drive or 10 min. He explained everything and let everyone know when a good picture opportunity was coming! GO luck with new baby pura vida. Hope this helps! One example is the ballrooms mechanical floor that can be raised or lowered for events. Do you have another recommendation for a CR map? From. Side Trips in San Jose, Costa Rica | Frommer's Referrals if you are contemplating a trip to Costa Rica! I am not looking for fancy, I often end up on chicken busses. We are not planning on renting a car. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. The cart is 2 stories high, nearly 45 feet long (14 meters) and weighs 4400 lbs. Hi Jon, If you want to take the public bus, theres a direct one from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. We have visited Finca Bellavista before and it is a very interesting place. Looks like they are indeed closed now. Despite all that this buzzing metropolis has to offer, it is often overlooked by travelers because it can seem hectic and intimidating. Hope that helps! Thanks for letting us know about La Terrasse. Downtown San Jose is also a great place to go shopping, especially for souvenirs. Will be interesting to see how the remodel goes. Absolutely AMAZING! They are just supposed to be at 50% occupancy. Each meal was deliciously prepared, even though lunch was more Americanized than I expected. A pretend child size super market and more. Read this post for information on currency, exchanging money, and tipping. Thank you to James and Catalina! Private shuttles are more expensive (around $200 total) but will pick you up whenever you want and provide direct service to your hotel. to the airport or a little more with traffic. Hi Cora, Here are some ideas for things to do with your kids: Childrens Museum in downtown San Jose, Zoo Ave, Toucan Rescue Ranch, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens (farther away but worth a visit). This market is now in a new, more spacious location on Avenida 6 between Calle 5 and 7. Thats why highly recognized world-class travel companies. I love reading your blog/website! See end of article for more details. Playa Cocles is the neighborhood right outside downtown Puerto Viejo. 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica! However, we were planning a land-based trip (we usually do cruises) in an unfamiliar country and weren't sure how we were going to get around, nor the issues that might be created by traveling during COVID. Thanks! Hello, If you only have a limited amount of time, we recommend the, A pre-Columbian stone sphere at the National Museum, Gold artifacts displayed at the Gold Museum, The beautifully decorated foyer of the National Theater, For a more authentic experience, check out, Whenever we have a special occasion to celebrate, we head to. We had an incredible time and everything was perfect. How to Spend 1 or 2 Days in San Jose, Costa Rica We also offer trip planning help if you want more customized assistance. Also you will see the world's largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. Hi Daisy, Outdoor activities can be easily arranged out of San Jose. Highly recommended, thank you James and CR referrals. Besides its vibrating gay nightlife, world class restaurants, shopping centers, and museums, you can discover a whole new world of adventures and breath-taking scenery within a couple of hours of driving time. In San Jose, one of those places is Avenida Central (Central Avenue). ), How do you get your phone unlocked? I have AT&T. Costa Rica Tours - One Day Tours San Jose Costa Rica to Arenal Volcano One Day Tour. We are a family of 4 travelling to Costa Rica from South Africa by the end of February for one month. We will be travelling to San Jose at the end of January and will have to stick fairly close to the city for appointments- therefore only have time for a couple day trips. Amazing! Experience The Real Costa Rica! Follow the links for more detailed information. Do you know when rantal car companies offer this service? Because of our early departure time on the return flight, I am now going to stay in San Jose for 2-3 nights. Thank you so much! I will be in CR next week and need to find a good accurate map for our trip as we will be driving ourselves around. Is it relatively easy to take the public bus to downtown San Jose and what is the typical cost? Never having been there, it was very comforting having someone "in-country" available at all times should a problem arise. Sometimes even with someone elses kid on my lap. Would you suggest renting a car? Something about San Jose that really impresses us are the selection of great restaurants. Here, you will brush shoulders with locals who come to do their shopping. Undoubtedly, the most renowned Arenal Volcano One Day Tour from San Jose. Your suggestions have been great. Thank you for all the info. We are an expert team that will offer you the best one day tours in Costa Rica. In addition to the most exclusive and complete Costa Rica Vacation Packages. My son loved it. Great website! Relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel to the famous area of Arenal Costa Rica. Departing from San Jose Costa Rica, and the principle tourism zones every day of the week. Thanks for your information. And if youll already be spending time inland in Grenada, it would be nice to see the coast. Money Matters: Wondering where to exchange money? We went to Costa Rica at the last minute, no plans, no knowledge of the country. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you again, and will be in touch. Any recommended (or not recommended) bus companies? Thank you! Hi Dan, No, the Gran Hotel does not have a free airport shuttle. Costa Rica Tours - Costa Rica Vacation Packages - One Day Tours Thanks so much ! Hi Donna, The public bus is extremely cheap and you can expect to spend around $2 or less to get to downtown San Jose. If you are staying in San Jose downtown, walking you can visit many tourist attractions such as: Museums, the National Theater which is a jewel of neoclassical architecture. If the Airbnb is in San Pedro, yes, that is a good area and its fairly close to downtown. We didn't have any problems and all of the companies that they booked our excursions with were absolutely incredible. Debating if we should stay near the airport or San Jose. I just booked my flight to Costa Rica! Please wait outside the Aurola Holiday Inn Hotel. So after landing in San Jose, it makes sense that one would want to find a way to visit La Fortuna. Its easier if your hotel is somewhere like downtown Alajuela but not so much from other locations less centrally located. Cant wait until our son is a little older so we can check it out. My husband will be there for work. Daily Excursions guaranteed. hildren 0-2 years old pay US$30 (space on the bus). Wildlife, Cloud Forest, Beaches, the best of Costa Rica. Save. The National Theater ($10) is another historical site that you wont want to miss. Theres more info about our services on our Itinerary Help page. Loved Monteverde. For shinier gold, visit the Museo del Oro. I cant find any info on the hilton website. I wanted to take a longer, more chill route through central Costa Rica. In a nutshell, traveling strengthens your desire and ability to learn new skills. But like most cities, there are certain spots that have a concentration of attractions. Gate 1 Connections Latin America Travel Tips Whether San Jos is your final destination, or you're just passing through on your way to the jungle or beach, the capital of Costa Rica offers plenty of things to see and do. There is a gift shop on-site, so you can pick up a souvenir so you can keep part of the Lankester Gardens with you always! The gardens open at 9 a.m. and allow entrance until 3 p.m. You can also come across other families of vegetation including palms and bamboo. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Read our. Thanks in advance! For lunch, near the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and National Theater. Hi Ania, July is the low season so you probably dont need to arrange tours much in advance unless you want to. just get a sim card at airport From the outset James was responsive and created a great tour covering La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio which gave us a great overview of Costa Rica and its wildlife. Cabs are pretty affordable here and youll get there a lot faster. With Costa Ricas National Parks. Tica Bus is the fastest but they connect only capitals and dont stop often for your side trips. We also stopped to see monkeys! Booked Flights in and out of SJ but now not sure if changing to Liberia a good idea or do both airports Accommodations, tours.. (Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas), and the temperatures range from 93, 100, 102, 104, 109, 110, 113, 116, 152, providing visitors with a wide range of options that fit their preferences. Jul 7, 2023, 12:04 AM. 1. 3-Days Tortuguero National Park Eco Adventure Tour. We love them and we loved our trip. Nearly the entire city is filthy and full of beggars and criminals. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Departing from San Jose Costa Rica, and the principle tourism zones every day of the week. In 1963, John F. Kennedy stayed here during his visit to Costa Rica. Any recommendations for shuttle companies to get us from airport to Jaco and then a day trip to and from Jaco to Toucan Ranch and a return trip to airport. Hi Alan, We are not a tour operator so I dont think we can help you. Get our Costa Rica packing list guide to see what essential items to bring! One day Tour Irazu Volcano Descripcion Poas Volcano (Half day) National Park Tour We will remember our trip for years to come. Chosen holder of the dominion .TRAVEL. Although intimidating at first, the downtown is a destination in itself and shouldnt be overlooked. My group of 4 had a wonderful experience with Costa Rica Referrals/ C.R. Would we be better getting a hire car? It also increases your brains capacity and attentiveness in future situations that are new and challenging. 48 Hours in San Jos: The Ultimate Itinerary - TripSavvy If you only have a limited amount of time, we recommend the National Museum and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. And even if you get a cab driver or someone who doesnt, they are used to communicating with tourists. The party had stayed there before and checked late April 17 dates and stated it is closed. Most of the places we know near where you will be arent open until lunch but one good option is Cafe Miel. Theres also an adventure park near Braulio Carrillo (super lush rainforest) that has zip lining. He entertained us by singing too while we were in the vehicle. Hopefully they will preserve all of the historical aspects. Don . San Jose appears to stretch in every direction with its colorful rooftops, scattered high rises, and green patches of parks. The National Artisans Markethas lots of your more typical souvenirs like T-shirts, coffee, mugs, etc., but there are also some vendors selling handmade items. This Zip Line Canopy Tour Monteverde Combo Soar through the air on cables up to 3,400 feet long and 600 feet high. hello, my name is Oneida Garcia and I will be traveling to San Jose costa rica within the next few week. He gave us practical advice about where to go and what to see based on our interest. Two other museums nearby are the Jade Museum, which has a massive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. My husband and I are planning a trip in July and staying for 3 nights. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Braulio Carrillo National Park also isnt too far for hiking. They helped me plan a small elopement wedding ceremony and two weeks' worth of Costa Rica Travel. On the drive back, we stopped at a local family's house and had the opportunity to see another sloth in their yard and we could buy homemade tamales. Great site! Very excited to do some exploring. . For shuttles, you have two options- shared, which are more affordable, run on set schedules, and take longer because they make stops for other passengers, or private shuttles. Given the quality of the hotels, tours and tour guides James obviously has some great contacts and delivered a memorable trip. Our Destinations Summary Guide is a good starting place or our Two Week Itinerary. He is two years old. They have an area with huge building blocks. I could count on his knowledgeable advice and customer service. Hi Jennifer, Yes, restaurants are definitely open in San Jose. He even arranged for the driver we asked for, Pablo, whom we absolutely loved! Try go to Hoxton, near San Pedro or Los Yoses, Barrio La California (east SJ Downtown) is full of bars, if you are into 80s/new wave go to Area City, You can also try El 13 (hipster-gay bar) if you are feeling risky you can try Calle de la Amargura in San Pedro downtown. The best thing to do is ask your hotel for help when you get there. If it involves bus transfers or otherwise sounds complicated, we would recommend taking a cab for simplicity. He was soooo friendly and easy to communicate with. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. Adventure Tours. We have taken the direct bus from San Jos to La Fortuna and it took a good chunk of the day. There are plenty of free GPS apps you can use to navigate the country and you dont even have to worry about signal because you can navigate offline. SEE DETALS FROM BALDI HOT SPRINGS CLICK HERE: Arenal Volcano One Day Tour from San Jose | Day tour to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica. Daily Excursions guaranteed. One thing that we really like about the Gold Museum is the video, which breaks up the exhibits nicely and gives a great overview of the history. Thanks in advance for your insight! Hi Peter, We know that it has been a while since you asked this but let us know if you still need help and we will send you an email. I LIKE your article about San Jose. Booked a flight from 3/23 to 3/28/2017; seems on weather.com; it shows that rain will be all week, recommend any activities? The opulent building was constructed between 1891 and 1897, but the beautifully decorated rooms and stage are still used for performances today. Costa Rica Province of San Jose San Jose Metro San Jose Things to Do in San Jose Day Trips in San Jose Day Trips from San Jose to Tortuguero THE BEST Day Trips from San Jose to Tortuguero Day Trips from San Jose to Tortuguero Enter dates Filters 1 Day Trips Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Any day trip recommendations? Also you will see the worlds largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from San Jose - Tripadvisor Hello! World-renowned beaches and volcanos and, of course, the life-blood of our country, the people themselves. We are spending a little time in Nicaragua (Granada) at the beginning of our trip, and then were flying into SJO. A mix of business-people, hipsters, young professionals, artists, and students can be seen along the areas busy sidewalks. Arenal from San Jose or Liberia - Costa Rica Forum - Tripadvisor The Arenal Volcano with Baldi Hot Springs tour is by far a favorite among travelers.This tour offers the auspicious site of the imposing Arenal Volcano and the soothing thermal waters of Baldi Hot Springs. p.s. It's maybe twenty minutes longer from LIR but traffic around that airport is so much easier. Another must see, enroute is the Basilica of Los Angeles, largest Catholic Church. Tortuguero National Park (Parque Nacional Tortuguero), Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte Costarricense) Tours & Tickets, National Museum (Museo Nacional) Tours & Tickets, Children's Museum (Museo de los Ninos) Tours & Tickets, Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) Tours & Tickets, Metallic Building (Ed)ificio Metlico) Tours & Tickets, Yellow House (Casa Amarilla) Tours & Tickets, National Theater (Teatro Nacional) Tours & Tickets, Orosi River Valley (El Valle del Rio Orosi) Tours & Tickets. A huge thank you to James and Catalina for everything! From. Thanks L. Hi Leah, San Jose airport is more centrally located, but Liberia is closer to some destinations, it really depends on the things you want to do. On this web-site you will find the most extraordinary and legitimate. He even would offer to take photos for you/of the family. The store is located four blocks north of the pre-Columbian Gold Museum on Avenida 7. It looks like the Central Market is open, but were not sure if it has regular hours. THE TOP 10 San Jose Tours & Excursions in 2023 Home Things to do in Costa Rica Things to do in Central Valley Things to do in San Jose San Jose Tours Questions? They were so patient with all of my questions and last minute concerns- they even provided us with an itinerary that was so detailed it made my OCD brain relax so I could sit back and enjoy every second. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in San Jose - Tripadvisor Go Tours Costa Rica - Day Tours Go Tours Costa Rica - Day Tours 3,749 Reviews #1 of 11 Tours in Santa Ana Tours, Sightseeing Tours Brasil de Mora, Santa Ana 10906, Costa Rica Open today: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Save Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner 1,963 Book in advance from $169.00 per adult We just returned from CR but generally need an overnight in San Jose on our way in or out of Costa Rica so this is great to help maximize our time there! Hi Melissa, Check first to see if your hotel has a shuttle. Most will stop in San Jose, Alajuela, and in Heredia at a central location. Spend a day outside the city and learn about biodiversity from your guide, Lunch and round-trip hotel transport included, You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup, C. 5, El Carmen, San Jos, 10101, Costa Rica, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions, Not recommended for children under 4 years, Minumum Passengers Requirement to Book this Tour: 2, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers. 10/10 recommend their services! located only about an hour and a half drive from San Jose city center. One day tour - Review of Go Tours Costa Rica - Tripadvisor This is a true pub that feels like a bar. Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Theres not much to do in Guanacaste aside from the beach and water activities, whereas Manuel Antonio has a ton of tour options. So very pleased with this tour! I absolutely enjoyed reading your blog! We could help you book these tours if theres still time before your trip, just let us know and we can email you with more information. A lot of people like the catamaran cruise out to Tortuga Island as well. The rain-forest had an Amazon like feeling. Also,cruise lines and hotels promote our One Day Trips and Travel Packages to Costa Rica to their valued clientele. During our recent stay, we really enjoyed the modern amenities alongside the historical charm. Close to downtown? Because of San Joses elevation (about 3,800 feet) and the winds that blow through the valley, temperatures can feel a bit cool for the tropics (65-75F/18-24C). You can still do adventure activities, hiking, and experience the rainforest in MA too. For more tips, read our post Safety Tips for Your Next Trip to Costa Rica. Hi Angela, For tours that include transportation, you could do a coffee tour at Cafe Britt or Doka Estate. This might be more something you stumble upon when you get there if you want out of the norm. That is reassuring. Shared shuttles are cheaper (around $50 pp) but run on a set schedule and stop to let other passengers on and off. Thanks for the suggestions, Im def gonna check out the museums and the awesome french restaurant u mentioned! From my first brainstorming sessions- they picked up immediately what we had in mind and then made itperfect. On the river cruise to Tortuguero village, we saw lots of animals including Cayman crocodiles, normal crocodiles, and lots of birds! On. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks! National Park Tour Rate $59.00 prices per person Minimun 2 person Visit the tallest and one of many active volcano that Costa Rica can offer you with a spectacular view along the way. Tortuguero National Park (Parque Nacional Tortuguero) Tours. The Best Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica - MytanFeet The Canyoning Tour begins with a hike through one short path that is about 3-minutes long into Monteverde Horseback Riding Tour Monteverde Horseback Riding, Enjoy the best Horseback ride in Monteverde and the marvelous experienceof interaction with our farm & animals. bike ride. Ania. Try freshly roasted local beans at Mercado Central. Please stay in the city for a week prior to disagreeing. Have you visited San Jose? That kind of depends on what you enjoy. Shahina. Hi Emily, You could check out Braulio Carrillo National Park for some nature images. Private shuttles will pick you up at whatever time you choose, are for only your group, and include some time to stop along the way to see a quick attraction (e.g. Costa Rica One Day Tours Departing from San Jose The capital and largest city in Costa Rica, San Jos has a lot to offer its visitors that hail from around the world. Our kids are 9 months and 4 years old. You could rent a car (see our discount through Adobe Rent a Car) or take a shuttle. Fair warning, it would be nearly impossible not to notice the drugs, prostitutes, beggars, thiefs, and low lifes. Copyright 2023 Monteverde Tours Costa Rica. Is it possible to take a public bus to Quetzal, then Hacienda and back to San Jose in his time frame. But like most cities, there are certain spots that have a concentration of attractions. 96. We are staying downtown, Calle 17, Case Corte. Start with a pick up from your hotel in San Jose with a friendly driver in a comfortable van. It has the perfect weather to wear a tshirt and pants during the day and then snuggle up with a warm sweater and blanket at night. We too used to be overwhelmed by the congested streets and sprawling city blocks. Thank you for Uber recommendation. James kindly agreed to help us out. Costa Rica One Day Trips. Both are within walking distance to the two museums discussed above. A good option on the Pacific coast is the Jaco area, which is only 1.5 hrs from SJO airport. Tours are operatoring too see our post on Whats Its Like to Travel in Costa Rica right now for more details. We are booked there, but upon double checking, I believe our room is actually in the apartment building rather than in one of the 5 houses (not what we wanted, but probably too late to change as they are booked solid during the time we need). The medicinal waters are certified by L.N.A. My gf and I are coming down in the fall to stay for 4 or 5 days at Finca Bellavista a self sustaining tree house community in the south pacific costal region of Costa Rica. The best travel planners we have ever used! This hotel was in the ideal location for us on one of our visits to San Jose. Can you please recommend the most convenient airport hotel? Your blog has been invaluable in my planning. We think youll like it. If you are into electronic music consider visit Vertigo near Paseo Coln, which has the best sound system in Central America. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum ($14) is a nice supplement to the National Museum and only a short ten minute walk away. Plan is to wake up and head to La Fortuna so the only exploring wed do would be a walk and dinner.