take time to enjoy this Sanctuary and know that your money is going to help conservation in Costa Rica.
Adventure
Adrenaline, Fun and Excitement
It wouldn't be a true trip to Costa Rica if you didn't add a little adrenaline into your visit.
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As is our mission, Scarlet Tours will stay out of the way of the large businesses that have more than enough money to promote themselves. You will recognize what businesses we mean when you visit Costa Rica. These businesses are vital to the tourism industry of Costa Rica and employ countless Ticos which helps those communities. They just don't need us to promote them.
​
What we will do is recommendation small Tico run businesses and start ups that offer a safe, enjoyable and unique experience.
​
If you have any questions, need advice, or would like to give us feedback please email us today. Click, "Get in Touch"
​
If you would like advice on some of the larger tourist attractions we are here to help and can chat on the side.