It's the capital of Costa Rica and while most see it merely as a stopover before venturing elsewhere in the country, a holiday in San Jose can make for a very interesting experience. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, the city plays host to plenty of museums and historic buildings. A trip to the Gold Museum is a must (it's located underground) while the National Museum will teach you all about the city's history and is home to a beautiful butterfly garden. Head to the downtown area to experience the busy and bustling atmosphere!
There are no direct flights to San Jose but you'll find plenty of airlines offering an indirect service. You can fly out from a good range of airports across the UK including London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast International with the likes of KLM, United, American Airlines and British Airways. Flights from the UK land at San José International Airport which is located around 17 kilometres from the city itself.
The most convenient way to get to your San Jose hotel is to jump into a taxi and there are plenty available from outside the arrivals hall - just look out for the reddish-orange ones that say Taxi Aeropuerto as these are the official taxis. Most taxis should have meters so ensure your driver uses it. A cheaper option is to catch the local bus which stops right outside the airport and will take you into the heart of the downtown area for $1. Alternatively, car hire in San Jose can be a convenient option and hire cars can be collected from the airport upon arrival. Be sure to book in advance for the best deals.
There is plenty of accommodation options in the city from basic guesthouses to chain hotels. If you are on a budget and looking for cheap hotels in San Jose be sure to shop around online to compare prices and find the right accommodation for your needs. If you plan to stay longer than a few nights, it's a good idea to haggle on the price as many establishments will offer discounts the longer you plan to stay.
You don't have to spend a fortune getting around during your San Jose holiday as much of the city can be explored on foot. If you do need transportation and don't have a hire car, the local buses offer a cheap way of getting around although they can be a little confusing to begin with. Ask a local if you're unsure of the final destination and they'll help point you in the right direction.
Updated 12th June 2013
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