San Jose is a typical "city". I certainly wouldn't want to spend my whole
CR vacation there, but I don't think it is a dump! Because that is where
the main airport is, it makes for a good jumping off point to traveling the
country. I would also recommend staying at the Best Western in San Jose
when you are leaving the country, because they have free airport transfers
for when you want to go back (they don't pick you up from the airport,
however). It is a very nice hotel, but not in an area that you would feel
comfortable walking around at night in. There is a taxi driver that will
take you anywhere you want to go in the evening for tips only. The BW has a
breakfast buffet that comes with it that is very good. There is an indoors
pool, as well.
If you want to visit a beautiful area of CR, make sure you go up to Arenal
Volcano. I've stayed at the Arenal Observatory Lodge twice. It is quite
rustic, but gives you a "National Geographic" feel--which is the group that
originally built this
place. Reservations phone # is (506) 257-9489. The Lodge number is (506)
257-5033. Fax number is (506) 257-4220. e mail is arenal@sol.racsa.co.cr
We got the tour office at the Balmoral to hook us up on a day tour that goes
up to Arenal. Since the tour was round trip, we only paid half the price
and got the benefit of a couple other stops including Sarchi, where they
make the painted ox carts. When you go to Arenal, don't pass up the free
morning hike (except I think it is $1 to get into one area, but the guide
doesn't charge. Your guide will take you up to the old lava flow and also
through the forest pointing out animals, birds, and insects that you would
otherwise walk right by without him pointing them out. He is a walking
guide book of knowledge. He literally will tell you what page of the guide
book a certain specie can be found on! (then he proves it!) Take some of
those little mini binoculars with you to view birds and wild life.
In the same area as Arenal is the town of La Fortuna where Tabacon Hot
Springs Resort is. You can go to for the day even without staying at their
hotel. It is a beautifully manicured "park" with multiple naturally heated
hot springs. The volcano is what heats them up. Some areas are hotter than
others. There is a clean, modern locker room where you can rent towels,
change clothes, take a shower, etc. Don't worry about being "in shape" to
enjoy it. You'll see all kinds of people from all over the world enjoying
the springs. You can also have spa treatments done there if you want. They
have a nice restaurant there as well.
We also took a bus (from the Coca Cola station--watch your stuff at all
times there, as it is a place famous for pick pockets) from San Jose down to
Manuel Antonio park. It is in the south on the ocean. You'll see lots of
monkeys, iguanas, and sloths there. Very tropical feel.
We have also gone to a resort up in Guanacaste (the northwest coast). It
felt like being in Texas. Kind of dried out. The beaches are black sand.
We are scuba divers, and weren't real impressed with the amount or variety
of fish there. If you've never gone snorkeling, I guess it would be a
treat, though.
I have yet to see Monte Verde. Maybe for trip number four to CR, we'll take
that in! In any case, have fun wherever you go! OH! As a side note, you
can take dirt cheap mini bus or van trips in between the four Best Westerns
in CR. The company is called Fantasy Trips or Fantasy something-or-other.
Sounds kinky, but it's legit! They are air conditioned and comfortable.
Jane
"JimS" wrote in message
news:UvSdnVFneMwYmAfYnZ2dnUVZ_vyunZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "Ned & Jane" wrote in message
> news:lOWdnb-CdYioNQXYnZ2dnUVZ_ternZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Hello:
>>
>> Has anyone experienced the 1-day Costa Rica Highlights tour from San
>> Jose? It appears that several companies offer the same tour, and much of
>> the verbiage from their websites was repetetive.
>>
>> Do you have a particular tour company recommendation?
>>
>> Thanks, Ned
>
> As others have said, they all give the same tour I think. I took this tour
> a couple of years ago and I enjoyed it very much too. Yes, you are herded
> around a bit like cattle and you get to feeling pretty predictable, but
> it's a nice tour anyway. And for the price it's a great deal, you will see
> a LOT.
>
> Enjoy yourself!
> JimS.,
> Seattle
>
> P.S.-- In my opinion, I would highly recommend staying as little time as
> possible in San Jose, and high-tailing it to somewhere else such as in the
> mountains near the volcano, or one of the beach towns, as soon as
> possible. San Jose is a dump.
>
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