Information On San José, Costa Rica

Near The Airport

San José has been the capital of Costa Rica and the seat of its democratic government since 1823. Nestled high in the Central Valley (1,253 meters/3,770 feet), between green volcanic mountain ranges, the metropolitan city of about one million people is oriented east and west, surrounded by suburbs that cling to the gentle foothills. The nearby town of Escazú, southwest of the city off the autopista, is home to the largest population of North Americans living in Costa Rica, either full-time or part-time, and is consequently more upscale than San José’s downtown or other suburbs.

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Businesses In San José

Accommodations

Posada la Sonora

Bed and Breakfast all private baths, pool, very cozy, totally affordable accommodations very close to the airport.
Contact Posada La Sonora (506) 458-2295 (506) 844-0953

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Vida Tropical

Friendly Charming & Convenient!
Contact Vida Tropical 011 / 506 / 443-9576 011 / 506 / 443-9576 or 840-6964 or 377-6382 or 447-7467

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More San José Information

This a great place to get nice accommodations, rent a car, and grab a bus or taxi to get you to where you are going. Sansa also has their main terminal at the International Airport in Alajuela. If you are renting a car, either pre —arrange it prior to your arrival, or ask your hotel to find a qualified car rental company for you.

Unlike other Central American capitals, San José Costa Rica is not a very colonial city, although the heart of the historic center features several beautiful old buildings. It didn’t become a decent-sized city until relatively late in the 1800s, long past the colonial era, and had a modern building boom in the 1950s and 60s. Because of its economic success from coffee exports, San José became the second city in the Americas to install electricity (1884). At its heart are the National Theater, Plaza de la Cultura, Parque Central, the Cathedral and Gold Museum, which are centered in a four block area with a long pedestrian-only shopping walkway bisecting the middle of downtown.

San Jose

Where Most People Enter Costa Rica:, Even though the international airport near Liberia has greatly expanded its capacity in the last year, San Jose, via the Juan Santamaria airport is still where most people arrive. So, before departing on your vacation trip to the beach or Arenal Volcano, you might want to sample some of the color that San Jose has to offer. If you are a business traveler, take time to enjoy the entertainment, culture and great restaurants that are springing up. So, here are a few facts, ideas on what to do and what to see, in both downtown and greater San Jose. Enjoy your stay!

Chaos Maps and Stress

There is no mail delivery and there are no street addresses in San Jose, or for that matter good maps of San Jose , in Costa Rica! There are no street signs either ????? Hmmmm. This does create challenges for us travelers. People here give directions by referring to landmarks. Here is some general advice on navigating and finding your way around San Jose. If you do ask for directions, it is best to ask several people, as Ticos are usually very polite, and they may feel they are offending you if they don't give you an answer, so they may give you "directions" when they are not even sure themselves. Good Luck Finding where you are going, asking your hotel to help you is always best. If all else fails, pull over and have a cold Imperial Beer.

Museums in San Jose

Costa Rica has a wide variety of museums, and while they may not be as extensive as what we are accustomed to, they are very informative. Almost all of the museums are in San Jose.

Theatre and Catchin a Movie

The National Theater, (#13 on the list), seats 1,000 and has hosted a variety of international talents. There are many smaller theater groups in San Jose, and, of course, movie houses.

Walking Tours

You really get to see the city, the people, and the sites when you walk instead of taking a taxi. Go at a leisurely pace and enjoy the culture with this suggested downtown San Jose walking tour.

Shopping

Intricate Woodworks, Silver & Gold, The Farmer’s Markets, The Mercado Central, Handmade Guzman Guitars since 1833 - these are just a few of the local goods and products you’ll find shopping in San Jose. Also, San Jose now has many fine malls, although the prices here will be higher, due mostly to import taxes that have gone down, but still exist. Many foreigners living in Costa Rica, especially the beach areas, must come to San Jose to do general shopping as selections and services are limited in outlying areas. Go to this yellow pages / shopping section to find San Jose and Central Valley stores and services.

Costa Rica Hotels in San Jose

San Jose offers everything from hostels for back-packers, to the finest, 5 star hotel accommodations for the upscale tourist and / or business traveler. You can read about some 3rd party recommendations for budget lodging here, and more here. Then read about middle range accommodations, or go to luxurious / boutique lodging and international 5 star hotel chains. All San Jose hotels, resort / spas, bed and breakfasts, hostels and apartotels are located on our San Jose / Central Valley hotels page.

Tours in San Jose

Here is a popular day tour of San Jose., Costa Rica. From time to time, tour operators will offer night tours also where you will be taken to local restaurants and enjoy local entertainment. Or, if you've been to San Jose many times before, and you're looking for something cultural and different, we recommend the San Jose Tour, or Costa Rica Art Tour, where you actually visit the artist’s home or studio! Highly recommended. Visit www.michaelincostarica.com. Take day tours to places like the Irazu Volcano, Tabacon Hot Springs, the butterfly farm or even the Tortuga Island Cruise. These day tours are perfect, too, for the business traveler that is tied to San Jose. Or just head South and avoid the masses. Great Canopy Tours, Hiking and Birding tours near and around San Jose Costa Rica.

Spanish Language

For really intensive learning some people go into a "home stay," live with a family program. Here are some Spanish language schools located in San Jose. Also, now offered are TEFL Courses (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) For More information on translation & interpretation services in San Jose. Many volunteer programs also available in conservation.

Visitor Information

There’s an Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT; tel. 443-2883) desk at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, located in the baggage claims area, just before Customs. You can pick up maps and browse brochures, and they might even lend you a phone to make or confirm a reservation. ICT visitor information Center in San José, it’s located below the Plaza de la Cultura, at the entrance to the Gold Museum, on Calle 5 between avenidas Central and 2 (tel. 222-1090).

Accommodations

Alajuela

Posada la Sonora
Your Home Near The Airport
info@posadalasonora.com (506) 458-2295 (506) 844-0953
Vida Tropical
B AND B NEAR THE AIRPORT IN ALAJUELA
ranchos@racsa.co.cr 011 / 506 / 443-9576 011 / 506 / 443-9576 or 840-6964 or 377-6382 or 447-7467