How many days in San Jose CR?
Jan 1st, 2008, 06:03 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How many days in San Jose CR?
Am beginning to plan a 12-day trip to CR for next year and wanted to see how long we should plan to stay in San Jose. We'd assumed at least a couple of days, but reading other posts it seems like there may not be a lot to do there. If not, what other two places would you recommend for us to split our time (we're thinking Tamarindo area and possibly MA)? Also, a friend recommended Tortuguero, but I'm not finding much about it online.
Jan 1st, 2008, 09:57 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stayed in SJ for the first and last night of a 14 night stay. We wanted to rest and be fresh for our early morning departure to Arenal. And the last night was to be certain we would make our flight home. From our experience, I would not recommend using any nights in SJ other than are necessary. You will find lots of great ideas about how to divide your 12 days on this forum. Arenal and Manuel Antonio are a very popular combination. We did Arenal, Manuel Antonio and the Osa Penninsula and loved each area.
Jan 2nd, 2008, 01:02 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We took our family to CR for about the same amount of time. I would recommend skipping SJ and just heading north from the airport.
We stayed in an amazing bed and breakfast right on the edge of the rainforest. It was close to the airport and we LOVED it and felt like we should have done this instead of wasting the time to go into SJ. The place was called the Vista del Valley Plantation Inn. By far the nicest place we stayed in CR.
We stayed in an amazing bed and breakfast right on the edge of the rainforest. It was close to the airport and we LOVED it and felt like we should have done this instead of wasting the time to go into SJ. The place was called the Vista del Valley Plantation Inn. By far the nicest place we stayed in CR.
Jan 2nd, 2008, 03:31 AM
#4
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,846
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We always just stay in SJO out of necessity - at the beginning or end of the trip depending on our flight times. Personally, I wouldn't spend my time there, other than what's necessary for early morning departures or late night arrivals. There are some things to do there - National Theater, Gold Museum, Jade Museum if that interests you. Grano de Oro is a good place to stay for a night. Also the Peace Lodge is about an hour away, and it's wonderful - love the beautiful waterfall hike with the 5 gorgeous falls, and the rooms are completely over the top and indulgent. I probably wouldn't do both Tamarindo and MA since those are both beachy areas. I'd pick one and then pair it with Arenal and the Peace Lodge. Rafting the Pacuare is another popular option out of SJO if that interests you.
Jan 4th, 2008, 10:17 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much--love all the recommendations and details. What airlines do you usually fly? We're departing from Washington, DC, so probably will go Dulles, which seems to offer good fares/connections on Delta. Any other suggestions?
Jan 4th, 2008, 01:17 PM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
campjulie,
You wrote
quot;From our experience, I would not recommend using any nights in SJ other than are necessary."
based on your excellent trip report it appears that you spent your first and last nights at the Marriott in San Antonio de Belen near San Jose and did not venture into the city..
So my question to you is - what experience of yours are you basing your statement and advice since it does not appear to me you have ever even really been there???
As for the original question - how much time to spend in San Jose, depends on the kind of trip you want. San Jose is not the best that Costa Rica has to offer for tourists. Most come for the nature and the beaches. It is a city - in many parts not that attractive. However, it is the capital city of the country. And a very high percentage of the Ticos live and work in San Jose and the surrounding area. So if you want to know the country past the tourist standard areas, you may want to spend some time there. It all depends on you.
Volcanogirl has listed some of the things you can see and do there. There are more - the National Museum, the Latin American Art Museum in Sabana Park, Sabana Park itself, surrounding smaller centres like Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela... There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants. Also you can conveniently do things like whitewater rafting based in San Jose.
You may decide you don't want to spend any time in San Jose - and that's fine. However, I am getting a bit tired of people giving advice about skipping it when they haven't really given it a chance and are just parroting the words that are popular around this board (and others.)
raquel
You wrote
quot;From our experience, I would not recommend using any nights in SJ other than are necessary."based on your excellent trip report it appears that you spent your first and last nights at the Marriott in San Antonio de Belen near San Jose and did not venture into the city..
So my question to you is - what experience of yours are you basing your statement and advice since it does not appear to me you have ever even really been there???
As for the original question - how much time to spend in San Jose, depends on the kind of trip you want. San Jose is not the best that Costa Rica has to offer for tourists. Most come for the nature and the beaches. It is a city - in many parts not that attractive. However, it is the capital city of the country. And a very high percentage of the Ticos live and work in San Jose and the surrounding area. So if you want to know the country past the tourist standard areas, you may want to spend some time there. It all depends on you.
Volcanogirl has listed some of the things you can see and do there. There are more - the National Museum, the Latin American Art Museum in Sabana Park, Sabana Park itself, surrounding smaller centres like Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela... There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants. Also you can conveniently do things like whitewater rafting based in San Jose.
You may decide you don't want to spend any time in San Jose - and that's fine. However, I am getting a bit tired of people giving advice about skipping it when they haven't really given it a chance and are just parroting the words that are popular around this board (and others.)
raquel
Jan 4th, 2008, 02:12 PM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm with Raquel. I can't claim to be well-acquainted with San Jose, but I always enjoy spending my first night and last day and night there. The museums are good, the Central Market is interesting, and it is nice to stroll around on Avenida Central. It is a big city, with all the accompanying flaws. However, I live near New Orleans and go there frequently, and know full well that there are parts of town one shouldn't visit, and that one should be reasonably cautious.
Carol
Carol
Jan 4th, 2008, 02:19 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much for that info. We are contemplating moving to Costa Rica for retirement, so we'll probably want to spend a couple of days in SJ, since, as you say, it is the capital. We enjoy cities (we better, we live in DC) and probably will get more of a reality check and meet more natives than we will in the tourist areas.
Jan 4th, 2008, 03:16 PM
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I too enjoy visiting cities but San Jose is one I would skip and I HAVE been there numerous times. Aside from the few museums, the market and a few good restaurants I don't feel it is worth any extra time. The city is dirty, congested and the fumes hurt my lungs. Even the people I know that have moved to CR just dread their necessary trips to San Jose. You will will meet plenty of wonderful working Ticos throughout the country if you just get off the beaten track a bit.
Jan 4th, 2008, 08:16 PM
#11
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
marysmommy,
Since you are scouting out the country for a possible retirement location, I think it is all the more reason to at least become a bit familiar with San Jose and the Central valley area. I am not disagreeing with joeschmo. Parts of San Jose are crowded and polluted and chaotic. And it is definately not one of my favourite Latin American Cities.
Retiring anywhere is a pretty important step. And there are things that in the end could become alot more important than a pretty view. Please take into consideration the availability of GOOD healthcare options. Medical care in CR is reasonable and available. But the operative word is GOOD.
From my side, I never really took it all that seriously. After all - my husband and I were relatively healthy...(the it won't happen to me syndrome) Well, on our last trip to Manuel Antonio this September my husband did become seriously ill. Yes - there was a doctor in Quepos/MA who speaks English. But I would say that that is about all the good I can say about him. He completely misdiagnosed and mishandled the whole thing. I can't say anything bad about the Quepos hospital (though I am not sure how my husband would have done alone there since he speaks no Spanish) But they know their limitations and they felt he should be sent to San Jose as soon as possible. Well yes - air ambulances are available - but not when it is raining hard and not when it is dark - which is anytime after 5.15 PM. So i can personally attest that a 3 hour ride in an ambulance is not a pleasant thing!!!!
In the San Jose/Escazu area there are excellent doctors (and dentists etc.) Many speak English and are even US trained. And some very good hospitals. (our experiences are with CIMA - but I hear that Clina Biblica and Catolica are good) I am not putting down the public hospitals - but I hear they can be crowded and a bit chaotic...
Anyway, I am just telling this story to give you sort of a reality check. If MA is remote, I would bet that Monteverde for example would be even more so. And Osa, for sure so. Not sure what areas you are considering.
And over and above the health issue - I guess it really depends on the kind of likestyle you want. I know alot of people who after the novelty of being in a beachtown or having a fantastic view wears off, start to go sort of stir crazy and feel isolated from things like "culture" (whatever that may mean to them) and even half decent shopping. But on the other side of the coin, there are others who love the more simple lifestyle away from cities. Most people who have retired - to CR end up making at least some trips to the San Jose/central valley be it for appointments or shopping.
Good luck marysmommy. You'll see alot of really nice places when you tour CR. But keep in mind - if you retire there, it will become your "real life" - not just a vacation.
Puravida
raquel
Since you are scouting out the country for a possible retirement location, I think it is all the more reason to at least become a bit familiar with San Jose and the Central valley area. I am not disagreeing with joeschmo. Parts of San Jose are crowded and polluted and chaotic. And it is definately not one of my favourite Latin American Cities.
Retiring anywhere is a pretty important step. And there are things that in the end could become alot more important than a pretty view. Please take into consideration the availability of GOOD healthcare options. Medical care in CR is reasonable and available. But the operative word is GOOD.
From my side, I never really took it all that seriously. After all - my husband and I were relatively healthy...(the it won't happen to me syndrome) Well, on our last trip to Manuel Antonio this September my husband did become seriously ill. Yes - there was a doctor in Quepos/MA who speaks English. But I would say that that is about all the good I can say about him. He completely misdiagnosed and mishandled the whole thing. I can't say anything bad about the Quepos hospital (though I am not sure how my husband would have done alone there since he speaks no Spanish) But they know their limitations and they felt he should be sent to San Jose as soon as possible. Well yes - air ambulances are available - but not when it is raining hard and not when it is dark - which is anytime after 5.15 PM. So i can personally attest that a 3 hour ride in an ambulance is not a pleasant thing!!!!
In the San Jose/Escazu area there are excellent doctors (and dentists etc.) Many speak English and are even US trained. And some very good hospitals. (our experiences are with CIMA - but I hear that Clina Biblica and Catolica are good) I am not putting down the public hospitals - but I hear they can be crowded and a bit chaotic...
Anyway, I am just telling this story to give you sort of a reality check. If MA is remote, I would bet that Monteverde for example would be even more so. And Osa, for sure so. Not sure what areas you are considering.
And over and above the health issue - I guess it really depends on the kind of likestyle you want. I know alot of people who after the novelty of being in a beachtown or having a fantastic view wears off, start to go sort of stir crazy and feel isolated from things like "culture" (whatever that may mean to them) and even half decent shopping. But on the other side of the coin, there are others who love the more simple lifestyle away from cities. Most people who have retired - to CR end up making at least some trips to the San Jose/central valley be it for appointments or shopping.
Good luck marysmommy. You'll see alot of really nice places when you tour CR. But keep in mind - if you retire there, it will become your "real life" - not just a vacation.
Puravida
raquel
Jan 6th, 2008, 07:54 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whoops raquel_z, didn't mean to offend... simply meant from our experience, there were so many places we wanted to see on our first trip to CR during our two short weeks that I would make other choices.
As far as my experience, I was referring to the experience I had in planning our trip, what we saw and did on our trip and what else we wish we could have seen in the time we had. After looking at options of things to see and do in San Jose, we made the choice not to spend time in the city based on our personal preferences. I would make the same choice again... so I was offering my opinion as we all do on this forum.
As far as my experience, I was referring to the experience I had in planning our trip, what we saw and did on our trip and what else we wish we could have seen in the time we had. After looking at options of things to see and do in San Jose, we made the choice not to spend time in the city based on our personal preferences. I would make the same choice again... so I was offering my opinion as we all do on this forum.
Jan 6th, 2008, 09:19 PM
#13
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
campjulie,
You didn't offend me. But I guess I offended you by questioning what your actual experience with San Jose was since your sentence implied that you did have some personal experience. Sorry....
I have no problem at all with people saying that they came to Costa Rica for the nature, or the beaches, or the adventure, or the birdwatching or whatever... and they chose not to spend any time in the city because it does not offer any of the things they came to experience. neither does it bother me when people say that they've been to SJ and they hated it and would never go back. I have no great affection for the place either. But I guess I was just trying to point out that there may be reasons that others could possibly want to check it out and that there are things that could be of interest to some individuals. I personally think my first post in the thread was pretty balanced - giving both pros and cons...
As I said, you provided an excellent trip report after your visit. Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. Also, its great when people take the time to write reports to share their experiences.
Pura vida,
raquel
You didn't offend me. But I guess I offended you by questioning what your actual experience with San Jose was since your sentence implied that you did have some personal experience. Sorry....
I have no problem at all with people saying that they came to Costa Rica for the nature, or the beaches, or the adventure, or the birdwatching or whatever... and they chose not to spend any time in the city because it does not offer any of the things they came to experience. neither does it bother me when people say that they've been to SJ and they hated it and would never go back. I have no great affection for the place either. But I guess I was just trying to point out that there may be reasons that others could possibly want to check it out and that there are things that could be of interest to some individuals. I personally think my first post in the thread was pretty balanced - giving both pros and cons...
As I said, you provided an excellent trip report after your visit. Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. Also, its great when people take the time to write reports to share their experiences.
Pura vida,
raquel
Jan 7th, 2008, 07:45 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
marysmommy,
I haven't been to Costa Rica yet. My first trip won't be until July. Therefore, others probably have better advice about how much time to spend where.
I'm responding to the airline/airport question. Look into Taca Airlines. Sometimes their flight times/connections aren't all that good, but they usually have some great fares. Also check out www.kayak.com. Lastly, you might get some great fares out of BWI.
In planning our trip I didn't see alot on this forum on Tortuguero either, but there is alot of information out there on the internet. We are going there for 3 nights, but we have more time than you do for the entire trip, and we aren't spending time scouting out places for retirement. If you do go to Tortuguero, look into Mawamba Lodge. It is reasonably priced and looks like a nice place, although as I've mentioned we have not been there yet.
I haven't been to Costa Rica yet. My first trip won't be until July. Therefore, others probably have better advice about how much time to spend where.
I'm responding to the airline/airport question. Look into Taca Airlines. Sometimes their flight times/connections aren't all that good, but they usually have some great fares. Also check out www.kayak.com. Lastly, you might get some great fares out of BWI.
In planning our trip I didn't see alot on this forum on Tortuguero either, but there is alot of information out there on the internet. We are going there for 3 nights, but we have more time than you do for the entire trip, and we aren't spending time scouting out places for retirement. If you do go to Tortuguero, look into Mawamba Lodge. It is reasonably priced and looks like a nice place, although as I've mentioned we have not been there yet.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BostonIres
Mexico & Central America
14
Feb 1st, 2007 02:54 PM
