San Jose, CR

San José enjoys a mild climate year-round, but some seasons offer different advantages:

• December–April (Dry Season): Best for clear skies, outdoor sightseeing, and day trips.
• May–August (Green Season): Ideal for lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
• September–November (Low Season): Great for budget travelers, but expect occasional rain.

• Teatro Nacional (National Theater): A stunning neoclassical theater with grand architecture and cultural performances.
• Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum): A fascinating collection of ancient gold artifacts.
• Mercado Central: A bustling market filled with local foods, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.
• Museo Nacional de Costa Rica: A former military barracks turned museum showcasing Costa Rican history.
• La Sabana Park: A large urban park with sports fields, walking trails, and the Costa Rican Art Museum.
• Barrio Amón & Barrio Escalante: Trendy neighborhoods known for historic buildings, cafés, and vibrant nightlife.
• Jade Museum: Home to the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts.
• Spirogyra Butterfly Garden: A peaceful oasis in the city featuring exotic butterflies.
• Plaza de la Cultura: A lively central square surrounded by San José’s most iconic buildings.
• Day Trip to Poás Volcano: A short drive from the city, featuring a massive crater and scenic viewpoints.

• Gallo Pinto: A classic Costa Rican breakfast dish of rice and beans.
• Casado: A traditional meal with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat or fish.
• Olla de Carne: A hearty beef and vegetable stew.
• Chifrijo: A delicious mix of beans, rice, crispy pork, and pico de gallo.
• Tamales: Corn dough filled with meat or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Empanadas: Savory pastries stuffed with cheese, meat, or beans.
• Tres Leches Cake: A sweet and creamy dessert soaked in three types of milk.
• Agua Dulce: A warm sugarcane-based drink, perfect with breakfast.
• Costa Rican Coffee: Renowned for its rich flavor, best enjoyed at a local café.

• Flights: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located about 20 minutes from downtown.
• Car Rentals: Useful for exploring beyond the city, but not necessary for downtown travel.
• Taxis & Uber: Uber is widely available and often cheaper than traditional taxis.
• Public Buses: A budget-friendly way to get around, but can be confusing for first-time visitors.
• Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance in the city center.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Costa Rica’s visa requirements based on your nationality.
• Departure Tax: Some airlines include this in the ticket price, but if not, expect a small exit fee at the airport.

• Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Credit cards: Accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• ATMs: Available throughout the city, dispensing both colones and U.S. dollars.
• Cash: Recommended for small businesses, taxis, and tips.

• Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Most signs, menus, and information are available in English.

• Costa Ricans (Ticos) are friendly and polite—greet people with “Buenos días” or “Pura Vida!”
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—most restaurants include a 10% service charge.
• Street vendors expect bargaining, but shops have fixed prices.
• Do not flush toilet paper—most restrooms have a trash bin for disposal.
• Be mindful of safety—stick to well-lit areas and avoid carrying valuables in crowded places.

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is usually included; additional tipping is optional but appreciated.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 10–15% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the fare is common.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For peak travel season (December–April): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For off-season travel (May–November): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For Poás Volcano and cultural tours: Book at least a few days ahead.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Reef-safe sunscreen is highly recommended for day trips to national parks.
• Some museums and attractions are closed on Mondays—plan accordingly.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com