Destination: San José

Introduction

San José is the capital of Costa Rica and is centrally located in this small, yet diverse, Central American country. It is the center of government, business, theater and arts, and is the home to Costa Rica's international airport, Juan Santamaria.

There is a wide variety of activities that can be explored from the capital such as some of the world's wildest & most beautiful white water rapids, volcanoes, butterfly farms, coffee plantations, mountain biking, museums, and more.

San José has a very active nightlife with some excellent restaurants, casinos, bars, discos …don't leave the city without trying a little salsa/meringue dancing! Most travelers will spend either their first and/or last night here due to flight schedules.

Getting There

San José has the only international Airport. So, like, you can get there from everywhere.

Places to Stay

This is hotel central considering the international airport. Here's a few great suggestions.

Comfort Hotel Real San José

Lodge of 10 houses build in the most authentic Caribbean style, respecting the environment and integrating perfectly in the idyllic landscape. Located at the heart of Cahuita´s National Park, each house has its own private garden.

Hotel Grano de Oro

There are 35 suites, a secluded terrace garden with large jacuzzis and courtyards filled with fountains and tropical flowers. There's a dining room with very good food. more >

Hotel Marriott

The Marriott is conveniently located in between the international airport and downtown San José. San José's premier hotel. Situated on a plantation surrounded by palm trees and coffee plantations, this hotel offers hundreds of rooms ranging from standard luxury to Presidential Suites. more >

Hotel Don Carlos

The Hotel Don Carlos expresses the warmth and charm of San José. Experience a glimpse into Costa Rica's rich heritage... The Hotel Don Carlos is located in the "oldest" residential area of the city, and the area is currently being redesigned as a refined French Quarter, like New Orleans. Centrally located. more >

Hampton Inn & Suites

Located within walking distance from the airport; great for early morning departures or late evening arrivals. more >

Hotel Xandari

The Xandari Plantation is a tropical paradise of 16 private villas, secluded on a coffee plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica, only minutes from the International Airport. Room are definitely artsy and zen. more >

Best Western Irazú

This 327-room hotel (modern rooms with air conditioning) has all the amenities you would expect of a full service resort. Free transport to airport. more >

Hotel Residencias de Golf

Surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation, the Residencias de Golf is conveniently located in between San José's international airport and the downtown area of shops, restaurants and cultural center. Kinda a country club like atmosphere, fully equipped. more >

Peace Lodge

A touch off the beaten path, but what a destination. Peace Lodge is located on the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and includes use of all the amenities of the park. The rooms are designed with unique amenities such as oversized balconies, Jacuzzi tubs (in every room), waterfall showers and grand stone fireplaces. more >

Places to Eat

Café Mundo

Located in historical Barrio Amon, this old mansion was converted into a casual restaurant serving a wide variety of international cuisine including pastas, chicken, seafood, pizzas, soups, etc…Great choice for good food in a casual, fun atmosphere.

La Monastere

Located in the hills of Escazú, this former monastery was converted into one of the city's finest international restaurants. Serving gourmet dishes in a semi-formal atmosphere with fabulous views of the city.

Machu Pichu

Peruvian restaurant specializing in seafood and meats. Excellent food at very reasonable prices. Located on the outskirts of downtown San José (any receptionist or cab driver will know this place)

Las Tapas de Manuel

A Spanish “tapas”, or appetizers, restaurant located in Escazú/Santa Ana offering a wide variety of exquisite appetizers in a nice atmosphere. Excellent option…one of my personal favorites.

Hotel Grano de Oro

Their outdoor/indoor café is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner with excellent dishes, friendly service and a very relaxing atmosphere. A combination of national and international cuisine at reasonable prices.

La Casa de Dona Lela

Now with a location in Escazú, near Alto Las Palomas, offering the best variety of local food. The menu is extensive and features every type of local food you can imagine from arroz con pollo, gallo pinto, casados, etc…Very affordable and large portions.

Pan e Vino

Italian restaurant serving wood oven pizzas, fresh pastas, seafood, etc with several locations around the city.

Things to Do

What isn't there to do? San José is a great jump off point, not only for surfing, but just about any other adventure you can think of. Sailing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, canopy tours, eco tours and more. There are literally hundreds of tours operating out of San José. The nightlife in San José hums.

Other Adventures

• Plaza de La Cultura - Cultural center of Costa Rica.
• La Casona – located in the heart of downtown San José on the walking mall of the Plaza de La Cultura, this is the best and most affordable place to purchase souvenirs and art.
• Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls – located about 45 minutes from the city, near Alajuela, this is an excellent day trip. Along the way, you will pass gorgeous coffee plantations and strawberry fields. At Poás, you can walk up to the crater, as well as hike the many trails offered. There's waterfalls, too.
• National Theater - Built between 1890 and 1897, this edifice's construction costs were paid for by the Costa Rican people through import taxes. The National Theater is home to valuable pieces by Italian artists, and is still in good condition after 100 years.
• Jade and Gold Museum – The Jade museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art (gold, ceramic, jade and stone), and is the only museum displaying indigenous jade artwork in the Americas.
• Irazú Volcano - This park protects colossal Irazú, which, at 3,432 meters above sea level, is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica.
• Braulio Carrillo National Park - This park is located northeast of the Central Valley in the central Cordillera Volcánica, between the massifs of Poás and Irazú volcanoes. Braulio Carrillo is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica.
• White Water Rafting - A full day or overnight rafting trip on the Pacuare or Reventazón River. Experience the full explosion of excitement which is the thrill of white water rafting!
• Tortuga Island Catamaran Cruise - After a comfortable ride to the Pacific coast, you will board a luxurious yacht for the Pacific Island adventure. Our final destiny, the Tortuga (Turtle) Island which is famous for pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water and superb snorkeling. Seafood buffet included.
• 4x1 – The best combination of tours in one day to take advantage of your time. Includes breakfast, visit to coffee fields, Poás Volcano National Park craters and cloud forest trails, Botos Lagoon, visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and all its natural wonders, La Paz, Magia Blanca and San Fernando Falls. Then it's time for lunch, jungle ride on the Sarapiquí River, visit to a butterfly and tropical frogs garden, snacks, and sightseeing at Braulio Carrillo National Park. Whoa!
  

Things to Avoid

At night, we do not recommend walking around the downtown area, or the Coca Cola Bus Station area. These areas are not dangerous, but they do tend to attract a more sinister group in the evenings and are best avoided.

Surf Shops and Surf Camps

More information coming soon!