San Jose Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Jose Travel & Tourism, Free San Jose Travel Guide Online

San Jose Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap San Jose Travel & Tourism, Free San Jose Travel Guide Online

Nestled in a valley 3.770 feet above sea level, surrounded by a crescent of mountain peaks, San José combines scenic beauty with an ideal climate. Temperatures stay at about 70 degrees during the day, year round, and rainfall is limited to short, refreshing showers from May to October During the rainy season, showers fall primarily during the afternoon hours and produce pleasant breezes.

This cosmopolitan capital of Costa Rica contains a smooth blend of modern skyscrapers and classic architecture. It has a more North American feel than many other Latin American capitals, with department stores, shopping malls and fast-food chains. However, it also has excellent museums, some great restaurants, colorful markets and a vibrant nightlife featuring live music, dance and two casinos.

Museums, the National Theater, and an elegant cathedral are waiting to be explored. Below the Plaza of Culture lies the impressive Gold Museum, The Plaza's museum complex also houses a collection of contemporary art exhibits.

Costa Rican cuisine is tasty rather than spicy-hot and is centered around beef, chicken and fish dishes, with rice, corn or beans and fresh fruit as supplements.

From San José, day trips can be taken to two semi - active volcanoes, where roads climb to the brink of the craters. Irazú Volcano, just 35 miles from the capital, towers eight thousand feet above the Central Valley.

A striking, yellow - green lake fills the volcano's large, principal crater, and is surrounded by jagged cliffs of sulfur - streaked lava. Just above the park's visitor area, the road forks and continues to the summit of the volcano, from which, on a clear day, both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans can be seen.

No less impressive is the 8.871 foot Poás Volcano, less than an hour's drive from San José. The road to the top winds through fertile hillsides planted with terraced rows of dark green coffee bushes which look, from a distance, like a patchwork quilt.

Costa Rica is Central America's special jewel. Los Costarricenses (They call themselves Ticos as an abbreviation of this), are proud of their country's uniqueness. Costa Rica has a reputation for being an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors. The country's natural attractions, wildlife and reputation for enlightened conservation draw tourists and scholars from all over the world. Successive governments have preserved the country's reputation in the field of ecotourism, making Costa Rica one of the leading places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.

San José is home to nearly a third of Costa Rica's population. It is a busy city, but also one in which there are places to relax and enjoy the colorful collage of activities that make up city life.

There are many tree shaded parks throughout the city. There are opportunities for a stroll along garden paths and through museums to enjoy the beauty of art treasures. There are places to visit with children at a leisurely pace. There is no pressure to rush or to do everything in a day. It is a city to savor, to absorb in gradual, satisfying stages.

There are many unforgettable moments awaiting travelers making their way through Costa Rica. Begin them in San José and enjoy the country to the fullest!

San Jose Attractions: San Jose Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Jose Travel & Tourism, Free San Jose Travel Guide Online

In San José, Calles (streets) run north and south and Avenidas (avenues) run east and west. They ascend in odd numbers north of Avenida Central, and in even numbers south of it. Street addresses are rarely used. General addresses are the norm (such as: Avenida 1, Calles 6/8, which means the address is on Avenida 1 between Calles 6 and 8).

Centro Nacional de Arte y Cultura (National Arts Center):
Calle 13 between Avenidas 3 and 5
506/257-9370
Museum hours: Tues-Sun 10-5
Admission charged.
Houses the offices of the Cultural Ministry, several performing arts centers, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. The latter has featured several impressive traveling international exhibits, including large retrospectives by Mexican painter José Cuevas and Ecuadoran painter Oswaldo Guayasamin.

Galería Nacional de Arte Contemporáneo
Calle 15 and Ave. 3
506/257-7202
Closed Sundays
Admisison charged.
In the basement of the Biblioteca Nacional, the city's main library. It displays many fine works of contemporary artists.

Lankester Gardens:
Paraíso de Cartago
506/552-3151
Daily 8:30-3:30
Closed on all national holidays
Admission charged.
There are more than 1,200 varieties of orchids in Costa Rica, and no fewer than 800 species are on display at this botanical garden in Cartago province. Created in the 1940s by English naturalist Charles Lankester, the gardens are now administered by the University of Costa Rica. There's an information center, and the trails are well tended and well marked.

Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales "La Salle":
Across from the southwest corner of Parque La Sabana
506/232-1306
Mon-Sat 8-4, Sun 9-4
Admission charged.
This natural-history museum offers information and specimens of the animals encountered in the jungles of the country. There are stuffed and mounted anteaters, monkeys, tapirs, and many others from Costa Rica and from around the world as well. There are also 1,200 birds, 12,500 insects, and 13,500 seashells displayed.

Museo Nacional de Costa Rica:
Calle 17 between Avenida Central and Avenida 2, on the Plaza de la Democracia
506/257-1433
Tues-Sun 9-4:30
Closed Dec 25 and 31
Admission charged.
Costa Rica's most important historical museum is housed in a former army barracks in the castle-like ocher colored Bellavista Fortress that was the scene of fighting during the civil war of 1948. There are hundreds of bullet holes on the turrets at the corners of the building. Inside this traditional Spanish-style building, are displays tracing Costa Rican history and culture from pre-Columbian times to the present. In the pre-Columbian room, there are exquisite 2,500-year-old jade carvings. Downstairs is a spectacular insect collection sponsored the National Institute of Biodiversity.

Museo Nacional de Ferrocarril (National Railroad Museum)
Avenida 3,Calle 19
506/221-0777
Tues.-Sun. 9-4:30 (call first, as these hours vary)
Admission charged.
The museum is housed in the ornate Atlantic train station built in 1907 on the northeast corner of the Parque Nacional. Assorted memorabilia and photographs recount the century of operation of the "Jungle Train" which was discontinued following the April, 1991 earthquake.

Museo de Arte Costarricense:
Parque La Sabana Este (Calle 42 and Paseo Colón)
506/222-7155
Tues-Sun 10-4
Admission charged.
www.cr/arte/museos.html
This small museum at the end of Paseo Colón in Parque La Sabana was formerly an airport terminal. Today, however, it houses a collection of works in all media by Costa Rica's most celebrated artists. On display are some exceptionally beautiful pieces in a wide range of artistic styles, demonstrating how Costa Rican artists have interpreted and imitated the major European artistic movements over the years.

Museo de Los Niños (Children's Museum):
Calle 4 and Avenida 9
506/233-2734
Tues-Fri 8-4, Sat-Sun 10-5
Admission charged.
This museum is located a few blocks north of downtown, on Calle 4. Many of the exhibits encourage hands-on play. Topics range from astronomy to communications. This museum sometimes features limited shows of "serious" art, and is also the home of the new National Auditorium.

Museo de Oro Banco Central (Gold Museum):
Calle 5 between Avenida Central and Avenida 2, underneath the Plaza de la Cultura
506/223-0528
Tues-Sun 10-4:30
Admission charged.
Located directly beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, this unusual underground museum houses one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold in the Americas. On display are more than 20,000 troy ounces of gold in more than 2,000 objects. The sheer number of small pieces can be overwhelming and seem redundant; however, the unusual display cases and complex lighting systems show off every piece to its utmost.

Parque Zoológico Simón Bolívar
Avenida 11 and Calle 7, in Barrio Amón
506/223-1790
Daily 9-4:30
Admission charged.
This zoo has received some much needed renovation in recent years. It is geared toward locals and school groups, with a small collection that includes Asian, African, and Costa Rican animals housed in cages rather than in natural habitats. There is a new children's discovery area, snake-and-reptile house, and gift shop.

Plaza de la Democracia
San José's largest square, 400 yards east of the Plaza de la Cultura. It was laid out in 1989 for the Hemispheric Summit. It is the site of a market offering homespun crafts and Guatemalan textiles.

Serpentario
Avenida 1 between Calles 9 and 11
506/255-4210
Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat-Sun 10-5
Admission charged.
Live snakes, lizards, and frogs are kept in beautiful large terrariums that simulate their natural environments. Poisonous snakes make up a large part of the collection. Also, brilliantly colored poison arrow frogs, iguanas and fer- de- lance are represented here.

Mercado Central
Avenida Central, Calles 6/8
Open Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday.
This centrally situated market was opened in 1880 and is still thriving! Crowds press together, working their way through the narrow alleyways to see the many offerings displayed in the stalls of the market. Cobblers, saddle shops, woodworkers, butchers, florists, crafts people, fruit sellers, fishmongers, vendors yelling for the attention of customers, are all there. Keep your money safely concealed and enjoy the experience of an authentic market experience.

Fidel Tristán Museo de Jade
11th floor of INS building, Avenida. 7 between Cs. 9 and 11
506/223-5800 ext. 2584
8:30-4:30 daily. Closed weekends.
Admission charged.
www.cr/arte/museos.html
Nearly all the items at the Jade Museum, the world's largest collection of American jade, were produced in pre-Columbian times, and most of the jade dates from between 300 BC to AD 700, before the indigenous artisans learned goldsmithing. More pre-Columbian artifacts, such as polychrome vases and three-legged metates (low tables for grinding corn), and an array of ceramic fertility symbols round out the collection.

Outside San José:

Side trip to Heredia (seven miles northeast of San José):

Café Britt Farm
Carretera 126, 1.25 miles northwest of Heredia on the road to Barva(telephone for directions)
506/261-0444
Three tours daily: 9, 11, and 3. Tours Nov-Feb during the harvest season; store open daily 8:30-5 year-round
Admission charged.
www.coffeetour.co.cr
Café Britt is one of the leading brands of coffee in Costa Rica, and the company offers an interesting tour and stage production at its farm, which is 20 minutes outside of San José. Visitors are taken on tours to see how coffee is grown, they visit the roasting plant, and can participate in tasting to experience the different qualities of coffee.

Braulio Carrillo National Park
Highway 32, 14 miles northeast of San José
290-1937 or 283-5906
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo is a 108,970 acre forest that protects a massive watershed on the winward side of Cordillera Central. This is a tract of pristine wilderness spanning five life zones.

Aerial Tram at the Park
257-5961
Discover the natural wonders of the forest canopy as you glide through the jungle canopy on the Aerial Tram, a silent creation that allows you to obtain a bird's eye view of the rain forest while accompanied by a naturalist guide. The tour begins with a hike on a diverse trail where you will learn characteristics of the ecosystem.The ride lasts for 90 minutes on the open air tram.

Side trip to Alajuela (one mile north of the Juan Santamaría Airport and 13 miles northwest of San José):

Poás Volcano
23 mile drive from Alajuela goes winding ever upward on a mountain road.
482-4165 or 233-5284
Admission charged.
A scenic drive through coffee and sugar plantations will take you up to the top of this spectacular volcano. Take a close up look from the observation terrace at the enormous crater with its deep green lake. On a clear day you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The visitor center shows a model of the volcano and explains the process at work. The main crater bubbles and belches forth steam on a regular basis; two others are extinct.

Butterfly Farm:
13 miles northwest of San José
In front of Los Reyes Country Club
506/438-0400
Daily 9-5
Admission charged.
80 different species of butterflies are raised at this butterfly farm south of Alajuela. The admission includes a 2-hour guided tour. In the demonstration room there are exhibits of butterfly eggs, caterpillars, and pupae. The butterflies live in a large enclosed garden similar to an aviary.

Zoo Ave
La Garita, Alajuela
506/433-8989
Daily 9-5
Admission charged.
Scarlet macaws, owls, raptors, several different species of toucans, and a host of brilliantly colored birds from Costa Rica and around the world make this one exciting place to visit. There are also large iguana, deer, and monkey exhibits and a 12-foot-long crocodile. Zoo Ave. houses only injured, donated, or confiscated animals.

Side Trips and Tours to other areas near San José:

Manuel Antonio National Park Located two hours from San José, Manuel Antonio National Park is considered to be Costa Rica's most beautiful park, with enchanting white sand beaches ideal for swimming and a tropical forest with abundant wildlife. Either relax in the tropical splendor, or explore the park's trails leading to scenic lookouts. A visit to the nearby town of Quepos for a "tipico" lunch finishes off a perfect day. (Guided tours available)

Carara Biological Reserve
Highway 34, 14 miles south of Orotina (one hour drive from San José)
383-9953
Located in the foothills of the Talamancas Mountains, this important reserve lies at the meeting point of the rainforest and dry forest; of the wet and dry climatic zones. Carara is a Huetar native American name meaning "crocodile." The reserve protects the last major stand of transitional forest on the isthmus. Within its 11,613 acres, representative species from both eco systems abound, including the rare Scarlet Macaw, and a vast number of species of plants and trees. Walk through the trails of this transitional forest, a cross between a dry tropical forest and humid jungle. Appreciate the wonders of this intricate eco-system and it's importance to our planet.

Arts & Entertainment:

Dance:
There are frequent dance performances and concerts in San José's Teatro Fanal and the Teatro 1887, both of which are inside the Centro Nacional De La Cultura C. 13 between Avdas. 3 and 5, San José, 257-5524 (tickets and info).

Theater:
One of San José's main theaters is the Teatro Melico Salazar Avda. 2 between Cs. Central and 2, San José. Dozens of theater groups, including one that performs in English, put on shows at smaller theaters around San José check the English-language Tico Times for information about upcoming performances.

San Jose Events: San Jose Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Jose Travel & Tourism, Free San Jose Travel Guide Online

March:

Festival Internacional De Las Artes
Every other year in San José, the two-week Festival Internacional De Las Artes brings dancers, theater groups, and musicians from around Costa Rica and elsewhere to a dozen city venues in late March.

April:

Día De Juan Santamaría
Takes place 20 km (13 mi) northwest of San José in Alajuela, on April 11, when a loud parade and other festivities get under way.

During Semana Universitaria (University Week)
Usually in April, students at the University of Costa Rica, in San José, put their studies on hold to concentrate on drinking and dancing.

July:

Guanacaste Day
From July 17-25, Liberia celebrates its annexation to Costa Rica on Guanacaste Day, with folk dances, bullfights, and rodeos.

November:

Festival de la Carretas
Featuring oxcarts, traditional dress, and musicians playing the cimaronas.

December:

Carnival Parade
Carnival Parade heads down Avenida 2 every December 26, and a horse parade gets underway December 27.

San Jose Facts: San Jose Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Jose Travel & Tourism, Free San Jose Travel Guide Online

Population:
333,000 (including suburbs:1.3 million)

Elevation:
3,773 feet

People:
96% Spanish descent, 2% African descent, 1% indigenous Indians, 1% Chinese

Language:
Spanish, Creole English and Indian dialects

Religion:
85% Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant

Government:
Democracy

Hospital:
Clinica Biblica: Calle Central y Calle Primera, Avenida 14 506.257.5252

Emergency Contacts:

Ambulance:
911 or 128

Police:
911 or 127

Fire:
911, 118, or 223.8055

Time Zone:
GMT/UTC minus 6 hours. this translates to being the same as Central Standard Time. When it is noon in New York City, it is 11:00am in San José.

In San José the nights are cool and the days warm.

Rainfall:
January - 0.6
February - 0.2
March - 0.8
April - 1.8
May - 9.0
June - 9.5
July - 8.3
August - 9.5
September - 12.0
October - 11.8
November - 5.7
December - 1.6

Electricity:
110V, 60 Hz

Weights & measures:
Metric

National and Local Holidays:
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
Jan.15 - Martin Luther King's Birthday
Feb. 19 - President's Day
Apr. 11 - Juan Santamaria
Apr. 12 - Holy Thursday
Apr. 13 - Good Friday
May 1 - Labor Day (Costa Rica)
May 28 - Memorial Day
Jul. 4 - Independence Day (US)
Jul. 25 - Annexation of Guanacaste
Aug. 2 - Our Lady of Los Angeles
Aug. 15 - Assumption Day (Mother's Day)
Sept. 3 - Labor Day (US)
Oct. 8 - Columbus Day
Oct. 15 - Cultures Day
Nov. 12 - Veteran's Day
Nov. 22 - Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day

Telephone:
Country Code 506 . City codes not required. All numbers have 7 digits.

E Mail:
There is a company that offers e-mail services in downtown San José. Kitcom is two blocks north of the Plaza de la Cultura in the OTEC building. RACSA, a subsidiary of the national Communications Company, ICE, provides full access to the WWW, Telnet, Email and News groups. The price is per month for 25 hours of on-line time. Additional time can be purchased per hour.

Passports & Visas:
A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica. There is no visa requirement for US tourists, who can enter for stays of up to 90 days. Additional information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at 2114 S Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-6628.

Banking:
Open weekdays 9:00 - 3:00. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. All major credit cards are accepted in almost all hotels, stores, restaurants and car rental agencies. It is increasingly easy to find ATMs, though some banks, like branches of Banco Nacional, accept cards held by their customers only.

Tipping:
You don't usually need to bother with tipping at restaurants, as most add a 10% tip (plus 15% tax) to the bill.

Getting There & Away:
International flights arrive at San José's Juan Santamaria international There are good connections to US and Canadian cities and several Latin and South American countries.. There is a departure tax of around US$17 on international flights (Have $20 available)

It's possible to travel overland to Costa Rica from the USA, crossing Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The nearest US town is Brownsville, Texas, 2480mi away. Overlanders can either catch a series of public buses (these are not known for comfort and may not be modern or driven by professionals.) or drive their own car.

Getting Around:
There are two domestic airlines: SANSA and Travelair. Demand for seats is high, so try to book as far in advance as possible.

Taxis:
Before entering the taxi, please check the following: Prices from San Jose to the airport vary s and the meter is not used so establish the price before leaving.

Buses:
Bus service throughout San Jose and all over Costa Rica is good, and can be an economical and interesting way to see the country. For bus schedules consult the ICT tourist office at Plaza de la Cultura in San Jose. Also if you are staying at any lodging facility the bilingual staff will be happy to assist you. All buses have their fare prices written on placards above the windshield, inside the bus.

Rental Cars:
Most rental car agencies require a credit card.

Tips on Driving in Costa Rica:
When in San Jose or other cities, most streets are one-way, and unfortunately you can not tell this ahead of time. The best way to avoid this is to observe which way the traffic is heading before turning onto a street. Try to avoid driving at night and remember Costa Rica is an agricultural country and there may be animals and farm equipment on the road at all hours. There has been numerous complaints from tourists who have rented cars and are stopped by traffic officers and pressured to pay "fines" on the spot, sometimes as much as $100. "In no case should anyone pay money. Drivers can only receive a ticket. They don't have to pay one cent," said the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, which oversees the Transit Police. If a policeman insists on being paid, insist on being given a ticket. If you are pressured to pay something, take down the policeman's name , badge number and send a letter of complaint to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport as well as the Costa Rican Tourist Institute, and be sure to give his name to your rent-a-car company.

San Jose Kids Activities: San Jose Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Jose Travel & Tourism, Free San Jose Travel Guide Online

Serpentario
Avenida 1 between calles 9 and 11
506/255-4210
Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat-Sun 10-5
Admission charged.
Live snakes, lizards, and frogs are kept in beautiful large terrariums that simulate their natural environments. Poisonous snakes make up a large part of the collection. Also, brilliantly colored poison arrow frogs, iguanas and fer- de- lance are represented here.

Spirogyra
100 yards east and 150 yards south of Centro Comercial El Pueblo
Mon-Sat. 9-6 Closed Sunday.
Admission charged.
A 420 square yard netted butterfly garden in which 30 species of butterflies move freely in their natural habitat. An educational video explains the life cycle.

Parque Zoológico Simón Bolívar
Avenida 11 and Calle 7, in Barrio Amón
506/223-1790
Daily 9-4:30
Admission charged.
This zoo has received some much needed renovation in recent years. It is geared toward locals and school groups, with a small collection that includes Asian, African, and Costa Rican animals housed in cages rather than in natural habitats. There is a new children's discovery area, snake-and-reptile house, and gift shop.

Museo de Los Niños (Children's Museum)
Calle 4 and Avenida 9
506/233-2734
Tues-Fri 8-4, Sat-Sun 10-5
Admission charged.
This museum is located a few blocks north of downtown, on Calle 4. Many of the exhibits encourage hands-on play. Topics range from astronomy to communications.

Pueblo Antiguo
200 yards east of Hospital México
506/231-2001
4 hour tour
Admission charged.
This theme park (reminiscent of Williamsburg and Epcot) offers re-creations of life in the past in all areas of Costa Rica . There are sections devoted to urban, rural and coastal life, each staffed by Costa Ricans in period costume. There are many hands-on experiences. For example: in the milking shed, children help the milkmaids fill their pails. Horse drawn carriages move along the streets of the make believe village. Marimba bands perform and folk troupes dramatize historical scenes in song and dance. Craft shops and restaurants continue the themes.

Outside San José:

Side trip to Alajuela (one mile north of the Juan Santamaría Airport and 13 miles northwest of San José):

Butterfly Farm
In front of Los Reyes Country Club
506/438-0400
Daily 9-5
Admission charged.
80 different species of butterflies are raised at this butterfly farm south of Alajuela. The admission includes a 2-hour guided tour. In the demonstration room there are exhibits of butterfly eggs, caterpillars, and pupae. The butterflies live in a large enclosed garden similar to an aviary.

Zoo Ave
La Garita, Alajuela
506/433-8989
Daily 9-5
Admission charged.
Scarlet macaws, owls, raptors, several different species of toucans, and a host of brilliantly colored birds from Costa Rica and around the world make this an exciting place to visit. There are also large iguana, deer, and monkey exhibits and a 12-foot-long crocodile. Zoo Ave. houses only injured, donated, or confiscated animals.

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