Guided San Jose City Tour
There are several tour companies that offer San Jose city tours. Theyll take you around to the highlights of the city such as Parque Morazan, a couple of museums, the Catholic church, the central market and other points of interest.
For a full day of cultural and fun, we recommend to do the San Jose city tour and then the Ram Luna or Restaurante Tiquicia at night. The City tour is in the afternoon and theyll take you straight to the restaurant afterwards.
Get a discount off the San Jose city tour here! The tour is called San Jose Explorer and you can also find Ram Luna and Restaurante Tiquicia on the list.
Best Airbnb In Costa Rica Kapetsowa Container Loft Monteverde
This Airbnb looks like it is straight out of a magazine! It is a truly unique Airbnb that offers guests an unforgettable experience. Youll be in a glass-box loft perched over the mountainside. With an incredible amount of privacy, youll be able to soak up the gorgeous views of Monteverde every single second of the day!
Is San Jose Safe At Night
San Jose is far less safe at night than it is during the day. It has a high rate of muggings 63.65 according to Numbeo, so avoiding unlit areas after dark is essential in order to avoid falling prey to opportunistic thieves. As a general rule, try not to walk alone at night, particularly in non-tourist areas. If in doubt, hop in a registered taxi theyre inexpensive in San Jose and a much safer option than wandering the streets by oneself.
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$$$ Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection By Hilton
Located right in the city center, the Gran Hotel Costa Rica is only a 5-minute walk from the National Theatre and San José Cathedral. It has been designated as a historical and architectural landmark by the government, the only hotel in San José to receive such title.
Renovated last 2016, this luxurious property boasts a graceful combination of historical architecture and contemporary flair. You can find an impressive lobby here, as well as an executive lounge, conference space, and an innovative brand restaurant.
Gran Hotel Costa Rica will also pamper you with its state-of-the-art guest rooms fitted with elegant furnishing, updated facilities, and top-of-the-line technology.
Rooms here start at roughly US$125 a night.
Gulf Of Papagayocalm Waters
The majority of the countrys all-inclusive resorts are located around Papagayo, making it a top luxury beach destination. While more budget-friendly accommodations can be found, there is something attractive about being pampered with five-star amenities while youre surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With calm waters and a laundry list of activities available, this area is ideal for watersports, swimming, and a general good time.
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How To Get Around Costa Rica
Renting a car is easily the best way to travel around Costa Rica. Even if you intend to take domestic flights, you can get long term parking at the airport to keep your rental car safe. Having your own wheels lets you travel independently, at your own pace.
We booked our car rental on Discover Car Hire and paid around US$160 for one week of rental and a baby seat. The car hire company had excellent services and provided transfers in/out to the airport.
Montezuma One Of The Most Unique Places To Stay In Costa Rica
Montezuma sits on the southern shore of Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. Its renowned for an incredibly long stretch of soft, white sand beach simply called Playa Montezuma. To the north, there is a beautiful walking trail that meanders through the jungle and will bring you to the popular surf spot: Playa Grande. Its worth staying here for a couple of nights in one of the awesome Playa Grande Hostels. Sitting just behind the beach is the Romelia Wildlife Reserve and a turtle sanctuary! If youre lucky, you might even get to witness turtle eggs hatching! No matter what, youre sure to spot groups of capuchin monkeys in the forest so cute!
Juhku
Visiting the Montezuma Waterfall is a must too! You can soak up the waterfall spray and the relaxing ambiance while taking a dip in the natural pools.
Additionally, what makes Montezuma the most unique place to stay in Costa Rica, is its bohemian vibes and abundance of artists living there! Expect Caribbean flair and colors and incredible street art! Plus, at the Saturday morning farmers markets, you can pick up great handmade art and will likely hear some great local music.
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$$$ Grano De Oro Hotel
Grano de Oro Hotel
Previously a private mansion, Grano de Oro Hotel will take you back to the early 1900s with its historic but luxurious vibe. It boasts 40 rooms and a variety of other facilities distributed over three buildings on its extensive property.
Within this hotel, you can find a modest gift shop carrying handmade crafts, a highly regarded restaurant serving a fusion of Costa Rican and European cuisine, and a secluded rooftop garden terrace with two jacuzzis. This place is pure paradise!
The best part about this turn-of-the-century mansion is that no two rooms are similar, with each one featuring unique paintings and handcrafted furniture.
Grano de Oro Hotels location is also quite strategic. Lots of San Joses top attractions are located within a 10-minute walk. Juan Santamaria International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away, too.
You can book a standard double room here starting at US$169/night.
Costa Rica Hotels And Places To Stay
Costa Rica is a developing nation and it does experience some of the same problems that afflict this part of the world such as poverty, crimes and drug trafficking. More information. Because take the road at night, it’s not the best thing to do. What really stands out about its landscape is that the mountains go right up to the beach. What to do there: If you have a strong stomach, then take the tour for the best experience.
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Best Places To Stay In Costa Rica
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Wondering where to stay in Costa Rica? What are the best places to visit and places to stay? From ethereal cloud forests and splendid coastline, to active volcanoes and lush rainforest, Costa Ricas diversity inspires wonder and a spirit of exploration. Narrowing down the best vacation places in Costa Rica is a difficult task, so weve done our best to condense each location into an easy-to-digest guide of the sights, sounds, and adventures that await. We hope you enjoy this armchair vacation to Costa Ricas best destinations the only thing better is actually visiting!
Please note: these destinations cannot be pigeon-holed as good for only one type of vacation since all types of travelers will be able to find something for them at each location. Contact us to help you narrow down which places are best for you and build your ideal Costa Rica vacation package.
Drug Laws And Crime In Costa Rica
Buying, selling or possessing any type of illegal drug is a serious offense in Costa Rica. If you are caught, you will be arrested and could face either a hefty fine or a lengthy prison sentence.
You may meet locals who will offer to sell you drugs, usually marijuana. If you buy it, do so at your own risk marijuana is illegal in Costa Rica but personal possession has been decriminalized.
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Restaurante Tiquicia Or Ram Luna
This restaurant up in the hills of Escazu has a stunning view of San Jose, the surrounding mountains and nearby cities. They serve traditional food and drinks and on Friday nights, they have traditional performances by the local kids.
This is a wonderful place to see the city lights, eat local food and experience some Costa Rican culture.
Both Restaurante Tiquicia and Ram Luna offer night shows and dances.
Distance And Transportation Times From Sjo And Lir Airport
- Arenal/La Fortuna is 3-3.5 hours from both San Jose Airport and Liberia International Airport with fairly straight forward routes and doesnt require a 4X4. Read about driving from Liberia to Arenal and driving from San Jose to Arenal.
- You can take a local flight to La Fortuna which is about 20 minutes from San Jose and Liberia.
- There is one bus from San Jose to La Fortuna that leaves at 6:15, 8:40 and 11:30, about 4 hours. From Liberia, you will first need to take a bus to Canas , then to Tilaran and then to La Fortuna .
- Take a shared shuttle for about $57 USD per adult with Interbus or book a private: ~$220 USD for 1-4 people total one way from SJO and LIR airport.
- Get in from Monteverde by boating across Lake Arenal. Costs ~$35 USD per person.
If La Fortuna is your first destination, you can fly into either Liberia or San Jose International Airport as its around the same driving time.
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Books To Read While Visiting Costa Rica
These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Costa Rica which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure
The Backpacker Bible Get it for free! Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. To inspire and help the next generation of Broke Backpackers, you can now grab How to Travel the World on $10 a Day for free! Get your copy here.
Contemporary Costa Rican Poetry: This is the first Spanish/English bilingual anthology of contemporary Costa Rican poetry ever published. It contains a careful selection of poetry published since 1990, and includes Costa Ricas finest poets and most representative current trends.
Lonely Planet Costa Rica: Relevant, up-to-date advice and tips for backpacking Costa Rica.
The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica: Written with the perspective of more than half a century of first-hand observation, this unparalleled social and cultural history describes how Costa Ricas economy, government, education and health-care systems, family structures, religion, and other institutions have evolved.
The Birds of Costa Rica: Love birds? Costa Rica is packed with more species than many places on earth combined. This field guide will certainly help you make sense of the bird populations in Costa Rica.
Want Help Thats What We Do
We have time-tested Costa Rica itineraries and can plan the most unforgettable trip for your family vacation, your honeymoon, or the adventure vacation of your dreams. We can even help plan your wedding in Costa Rica! Contact us using the form below.
John Rabenau has been working in the eco-tourism & adventure travel industry in Costa Rica since 2002. He has worked in a variety of capacities from Outdoor Educator & Principle Guide to Itinerary Design Manager & Business Owner for numerous organizations. He has grown Costa Rica Escapes into one of the most reputable Costa Rica travel agencies since its creation in 2006, hosting more than 5,000 people with custom vacation itineraries.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Costa Rica’s borders are open! Follow our article on Coronavirus in Costa Rica for more information. Planning a trip? Please contact us to discuss how we can help.
Costa Rica Escapes is a boutique Costa Rica vacation planner who, since 2006, uses extensive knowledge and local relationships to create one-of-a-kind Costa Rica vacations for travelers looking for a unique experience. Learn more about us.
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Where To Stay In Costa Rica: 15 Best Areas
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Here we are going to discuss 15 great spots where you can stay in Costa Rica this is by no means an exhaustive list because this amazing country has a lot to offer, but you will not be disappointed by the choices below.
Over the last couple of decades, Costa Rica has been ranked as one of the hottest vacation spots in the Americas, and this has a lot to do with the considerable effort put forth by the national tourism industry to attract more visitors.
Costa Rica is often described as the Switzerland of the Americas because of its mountainous geography and commitment to peace.
This country is also famous for its rich biodiversity, pristine nature preserves, great coffee, enduring democracy, relaxed lifestyle, and having been able to thrive without the need for armed forces.
Despite being a tiny country, Costa Rica offers about 100 beaches, dozens of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, active volcanoes, pleasant microclimates, vibrant nightlife, arts, culture, and plenty of adventure.
The tourism infrastructure is well developed you can arrive at either of two international airports, two seaports, or cross the land borders with Nicaragua and Panama. For the most part, getting around on ground transportation is fairly easy.
Puerto Viejo Most Romantic Place To Stay In Costa Rica For Couples
When trying to choose the most romantic place to stay in Costa Rica, I sure had my job cut out for me. There are so many romantic towns and beaches in Costa Rica that positively make me swoon! However, Puerto Viejo stole my heart and Im sure you can see why!
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca sits in the southeast of Costa Rica. Its right on the gorgeous Caribbean coast and is renowned for its black sand beach, and epic surf break at Salsa Brava! There are also abundant rainforests and mangroves in the area so you and your sweetheart will love exploring the land and the sea! Plus, there is a Wildlife Refuge center and even a jaguar rescue center in the area that is absolutely incredible to tour!
Simon Dannhauer
Overall, you and your significant other will love the laid back attitude and the relaxed atmosphere of this cute Central American place. Soaking up the sun is definitely a priority here! If youre traveling on a budget, check out Puerto Viejos affordable hostels.
Also, make sure to note that there is more than one Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica, so if youre searching around for more accommodation options yourself, definitely search using the full name: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Central America is big!
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Places You Might Want To Avoid When In Costa Rica
Its worth knowing that many of the crimes reported by US tourists in Costa Rica are pickpocketings which take place in busy, crowded tourist areas. This is even more prevalent during the holiday season when crowds are bigger.
Keep your wits about you when youre in a bustling crowd, particularly in bigger cities and consider skipping Quepos if you can. As a popular and busy tourist destination, there are fairly high rates of minor crimes reported here.
In terms of more serious potential issues, the Overseas Security Advisory Council Costa Rica report suggests visitors avoid downtown San José after dark in fact US officials are prohibited from staying in certain downtown hotels due to crime and safety concerns.
Best Place To Stay In Costa Rica For Couples
When it comes to planning a Costa Rica honeymoon with your loved one you want privacy, romance and just the perfect amount of adventure. If you look at the itineraries we have specially designed at Costa Rica Escapes for couples, you will see that we use areas that we have suggested several times in this article like Arenal and Manuel Antonio, but the secret is to find the perfect lodging for couples.
Another great area for couples is Drake Bay and one of its secluded and private luxury lodges such as the couples-only Tranquilo Lodge and all-inclusive La Paloma Lodge that will make your trip feel even more like an adventure without sacrificing comfort.
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Adults Only: Jw Marriott Resort & Spa
Lauded as the most luxurious hotel in Tamarindo, this adults-only hotel is a five-star resort perfect for a romantic getaway. The hacienda-style resort has a lavish interior reminiscent of the Spanish colonial times. The hotel also features an award winning spa, a spectacular infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, and biking and jogging trails.
Gulf Of Papagayo Where To Stay In Costa Rica With Family
Another great option of where to stay in Costa Rica with family is the Gulf of Papagayo. Protected waters make the beaches here excellent for children to play along the shore. This is also where youll find a large concentration of Costa Ricas all inclusive resorts.
Along the gulf, there are several areas including Ocotal Beach, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Panama. The calm waters here are also a great place to spot wildlife, including orcas. The Papagayo Pensinsula is less than one hour from the Liberia Airport, and is home to some of the most exclusive Costa Rica resorts.
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Where To Stay In Costa Rica: The Best Places Cities & Areas
The thing about little Costa Rica is that it has a giant list of options for you to choose from when deciding where to stay. It will all depend on what you want to discover and enjoy, but be assured that Costa Rica has something for you, no matter what interests you.
From adventures like white water rafting, canopy, hiking or surfing, luxurious lodges such as Peace Lodge and Pacuare Lodge, relaxing lodges such as Cala Lodge and Trapp Family Hotel to all-inclusive resorts such as Los Sueños Marriott and JW Marriott, you can find it all in Costa Rica, maybe the one thing you wont see here is snow, but lets be honest, that might be the one thing you are actually running away from!
Its not a secret that when it comes to tourism, Costa Rica is a very well developed country, but dont think that that only means big hotels and giant pools, it actually means great quality lodging and attractions, top of the line service and unforgettable experiences.
The only problem with this is that you might find it overwhelming to find that perfect place for you. We suggest a series of areas to consider and provide more detail about each one of those destinations so that you can find more in-depth information.
Know that expert advice makes life easier during the planning process, and we invite you to contact us if you decide that having a trip itinerary provider help you plan a smooth trip, filled with adventures, is best for you.