The area around Costa Rica's capital is rich with cultural history and natural wonder. To discover some key attractions in San Jose and beyond, read on.
This sprawling low-rise metropolitan area has close to one million residents and serves as the hub of Costa Rica. Although it may not be the most picturesque of this country's many lush and naturally beautiful destinations, it is nonetheless, the city that most visitors will fly into. Families will find there's a lot to do there, even if they've just got a night "on the way in" and "on the way out" of the country.
Getting into Town and Around
The international airport of San José is small but quite modern. As you leave the airport building you will find the taxi stands right out front. If renting a car you may have to look for your car rental company outside the airport building. In cases where the car rental company location is off-site, the car rental agent will come looking for you. The crowd can get very thick right outside the airport building and it may be difficult for the rental agent to find you immediately upon your arrival. Usually within ten minutes of arrival everybody gets connected.
The main highway into town has been rebuilt, consequently the ride to downtown take anywhere from 25 to 35 minutes but there's always some new building or maintenance projects underway.
At first glance, San José does not appear to be your typical Central American city. It has no colonial districts and the North American fast food chain restaurants proliferate throughout the capital. With closer observation you begin to uncover the city's Costa Rican character.
Fast Facts
There are a number of very good restaurants, many of which serve typical "tico" (Costan Rican) food. The climate, like much of Costa Rica, is often spring-like, and the people, typical of Central America, are very friendly and helpful.
The center of town is laid out in a grid system with avenidas (avenues) running north and south and calles (streets) running east and west. Calle Central is the dividing point. Avenidas south of Calle Central are even numbered; those north are odd numbered. In similar fashion, calles west of Calle Central are even numbered; those east are odd numbered. Directions are given using this system as well as using local landmarks.
City Attractions
Most travelers use San José as a base to explore other more environment-focused regions throughout the country. If your itinerary permits some sightseeing time in San José, there are many excellent museums in the city. The three prominent ones are:
Museo de Jade (Moo say oh dey HAH Dey): This the most famous museum in Costa Rica and contains the world's largest collection of American jade. It is located on the ground floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros on Avenida 7 between Calles 9 and 11. (506/287-6034 or 506/223-5800 Ext. 2584).
Museo Nacional: The exhibit is a mixture of archeology, colonial and natural history, and art. Located on Calle 17, between Avenidas Central and 2, it is open daily except Monday. There is a small admission fee. (506/257-1433)
Museo de Oro Precolombino: As the name implies the museum displays pre-Columbian art, especially gold. It is located on Calle 5, between Avenidas Central and 2. Security is tight; you will be required to leave your bags at the door. There is a small admissions fee. For tickets call (506/243-4216) and for more information (506/243-4202).
Outside of San José
Heading northwest from San José there are a series of delightful small towns around San José and in the mountains. The highlands of Costa Rica are among the greenest places on earth, especially during or after the rainy season. Bring plenty of film on your drive. One such day trip would be Barva and Poás Volcano.
Another day trip could be Sarchí and Zarcero and possibly Alajuela. It is best to head to the furthermost point first, such as Poás or Zarcero, and then do your sightseeing on the way back. This gives you a better gauge on your time and you are less likely to find yourself driving down the mountains after dark, which you don't want to do. Decision points on mountain roads are not always marked. Ask directions if you are not sure. On our first trip to Costa Rica we ended up in Poás when we meant to go to Zarcero. But at least we knew which turnoff to take on the next day's excursion.
Barva: Just a few miles outside of San José, this entire town is considered to be a national historic monument. It is pleasant to spend an hour or two strolling around and enjoying the colonial buildings. Coffee plantation tours are available right outside of town.
Alajuela: About 10 miles outside of San José, this small town is famous for being the birthplace of Juan Santamaría, the national hero of Costa Rica. Back in 1856, an audacious American named William Walker, marched through Nicaragua with the intent to conquer all of Central America, make the entire region a slave territory, and use the labor to build a canal across the isthmus. Costa Rica had no army at the time but a small militia was gathered up which forced the incoming Walker into a wood fort. Juan Santamaría, a teen-aged drummer in the militia, volunteered to torch the fort. Walker was forced to flee Costa Rica, but Santamaría died in the fire. The young national hero is commemorated by a museum and a park in the town of his birth.
Parque Nacional Volcán Poás: The park is about 20 miles north of Alajuela and offers a ranger station, visitor center, coffee shop, and snack bar. Poás is an active volcano and you are able to peer down into its crater, assuming the view is not obscured by volcanic steam clouds. Nearby are some short nature trails. There is some interesting flora to observe as well as numerous species of birds, especially hummingbirds. The park is open daily.
Sarchí: A little over halfway between San José and Zarcero, this little town is the major craft center of Costa Rica. The drive up here is lovely, it is interesting to observe the artisans at work, and it is a favorite place for shoppers. There is no pressure to buy and the prices are the best you will find anywhere. Here you can watch the famous wooden oxen carts (carretas) being carved and painted in bright colors. You can buy ox carts of any size and color from miniature souvenir carts to larger ones used as indoor tables, bars, and sideboards. The larger ones can be taken apart for transport. Also available for transport are the beautiful carved wooden and leather rocking chairs. The vendors will box any of these items for you and they can be checked with your luggage when you fly home. Costa Rica is famous for its carvings using the local natural woods. You will find beautiful wooden jewelry here as well as the unusual wooden carving boards, another popular gift item. If you plan on buying any bulky items, you can store them at your San José hotel until the end of your trip or plan your itinerary so that you shop in Sarchí on the last day.
Zarcero: This mountain town, located about 15 miles north of Sarchí, is famous for its cheeses, peach preserves and its huge garden of beautifully sculpted shrubs depicting birds and animals. The town sits at over 6000 feet so bring a sweater as it can be cool unless it is a sunny day.
Heading northeast and east of San José are several other attractions:
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo: Thanks to its various life zones, this park contains a tremendous array of plant and bird life. You can hop out of your car for a brief stop as you travel through each altitudinal zone or linger over a longer hike. One possibility is to hike Barva Volcano which takes about five hours round trip. The fabled elusive quetzal, Central America's "flagship" bird, resides here. We are told by our Costa Rican friends that once you have viewed a quetzal, you will fall in love with its beauty. Its feathers shimmer and change color as they catch the reflection of light.
Rain Forest Aerial Tram: This unique tram is an ecotourism and reserch facility of Central America. The tram is located on the San José-Limón Road, on the right, just as you exit Braulio Carrillo National Park. Each of the trams takes five passengers and a naturalist guide and glides silently through the rain forest canopy on a 90-minute roundtrip ride. The ride includes a pre-briefing and use of trails before and after the ride. The cost is expensive but worth it – about $50 per person with discounts available for students and children. (506/257-5961)
Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú: Located east of San José, Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. A paved road takes you to the summit at 11,300 feet, where you will find a small information center. Bring food, water, sunscreen, and lots of warm clothing. There is a great view at the top though it is often clouded over.
For more information on Costa Rica's destination visit www.govisitcostarica.com or call 858/581-9209.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.