Real Deal Travel Spotlight – San Jose, Costa Rica Travel Tips

Travel Spotlight – San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose FAQ’s: The Real Deal Team Answers What, When, Where, How & Why You Should Visit San Jose On Your Next Vacation!

Thinking of visiting Costa Rica on your next vacation? Your flight will most likely bring you into SJO, the main international airport right in the heart of Costa Rica. San Jose is also Costa Rica’s capital and the largest city in the country. This gorgeous metropolis is considered to be one of the most popular cities in Latin America, and for good reason. Within the city, you will find amazing markets, museums, first-class dining, and a vivid nightlife scene all within walking distance. The city center is surrounded by the lush jungles of Costa Rica. This is the perfect starting point for exploring this beautiful country.

Better yet, San Jose is just a few hours away in any direction to rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, national parks and waterfalls galore. San Jose is a main transportation hub for Costa Rica, which makes it a great starting point when you visit. Most don’t imagine a busy city center when they think of Costa Rica, but San Jose is not something to be missed. Many people head out to the beaches and rainforests, but trust us you will want to stay for a few days. You will fall in love with the charming mix of old and modern culture this city has to offer!

History of San Jose- A City Overlooked

As Spanish colonies spread throughout Costa Rica, they made their way into the sprawling valley that is now the current day San Jose. Prior to that, Cartago was the first major city formed and the first capital of Costa Rica with its roots dating back to 1563. Later, the sprawl would lead to the current site of San Jose, about 26km to the West. Originally founded as Villanueva de la Boca del Monte del Valle de Abra in 1736 by Cabildo de Leon after the chapel built there. The city would later adopt the name San Jose in 1738 after the patron saint Joseph of Nazarine they chose for the chapel.

San Jose was not as well-known as the bigger and more established Cartago, a city whose origins date back to 1563. Cartago during the colonial era served as the provincial capital. And San Jose took a backseat. It wasn’t until it was used as a main stop in the tobacco-trading route during the late 18th century that San Jose was even acknowledged as a city. Finally, in 1823 San Jose was made the capital city of Costa Rica. Actually, San Jose was named the capital of Costa Rica 3 times leading to current history and remains today. Needless to say, a walk through the city will reveal several generations of intriguing history.

Civil War of 1948 – Solidifying San Jose as the Capital of Costa Rica

In the 1940s, several areas of San José served as a battlefield in the civil war of 1948. This was one of the most violent and bloodiest conflicts in Costa Rica’s history and it left a great impact on the country. It lasted for about 44 days, during which roughly 2,000 people died.

The war originated at the beginning of the 1940s, when President Rafael Angel Calderón wanted to hold onto his power but as of 1944 was no longer able to run for president for another 4 years. Due to this, he gave his support the new President Teodoro Picado but many people believed this was a corrupt arrangement with Calderón secretly still in power and calling the shots. During this time many unfortunate political events happened like the military being released onto the general public multiple times to maintain order and control.

Fed up with the current political situation, rebel commander Jose Figueres Ferrer rose up against the government with the support of the locals. This caused the Civil War to end very quickly with the rebels traveling up through the Pan American Highway and taking over numerous Costa Rican cities by giving the power back to the people. José Figueres Ferrer then emerged as the country’s temporary leader for almost a year and a half where he brought many positive changes. He will always be remembered in Costa Rica’s history as a brave man.

Costa Rica has not experienced any great amount of political or military violence since this day. The effects of the Civil War lived long in the memories of the locals (or Ticos). Today, they show great aversion towards military conflicts and make it their purpose to live peaceful lives. In fact, the military was abolished altogether in Costa Rica. This allows them to devote those funds into education and healthcare instead. The term ‘pura vida’, meaning ‘pure life’, came from the Civil War, and this philosophy is followed throughout most parts of Costa Rica.

San Jose Today- Bustling Metropolis in the Valley of Volcanoes and Rainforests

In the 20th century, San Jose transformed from a coffee-trading route to a massive city center. In the 1940s San José had only 70,000 residents. Today, it stands at over 2 million. This city continues to grow and attracts visitors and locals year-round. You can learn a large part of Costa Rican history in the capital city. We recommend checking out the National Theater, in at the heart of San José. This has been the stage for incredible music, ballet, and theater. It also tells a story of the rich coffee trade that Costa Rica has become world-famous for.

Just like any city in the world, we highly recommend a city tour your first days in town. Don’t miss all the highlights of the gorgeous capital of San Jose like Parque Morazon, Templo de Musica, Plaza de la Cultura, pre-Colombia museum, and of course the National Theater. A city tour will give you a glimpse into San Jose Costa Rica’s rich history.

San Jose FAQ’s – Your Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to San Jose Answered by the Experts

What? Costa Rica is not all about nature and wildlife? Who knew?! So now that you have a little history in your back pocket, let’s explore our FAQs for the rest of what, when, where, and how to visit San Jose Costa Rica on vacation.

What are the Top Attractions In San Jose?

From coffee plantations to waterfalls, there are so many options for fun in Costa Rica! First off, we recommend touring the bustling streets and markets on foot. San Jose is really pedestrian friendly. They have not one but 2 different pedestrian-only walkways through the city center. Seriously, spend a day getting lost in the picturesque city or roaming through the parks. There is so much to see and do in just the heart of downtown San Jose that you an spend a couple days just exploring. However, there are so many incredible options for day tours that can be taken directly from the city center. Here is our teams’ pics for the top five things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Is San Jose Costa Rica Safe?

Short answer; yes! Costa Rica actually has the lowest crime rate of any Central American country! However, whenever you are in a big city there can be risks. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the area you are staying in and be careful when walking around at nighttime. It is always recommended to leave things like passports and valuables in a safe place like a hotel room. For some good travel tips and a little more info, check out our previous blog “Is Costa Rica Safe For Tourists” including some handy travel tips.

What is the currency used in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s currency is the colon which is named after Cristobal Colon, or Christopher Columbus as you probably learned in English. It comes in both paper and coin form. For visitors from the U.S. however, there’s no reason to change money in advance because USD is commonly used in Costa Rica. However, you will most likely receive your change in colones. One US dollar averages between 575 to 580 good local colones currently, so doing the math can be tricky. But always best to check with the current exchange rate before you leave. But too put it into perspective, a cup of deliciously authentic Costa Rican coffee will cost you from 900 to 1500 colones right now. Locally grown organic coffee for just a couple bucks? Take that Starbucks!

Do I need to speak Spanish when traveling to San Jose, Costa Rica?

While it is ideal to learn the language and culture in any place you visit, you will not need to speak Spanish in San Jose. The outskirts of Costa Rica are more prominently Spanish speaking, but in the city, many people speak English to cater to tourists. However, we do recommend picking up a few Spanish phrases to make your visit more enjoyable. Check out our blog on some Tico slang to help you fit in with the locals.

Is The Tap Water is Safe to Drink in Costa Rica?

In the cities like San Jose, you can drink the tap water no problem. Hotels will indicate whether the water is safe or provide you with drinking water. Tour guides should let you know where the water is safe to drink on tours. However plastic bottles are frowned upon, so it is always a good idea to bring your own bottle. In fact, the tap water in the cloud forest of Monteverde is delicious! There are fresh natural springs throughout the entire country you can fill your bottle with.

How Much Should I Tip in San Jose, Costa Rica?

It’s important to know that anytime you eat out whether it be at a cafe, bar, or restaurant there will usually be a 10% service charge or 13% tax added to your bill. This also means that there is no need to leave an extra tip for your server unless you want to, which is always nice. Make sure to read your bills carefully and double-check if the tip is already included.

What are the best day trips from San Jose?

San Jose is located in the San Jose Province in the center of Costa Rica. This is a fantastic starting off point for seeing the rest of the country. There are many amazing day trips to choose from the central valley of Costa Rica. Want to hit the beach? Take a cruise to Tortuga Island! Or maybe explore the beaches of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Want to see some of those famous Costa Rica volcanoes? There are some super awesome day tours that visit Arenal, Irazu and Poas volcanoes while hitting some of the top cultural sites along the way. Or check out the amazing rainforests surrounding the area. Check out some of our suggestions, or see the complete list of day tours from San Jose Costa Rica.

I am coming to San Jose Costa Rica for a work convention and only have a half-day to explore Costa Rica, what do you suggest?

The great thing about staying in San Jose Costa Rica is that so many destinations are so close. Want to check out Costa Rica’s famous volcanoes? A trip to Irazu or Poas Volcano are just a short trip outside the city. And our San Jose city tour takes place in the afternoon, so you can schedule your meetings for the morning and escape in time to explore the city. If work has you tied up all day, then go for a cultural feast of folkloric dancing and typical Tico cuisine with a view of the entire city at the Ram Luna Dinner Show and Cultural Spectacular.

What are the best options for transportation in San Jose?

San Jose serves as Costa Rica’s main transportation hub and getting around is super easy. Honestly, Taxis or Uber are the easiest way to navigate the city while buses are the cheapest way to get out of the city. Each destination has its own bus station, so if you decide to take a public bus you will need to do a little research ahead of time to know where to meet your bus. There is not just one central hub that services all destinations.

For getting outside the city, we suggest shuttle services that are amazingly efficient and also very economical. They also typically speak English and take rest stops at surprisingly authentic souvenir shops if you wish to indulge. And if you are the daring type comfortable with navigating the less than ideal highways in Costa Rica, renting a car is a great option for exploring on your own. We have hit on this point in a past blog if you would like a bit more info.

When is the Best Time to Visit San Jose, Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April. This time of year has plenty of sunshine making it ideal for exploring rainforests or lounging on beaches. Keep in mind, this is also the most popular and expensive time to visit. You should first check out the value of traveling in “Green Season” which may be a bit rainy, but also a great value and less crowded. Costa Rica basically has two seasons, summer and winter. But this beautiful city can be enjoyed year-round! In fact, San Jose has been nicknamed the city of eternal Spring. With temperatures averaging in the 70’s year-round, there is never a bad time to visit San Jose, Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, we will break it down so you can decide when the best time to visit San Jose, Costa Rica will be for you.

San Jose Costa Rica Weather

Summer: December – April “Dry Season”

This is the best time to visit because the weather is so beautiful and it hardly rains. This time of year is typically winter in most parts of North America, so it’s a great option for escaping the snow. Since the rainfall is low this time of year, it is a great time to explore the jungles and spot wildlife! However, this is the busiest time of year for tourism. Lots of international travelers are drawn to Costa Rica during these months so make sure to book your hotels and tours well in advance.

One time to avoid traveling to any Latin beach destination however is Semana Santa. This is when the beaches are packed with everyone fleeing the city during the National Holiday weeks surrounding Easter & Palm Sunday. The city of San Jose goes from bustling to nearly dead as everyone closes up shop. Although it would be a great time to explore the city without the crowds, unfortunately most shops, museums and galleries are all closed. They also strictly enforce “Ley Seca”, which prohibits the sale of alcohol. So no poolside cocktails during vacation if you travel over this weekend.

Winter- May-November: Rainy or “Green Season”

This time of year is well known as the rainy season, however many refer to it as the green season as well since the foliage is quite extraordinary during these months. The rainforests come alive with plants and wildlife alike. While many opt not to visit this time of year, this is actually a wonderful time to visit since there are little crowds and it is significantly cheaper as well. Sunny hot days are also very common during this time, making it ideal for visiting the quiet beaches and jungles so long as you bring a rain poncho for the occasional passing storm. While it does rain often, the rain is refreshing.

Whenever you decide to travel, San Jose has a very moderate climate year round. It is when you take day trips outside of the city that the climate will affect you most. You can also count on the sun to rise and fall around the same time as well. If you are an early riser, prepare for a bright and shiny morning by 6 am daily, and a sunset around the same time in the evening.

San Jose Costa Rica Travel Tips – Know Before You Go Tips From Our Team Who Have Been There Done That

So we have explored San Jose and the surrounding attractions extensively over the years, and here are just a few of our takeaways.

Enjoy the Natural Beauty Costa Rica Is So Famous For

Don’t just park yourself in the city. Get out and explore in nature! One of the most incredible things about Costa Rica is abundant landscapes. San Jose is a beautiful historic city, but make sure to venture out the beaches and jungles outside the city as well!

We recommend visiting a cloud forest to take in not only the beauty but the health benefits too! Just check out all the benefits of a walk in the forest. This is serious science and just what your doctor ordered for your vacation. Monteverde is the closest cloud forest, located about 3 hours away from San Jose. However, a visit to the Arenal Volcano gives you both healing qualities of a walk in the rainforest, and the soothing therapy of the natural hot springs it provides.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Explore The Entire Country

As previously mentioned, there are a ton of day trip options to choose from. However, you may want to split your time between the city and other destinations at the beaches or in the jungles. Which brings us to our next point…

When booking your trip to Costa Rica try to plan for at least a two week stay if possible. San Jose has plenty to do and see. However, Costa Rica is a very large country and it can take hours to visit some of the amazing sights. Between beaches, jungles, national parks, wildlife reserves, sloth sanctuaries and volcanoes, you will want to leave yourself with plenty of time for day trips and excursions in each destination.

Drive Carefully – Watch Out For Wildlife & Wild Drivers & Wild Weather

That said, while exploring, please take your time. If you choose to rent a car to explore the sights, drive with caution! Costa Rican highways are a bit infamous for their challenges. They have been making a lot of improvements in recent years. However, there are still unique challenges that come with this unique destination. Ticos know these challenges and have mastered them. Ticos may seem like they are wild drivers, but they are just accustomed to these routes daily. As a visitor, you’ll need to drive with a lot more caution and awareness of your surroundings.

Watch out for wildlife! Only in Costa Rica do you have to mind sloths slowly creeping across the road while giant butterflies flutter past your windshield. Or there are the massive migrations of crabs crossing the streets at sunset. Oh, and monkeys crawling across the road on the ropes that are set up for them to safely cross overhead. There is a lot of wildlife in Costa Rica, so please take your time and be respectful that we all have to share the same space.

Be aware that wild weather can affect you too. The toll roads are well-paved and traffic moves quickly. However, if you are driving during rainy season, even the toll roads are subject to landslides. This means traffic jams of course. However, in some cases where the roads are narrower. This can also mean you are completely blocked from reaching your destination. When traveling some of the smaller country roads, 4WD is an absolute must.

One more note. If you decide to rent a car, we would suggest doing it as you are leaving the city. Within the city of San Jose, parking is extremely limited, and traffic can be terrible. Also, many of the smaller boutique hotels you will find in San Jose do not have parking space. Parking on the street is not always recommended even if you can find it. And like most cities, parking garages are not cheap either.

Try the Local Cuisine

The most popular dish of Costa Rica is called casado. A casado is known as a “married mans meal” consists of basically rice, beans, and various types of meat. You can find these basic and economical dishes at any local Soda, the traditional Costa Rican cafes. Some other great dishes are Patacones which are fried plantains, or fresh Ceviche which is made from seafood and vegetables. In case you want to experiment at home before you come, or you want to try them again after you Costa Rica trip, check out these recipes.

San Jose is an incredible city with a zest for life. The term Pura Vida is taken very seriously and time slows down when you are enjoying the gorgeous sights. This Costa Rican city is abundant with historical charm, it is not something to be missed. When planning your next trip to Costa Rica, make sure San Jose is on the list!