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Costa Rica

  • © Celso Diniz / age fotostock

    San José, Costa Rica

Costa Rica in pictures - San José

  • San José

    In the centre of Costa Rica, at an altitude of 4,000 ft, San José is both the country's largest city and its capital since 1823, almost a century after it was tardily founded. Long boulevards or, on the contrary, narrow gaudy lanes, many grey, modern buildings, a few skyscrapers, shantytowns, these are the first images that this lively and cosmopolitan city has to offer in the heart of the Central Valley. You will need to look well to discover some of the charms of San José. The national theatre and its Renaissance-style façade is the pride of all Costa Ricans and the city's major meeting point. On the other side of plaza de la Cultura, a visit should certainly be paid to the Gold Museum, one of the four museums in the world where visitors can admire the beauty and sophistication of the pre-Columbian culture. Nearby, you should make your way through the crowd of Avenidad Central, a large pedestrian street lined with numerous boutiques, to finally get to the maze of Mercado Central (the central market). The Jade Museum, the richest museum in all of the Americas, is one of the city's gems, thanks to its beauty, quality and great number of exhibited pieces. As for The National Museum, it presents Costa Rican culture and history. The districts of Otoya and Amon give you the opportunity to take very pleasant strolls and explore the Spanish, Caribbean, Art-Deco, Neo-Classical and Moresque-style residences.
    Discover San José
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In brief +

Weekly budget
£700
Flight budget
£600
Flight duration
14h 
Time difference
-8h / -7h
Visa
No
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Colon
Language(s)
Spanish

Costa Rica :

map Costa Rica

Destination overview

A very lush, green country, Costa Rica is a place where fauna and flora flourish. The aptly named 'Switzerland of Central America' shows the way for the development of eco-tourism with its green forests galore, numerous volcanoes at the heart of protected nature parks and its long beaches on the Pacific and the Atlantic coasts. This is one of nature's kingdoms that is becoming more and more of an attractive tourist destination, and it's no mystery why!

pros

  •  The great diversity of ecosystems.
  •  The possibility of combining seaside holidays with nature adventures.
  •  The kindness of the inhabitants

cons

  •  The state of the roads is particularly appalling.
  •  There are no direct flights from London to San José.
  •  The tourism industry is driving prices up.

Costa Rica Travel guide

Costa Rica Holidays in Costa Rica, All you need to know!

Our Editorial team's advice

At least ten days are necessary to visit the great sites of the country such as the Irazu and Arenal volcanoes, lake Arenal, the National Park of Tortuguero, the National Park of Manuel-Antonio, as well as to spend a few days relaxing on the beaches. You should not hesitate to discover this country on your own or in a group, without a guide, as the country is peaceful and very well developed on a tourist level.
Though they are a joy to the surfers, some waves, due to the currents, can be fatal for swimmers, so make sure that you are informed of potential dangers before diving in head first!

Costa Rica : Reasons to go

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Costa Rica : Places to visit

Costa Rica in pictures

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  • San José, Costa Rica
  • Tortuguero, Costa Rica
  • From Tamarindo to the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica
  • Volcan Poas and Arenal, Costa Rica
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Costa Rica in pictures

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    Hotel reviews Costa Rica

    Have you been to this destination before? Where did you stay? We want to hear about it, so post your review on the EasyOpinions forum for us! Create an opinion
    • Holiday Inn SAN JOSE-AUROLA Holiday Inn SAN JOSE-AUROLAHoliday Inn SAN JOSE-AUROLA
      Photo of susan humphries

      susan humphries 17/07/2011 :

      "This hotel is right in the centre of the city so within very easy walking distance of attractions such as the Gold museum."

      9/10 More...
    • Holiday Inn Express HIEX SAN JOSE AIRPORT Holiday Inn Express HIEX SAN JOSE AIRPORTHoliday Inn Express HIEX SAN JOSE AIRPORT
      Photo of susan humphries

      susan humphries 25/06/2011 :

      "This hotel is VERY close to the airport so great if you have an early flight.Although we were not bothered by aircraft noise at all."

      7/10 More...
    • Laguna Lodge Laguna LodgeLaguna Lodge
      Photo of susan humphries

      susan humphries 28/04/2011 :

      "A great eco lodge on the Carribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is VERY wet there so expect to get damp at some stage over you stay. "

      9/10 More...

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    Rooksana Hossenally Section editor

    Travel is my driving force in life, and although I have had the privilege of visiting 30 countries so far, my heart will always remain in India...

    Weather Costa Rica

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    • San José 23°C | 25°C 4 day weather forecast 25°C 26°C 26°C 23°C
    • Puerto Limón 28°C | 32°C 4 day weather forecast 32°C 32°C 33°C 27°C

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