San Jose, Costa Rica
Most visitors to Costa Rica arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport, 17 km from the nation’s cosmopolitan capital, San José, which is an ideal stopover on the way to or back from the national parks, beaches or volcanoes, for a few days of sightseeing, shopping, sampling ethnic cuisines and visiting some of the city’s main attractions, including the National Theatre, the Plaza de la Cultura, the Central Park, the Gold Museum, the cathedrals and the pedestrian mall that runs through the heart of downtown; it is worth taking the time to enjoy the diversity of culture, entertainment, night life, shopping and great restaurants that this endearing city has to offer.
At approximately 4,000 feet above sea level, San Jose offers an eternal-spring like weather, which is the main attraction for thousands of expatriates who call the Central Valley home. Day time temperature consistently falls between 70 and 75° F while night time temperature occasionally calls for a jacket or sweater. The rainy season which lasts from May to October is characterized by late afternoons and evenings shower.
As the cultural seat of the nation, San José hosts several theater groups and a score of intriguing museums, with themes ranging from indigenous art, jade, gold, contemporary designs, stamps and coins to natural science and popular culture. The National Theater which seats 1,000 is the most important venue for international and national performing events.
Attractions around San Jose
Volcanic hills, archeological sites, indigenous preserves, coffee plantations, fruit farms, historical cathedrals, mineral springs and waterfalls are among the popular places to visit in the central highlands north, east and south east of San Jose, better known as Sarapiqui, Turrialba and the Orosi Valley.
Shopping in San Jose
The city offers more than a dozen fine shopping centers, from large, trendy and upscale air conditioned shopping malls to small pueblo style outdoor plazas, all within a short taxi ride from city center. For the best range of crafts, souvenirs and gifts, take a day trip to the famed hill town of Sarchi, about an hour’s drive northwest of San Jose, where decorative and practical items handcrafted with wood, leather, terracotta, reeds, recycled banana leaves, gold, silver and jade, are a feast for the eye.
Day Trips from San Jose
Popular day tours include a climb up to the huge crater of Poas Volcano or the steaming vents of Irazu Volcano, a tour of the scenic Orosi Valley, an adventure up on the rainforest’s canopy, a hike or cruise around Arenal Volcano and a soak in the Tabacon hot springs. In addition, Jaco beach, Punta Leona and Herradura beaches are within a 2 hours’ drive away.
Lodging Facilities in San Jose
San Jose offers the most diverse range of lodging options in the country from budget bed and breakfasts to 5-star international hotels and resorts. For accommodation located close to the Juan Santamaria International Airport, look for lodgings in Alajuela and Heredia; for options near the city but away from the crowd, look for lodgings in Escazu, Santa Ana, La Sabana, Pavas, Rohrmoser, Los Yoses, San Pedro and Curridabat.