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Our Opinion of San Jose

Truly the hub of the country, San Jose is a young booming metropolis with diverse architecture. There is no shortage of attractions to see for visitors, such as museums, parks, hotels, cultural venues and historic buildings. Evening entertainment is plentiful, and a perfect way to follow up a delicious meal in one of the cities hundreds of restaurants. Great shopping opportunities can also be found in the local markets and shopping centers.

The capital is also a perfect turning plate to see the many National Reserves and Forests, majestic volcanoes and famous coffee plantations. Although the city is not on the coast, a day at the beach is a mere 2 hours away along the Pacific coast.

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There are o beaches in San Jose since it is located in the Central Valley. How ever at trip to the Pacific coast is a mere 1 1/2 to 2 hours away. The most popular destination is Jaco, also know for great surfing. The local beaches include Playa Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Estrillos, and Punta Leona.

A little farther down the coast, you will find the Manuel Antonio National Park which has several little great beaches, such as Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio.

San Jose Hotels

All hotels in San Jose

Barcelo Palma Real

Barcelo San Jose Palacio

Best Western Irazu

Costa Rica Marriott

Occidental Torremolinos

San Jose Destination Reviews

Been to this destination?

Rating:

"San Jose was a disappointment as there is little to do and is somewhat unsafe. The downtown core is mostly shopping and a few historic buildings, but otherwise not much else. We ended up staying in our hotel for most of the 2 days we were in the city and watched movies. I would recommend skipping San Jose and travelling to the central and coastal regions which are beautiful."
Reviewer: reviewer7060
Date: Aug. 22, 2011

Rating:

"A lot closer to the most boring city in the world than the most exciting. If you are heading on a trip to Costa Rica, 1 or 2 days in probably more than enough time you'll need. I stayed at the Hotel Rincon de San Jose which was fairly nice and seemed to be in a pretty good area. The restaurant across the street from the hotel was very nice. One day should do it to check out a few of the local sites and museums, then make a b line for the beaches or rain forests."
Reviewer: Rollin
Date: Jul. 03, 2009

Things to know about San Jose Vacations

Activities & Sports

One of the best ways to explore more rural areas is on horseback. There are many excursions to choose from. Hiking and mountain biking trails are also plentiful in the many forest, parks and reserves. Rafting and kayaking trips can also be arranged through excursion companies.

Golfers can enjoy some of the best golf courses in Central America. Some clubs are reserved for members only. Some of the courses you may want to try, include the Parque Valle del Sol in Santa Ana, the Garra de Leon Golf Course, Hacienda Pinilla Golf & Country Club, Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club, Los Suenos Golf Course.

Looking for a calming activity? Then you should head to the Orosi Hot Springs. The two pools of beneficial water are know to relieving muscular pain and reduce stress.

Dining & Nightlife

Check out Viva, Tiempo Libre, La Nación, or the English newspaper The Tico Time, for the latest listing of music, discos, theatre, and dance performances. The National Theatre Company and the National Symphony Orchestra are worth checking out. San Jose counts several small theatres, mostly presenting comedic shows. Modern dance performances are extremely popular as well.

The city boasts of a wonderful nightlife, with specific neighbourhoods at the forefront. One of then is El Pueblo, a lovely cobblestone street area, lined with restaurants, cafés, and clubs. Hot spots include Cocoloco, Twister and La Plaza. The university area of San Pedro is also thriving, mostly on Calle de la Amargura, with clubs and rock bars like Sand Bar and El Yos.

Gamblers will be thrilled by the many small casinos found in larger hotel.

For a more unique outing, head to Las Corridas a la Tica to see the popular Costa Rican bullfights. Unlike the gory traditional displays, a more comic scene is played out where the emphasis is more on teasing the bull.

There is not lack of choice when it comes to finding a dinning establishment, whether you are in the mood for wonderful local cuisine, or one of various international restaurants. But you must make at least one trip at a typical Soda. These small and friendly family-operated diners serve up traditional Tico food. The neighbourhoods of San Pedro, Los Yoses, Escazu and Santa Ana offer great choices. Many modern shopping centers also have a wide selection of restaurants. The Mercado Central serves up more local cuisine at one of its many small restaurants and food counters.

Fruit vendors in downtown San Jose are the equivalent of hotdog vendors in New York City, mangoes being the fruit of choice. The pejibaye, a bright orange palm nut, is also sold as a treat, with a taste combining flavours of chestnut and pumpkin.

Shopping

New shopping centers have been built in the last years. Visit the Avenida Central (a pedestrian street mall), Mall San Pedro, Multiplaza, Terra Mall, and Mall Real Cariari. El Pueblo is a shopping complex aimed at tourist with lots of souvenir shops. Outdoor markets can be found here and there, the most popular one being the Mercado Central. Bargaining is a common practice. Art galleries and Culture Offices have popped up a lot as well, encouraging local artists. For a more authentic experience, the nearby Quitirrisi Indigenous Reservation sells handmade handicrafts.

Languages: Spanish, some English.
Currency: The Colon. US dollars are widely accepted. ATM's are not easy to find and the Cirrus system is not compatible everywhere.
Climate: San Jose City enjoys a milder tropical climate due to its elevation. The temperature ranges between 18° C and 26° C.
Electricity: 110 V, 60 Hz.

Documents
Canadian citizens require a passport that is valid until 30 days after their scheduled return. For all other nationalities, consult your consulate or Costa Rican Tourist Board for details.

Note: Each travelling passenger is responsible to pay a local departure tax in US dollars. This fee is payable in cash at the airport in destination prior to boarding your flight. The departure tax is $27.40 US per person (subject to change). Note only US Cash or equivalent Costa Rican Colon are accepted.

San Jose Vacation Tips

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San Jose Weather Averages

Avg. °C	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
High	23	24	26	26	26	26	25	25	26	25	25	26
Low	14	14	15	16	16	16	16	16	16	15	15	14
Rain (mm)	10	0	20	40	220	240	210	240	300	290	140	40

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San Jose Vacations

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