I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica within the week (Wilma cancelled our other plans). Our travel agent suggested that we stay in San Jose the whole time, but we'd like to get outside if the city and check out some other destinations. Any places we can't afford to miss out on?

I haven't heard of anyone staying in SJ the whole time. Seems like most go out into the countryside. There is SO much to see. How long are you staying? The Arenal volcano area is very popular and not far from SJ. This board is full of good ideas.

I have been to CR twice and both times I left San Jose as soon as I landed. Not only don't I suggest staying in San Jose your entire trip, I actually suggest that you not stay in SJ at all.
Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste, OSA, and San Carlos are lovely areas.

Yea, I agree. I have stayed in SJ, but no reason to for more than a day or two. So mnay better places. Ignore your travel agent!!!

Same as the others , have been 3x , and only stayed in San Jose the first and last days ..... How much time do you have ?

Thanks for the help thus far, we're planning on staying for 5 days. I mentioned to our agent that we'd like to get outside of SJ, and she mentioned staying in SJ for the first night and then spending the rest of the time around Monteverde. Also, we don't speak too much Spanish and have also been cautioned aboutrenting our own 4x4 for seeing the sights. Any thoughts?

Monteverde is inland , and is a magnificent cloud forest , often a bit cooler , and wetter .... What do you like to do ?

Thanks Faithie, we're definitely interested in checking out the volcanoes and the rain forest canopy. Do you think that three nights in Monteverde would be too much? Is there a good coastal area worth checking on in close proximity to SJ or Monteverde?

The volcano normally visited is Arenal , which is a few hours "rough" drive from Monteverde . ( Arenal is fairly close to San Jose ). With only 5 days you really can't do more than Arenal and Monteverde .... Perhaps those 2 only , or Arenal and a beach area , or Monteverde and a beach area .

We aren't beach people, so we spent 6 days split between Monteverde and Arenal. It was one of the best short vacations we've ever had.

San Jose has no special appeal as a tourist destination.

Best choice is to stay first night in Allejuela (where the airport is), not San Jose. Arenal and Monteverde for a week is just about right - maybe a tad too long. Consider spending on night near the Poas volcano, either on your way up or on your way back. Go see the crater early in the morning before the clouds come in. We stayed at Peace Lodge, which was ok. A bit overdone, but has 2 pools, 2 hot tubs etc. Probably pretty fun for kids.

We spent a week in Costa Rica and had a great time. And we stayed away from the beach too. After Arenal, went to Bosque de Paz (a private rain forest perserve) instead of Monteverde because we wanted to see a cloud forest without the long drive. Just pull up my trip report (searching on my name) and you can read other suggestions. I wouldn't have missed La Selva and the increadible bird watching and not to forget white water rafting on the Pacuare...