Costa Rica Travel and Vacation

I’m headed out the first week in October. After doing a lot of reading, I see that renting a car is probably not the best bet. Can anyone recommend an itinerary that would allow me to see some beautiful parts of Costa Rica on day trips outside of the city? Also, how much does a private taxi cost for the day?
Many thanks in advance for your answers!

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and do some of them offer weekly or monthly rates?
I’m a single man

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Image taken on 2008-04-12 15:28:56 by mdverde.

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Costa Rica is a thriving vacation destination, especially during the Spring Break. Many college students and couples flock to San Jose, Costa Rica for a memorable nature trip. You will find Costa Rica’s amazing eco-system as well as its wonderful beaches along the mountain ranges between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. In Northern Costa Rica, in Guanacaste, there encompasses both interior and coastal areas, lush forests, arid plains, golden beaches, estuaries and rich mountains teeming with life. In fact, several of the most beautiful and largest nature reserves are situated here. This is along with spectacular beachfront resorts that provide scuba diving, fishing, golfing and windsurfing activities. The wonderful Tabacon Hot Springs and active arenal volcano are also in close proximity to the coast. San Jose, its busy capital, is just three hours away to all these fascinating sites. In fact, about half of the entire population resides in San Jose, offering famous beach destinations like Jaco Beach and Puntarenas. You will also find oriented hotels and thrilling activities like golf, horseback riding and surfing among others. Costa Rica really has everything going for both its residents and guests. Costa Rica is a haven to tourists on spring breaks, but also visited in other seasons. Going here can provide you with more excitement and culture as compared to a trip to Key West or Cancun. Whatever it is you are looking for, from natural landscapes to surfing activities, pristine beaches, throbbing nightlife and flavorful local culture, the country has it all. Airline packages are more affordable in spring also. Airfare only costs about $350 to $550. Your expenses during your stay can only be as low as $25 per day. It is really a worthwhile dream vacation. Costa Rica showcases the best of Latin America, offering a rich history, culture and food combined with the comforts of home. Not only is this place gaining praises for its thriving eco-tourism industry and stunning natural attractions, it is also highly regarded for being one of the most highly developed as well as safest nations in the continent. Contrary to speculations, the roads here are well-traveled and safe. With tourism as their biggest industry, their educational levels are quite high. A Trip to San Jose As Costa Rica’s capital city, it is considered as “the vibrant heart of the country. ” It offers world class museums, beautiful architecture and the finest nightlife Costa Rica can offer. Hotels near Park Central have quality, convenient and valued services. A good example is Costa Rica Backpackers Hotel located at Avenue 6 Calle 21/23. You can call them at 221-6191. Another one is Casa Leon situated at Avenue 6 Calle 13/15. You can call them at 222-9725. In terms of nightlife, you can go to San Pedro or El Pueblo for a wide array of student bars. More Facts about Costa Rica The capital and largest city of Costa Rica is San Jose. Costa Rica is noted as the only country without an army. This is because it was abolished in the year 1949. Christopher Columbus and Columbus discovered Costa Rica during his 4th as well as final voyage towards the New World. Nicaragua borders Costa Rica to the north while Panama borders it to the south. Although they were not able to subdue its natives, Costa Rica was discovered last September 18, 1502. In English, Costa Rica means “rich coast. ” This is because the Spaniards became impressed with the gold ornaments that were displayed by the natives, claiming that it was the richest coast they have ever encountered. Spanish is the main language of the locals. This is because it evolved from the Spaniards. In the year 1821, Costa Rica was declared an independent nation. In fact, its separation with Spain was very peaceful. For a brand new vehicle, a local of Costa Rica needs to shoulder 100% of its tax. This means that if a resident there will buy a $20,000 car, he will be able to have for a total of $40,000, including taxes.

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VISTA DE SAN JOSE COSTA RICA, SECTOR NORTE DE LA CIUDAD. RECORRIDO POR SAN JOSE CENTRO. YOU CAN SEE THE NORTH SIDE FROM SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA, CENTRAL AMERICA. TAKE A WALK FROM A LITLE BUT BEAUTY CITY. DANGEROUS SISDE FROM SAN JOSE COSTA RICA, IS THE WEST AND SOUTH CENTER CITY….CAMAROGRAFO, MINOR SAN IGNACIO DE ACOSTA, VUELTA DE JORCOL

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San Jose is the third largest city in California. It is located in the Santa Clara Valley at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay area. The “Capital of Silicon Valley” became its nickname. This is when a large development of high-technology computers, microprocessors, and engineering companies settled down in this region. Together with the rise of big companies and schools around the city, many hotels had been built surrounding it in order to accommodate the rising number of tourists. San Jose is the third largest city in California. It is located in the Santa Clara Valley at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay area. The “Capital of Silicon Valley” became its nickname. This is when a large development of high-technology computers, microprocessors, and engineering companies settled down in this region. With a total of area 178. 2 square miles (461. 5 km²), it is originally known as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, in honor of Saint Joseph. Moreover, San Jose experienced earthquake activities along the areas that fall under and near the San Andres Fault. It also has a Mediterranean climate, which is similar to most areas near the bay area. Three sided mountain shelters within the city make it more semi-arid in its environment. Historically, San Jose was inhibited by groups of Ohlone Native Americans. In 1769, the Europeans began with a series of Franciscan missionaries. In fact, San Jose was founded as the first town in the Spanish colony of Nueva California. This was on November 29Th of the year 1777. It was made possible by a certain Lieutenant José Joaquín Moraga. By the year 1825, San Jose was ruled by Mexicans and became part of the United States. This was after surrendering on stipulated terms in the year 1846. It also supports military installations at Monterey and San Francisco, which were farming communities. Thus, between the 1960s and the 1990s; it became a magnet for suburban neophytes, particularly in new housing developments. Hence, San Jose served as its first capital when California gained statehood in the year 1850. During 1970s, there was a growth in businesses. Hence, after four decades of fast developments and growth in population, it became the third most populous city in California. San Jose shifted from agriculture to industrial manufacturing as the World War II started. In 1943, IBM established the West Coast headquarters and opened its doors for research and developmental facilities. Aside from this, a rapid heightening of technological industry was gained by San Jose in the year 1990. By then, Silicon Valley gave more economic and population expansion which led to an increase in housing costs. This is along with the highest rating of 93. 6% between the years 1976 up to 2001. San Jose also got the highest median household income as compared to any other city, with over 300,000 residents by year 2000. The cost of living in San Jose became high when the 25 companies began expanding. This included: • Flextronics • Adobe Systems • Cisco • Hewlett-Packard • BEA Systems • eBay • IBM • Lockheed Martin • Hitachi. U. S. – invested and received about thirty-five percent of all venture capital funds at San Jose. This is along with Silicon Valley companies. There are several federal and state agencies settling in San Jose, even courthouses. It also houses schools like: • San José State University Stanford University • University of California • Berkeley • Santa Clara University – specializes on computer and engineering courses. San Jose also became one of the safest large cities in the United States, along with a population of 989,496 as of January 2008. Furthermore, San Jose continually attracts tourists and more hotels now, offering great accommodations that would fit ones relaxing moments. Hotels to choose from are as follows: 1. Best Western Airport Plaza Price: $90 up to $215 Address: 2118 The Alameda Phone number: 408-243-2400 Check-in time – 1:00 PM Check-out time – 11:00 AM Best Western Airport Plaza is located near the airport, universities, restaurants, convention centers, museums and amusement parks. It is a boutique styled property situated just a drive away from Santa Cruz or San Francisco. Amenities: • Common areas wheelchair accessible • Non-smoking room • Crib/rollaway bed • Parking (free) • Multi-lingual staff • Smoke alarms • Sprinklers • Elevators • Fax (for guests) • Indoor/Outdoor Pool • Hot Tub 2. Comfort Inn San Jose Price: $72 up to $229 Address: 875 N 13th St Phone number: 408-287-9380 Check-in time – 3:00p Check-out time – 11:00a Amenities: • Complimentary breakfast • Wake-up service • Business center • Copy service • Electronic keys • 24 hour security • Outdoor parking • Multi-lingual staff • Iron • Ice machine • Fax • FREE High Speed Internet Access in all rooms • Brailed elevators • Laundry room • Photocopier service • Smoke detectors • TV remote control • Microwave • Non-smoking room • Phone service 3. Crowne Plaza Hotel Price: $113 Hotel Front Desk: 1-408-9980400 Hotel Fax: 1-408-2899081 Located at 282 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose Downtown, Crowne Plaza Hotel provides a 100% smoke free environment. The hotel is accessible to all freeways, train stations and light rails. Crowne Plaza is a 4 mile distance from the tennis court, 1 mile from a shopping mall and 3 miles from a golf club. It is also across the Tech Museum of Innovation, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, the Adobe headquarters, and a walking distance to HP Pavillion. • Check-in 3:00 PM • Check-out 12:00 PM Nearby Attractions: • Children’s Discovery Museum (0. 2 MI / 0. 32 KM ) • St Joseph’s Cathedral (0. 5 MI / 0. 8 KM ) • Center for Performing Arts (0 MI / 0 KM ) • San Jose Airport (2. 9 MI / 4. 67 KM ) • Valley Fair Shopping Center (4 MI / 6. 44 KM ) • Santa Cruz Boardwalk (30 MI / 48. 28 KM ) • San Jose Center for Performing Arts (0 MI / 0 KM ) • SJSU (0. 9 MI / 1. 45 KM ) • McEnery San Jose Convention Center (0 MI / 0 KM ) • HP Pavillion (formerly San Jose Arena/Compaq Ctr) (0. 9 MI / 1. 45 KM ) • Tech Museum of Innovation (0. 2 MI / 0. 32 KM ) • Paramount’s Great America (6. 5 MI / 10. 46 KM ) Amenities: • Hotel Shops – Gift Shop, Newsstand • Public Space Data Services – Wireless Data Connection (Ibahn) Fee: $9. 95 ) – High Speed Internet Access Initial Fee: $9. 95 (USD) • Health & Fitness Center (On-Site) – Universal Weight System, Dry Sauna, Extensive Cardio Equipment, Spa Facilities and free weights • Business Services – Facsimile, PC available, Courier Service, Printer , E-mail & Internet, Copying, Executive Suites, Dedicated Lounge (or 24 Hour Lounge), Unstaffed Business Center, Porter/Bellman, Executive Floors • Housekeeping & Laundry Services – Dry Cleaning Pickup/Laundry, Daily Housekeeping, Same Day Dry Cleaning, Weekly Housekeeping Room Features: • Free Morning Newspaper Delivered to Room • Valet Service • Buffet Breakfast – complimentary, daily • Turndown Service • In Room Movies (pay per view/ premium cable) • Video Review / Checkout • High-end Video Equipment • Cable / Satellite TV • Tea Maker • Mini Refrigerator • CD Player • Coffee Maker Others: • Workspace desk • Phone / Fax • data services • Bathroom / personal care facilities Dining: • Cocktail Lounge • Room service – available from 6:00 AM up to 11:00 PM • Crowne Plaza San Jose Lounge Event Facilities: • Smallest Room Measurements: 37. 0 ft/11. 28 m x 19. 0 ft/5. 79 m • Largest Room Capacity: 640 Reception Style • 6 Sales & Meeting Professionals On Site • Largest Room Measurements: 99. 0 ft/30. 18 m x 60. 0 ft/18. 29 m (ceiling height = 10. 0 ft/3. 05 m) • 5 Meeting Rooms • 35 – 8′x10′ Booths can be accommodated • 6643 ft²/ 617. 15 m² of Meeting Space • 6000 ft²/ 557. 42 m² of exhibit space • The Park Center Plaza Ballroom – can accommodate up to 640 people Equipments: • Microphone • 35mm Slide Projector • Flip Chart and Markers • DVD Player • VCR • Modem Lines • Lectern • Overhead Projector 4. Dolce Hayes Mansion Price: $131 up to $221 Address: 200 Edenvale Avenue Phone number: 1-408-226-3200 Check-in time – 3:00 PM Check-out time – 12:00 NN Dolce Hayes Mansion is adjacent to the renowned Edentale Park and six miles from the downtown area of San Jose. It is a historic mansion. Aside from this, it is also once the grand home of the socially prominent, wealthy and politically powerful Hayes family. It is in close proximity to the Oakland Airport, San Francisco International, Nonnan Y Mineta San Jose International Airport and it is also a drive away from Santa Cruz or Monterey. Hence, it is also close to recreational activities such as: • Fabulous entertainment • Exciting nightlife • Local wineries • World-class dining • Golf courses • Beautiful beaches of Santa Cruz. Moreover, they have 214 guestrooms which would include 22 suites. Their units also have guestroom beds that are triple-sheeted and equipped with foam and feather pillows. This mansion offers a unique setting for business and social activities. Amenities: • Electronic keys • computer rentals • Meeting facilities • Gift shop • Spa • free parking • business center • airport shuttles • room service • outdoor swimming pool • laundry services • sand volleyball court • woodland park with children’s playground • billiards • sauna • fitness center • Sprinklers • Photocopier service • Car rental • Wheelchair • Computer use available • Bar • Complimentary transportation • Uniformed security • Health club and spa • Tennis (outdoor) • Pool (outdoor) Room features: • wake-up calls • telephones • free wired high-speed internet access • alarm clocks • iron/ironing boards • coffeemakers • hairdryers • free daily newspapers • movies on-demand • refrigerators 5. Extended Stay Deluxe San Jose – South – Edenvale Address: 6189 San Ignacio Avenue Phone number: 408- 229-9188 Check-in time – 3:00 PM Check-out time – 11:00 AM Extended Stay Deluxe is a 25. 00 USD per day, along with a non-refundable cleaning fee (cleaning fee). As a guest, you will receive free local phone calls and weekly housekeeping services. You will also receive free movie channels, access to a 24-hour, coin-operated laundry facility, and a two-line phone that has a computer dataport. To add comfort, there is a large work desk, comfortable arm chair, oversized studio suites and a sofa sleeper. Only one pet is allowed per unit. Amenities: • Sprinklers in rooms • Shower • Air-conditioned • Copy service • Smoke detectors • Recliner • Heated guest rooms • Fax • International direct dial • Bath tub • Family plan • Queen bed • Phone service • Maid service • Iron • Microwave • Kitchen • Vending machines • wheelchair • Temperature control • Sofa bed • Outdoor parking • Heated guest rooms • TV and TV remote control 6. Highland Inn Bed and Breakfast Address: 16203 Highland Dr. Highland Inn Bed and Breakfast provides business travelers with a comfortable, hassle-free and relaxing stay. It is a 4 bedroom and 4 bath executive home with a great view of the San Francisco Bay Area. Amenities: • Continental breakfast • Hi-speed DSL • WiFi Internet Access • Computer with printer • Telephone • Electronic combination safe. • private bath • Oversized towels • Toiletries • Dell Docking stations • Office supplies • Weekday mornings, with fresh seasonal fruit, gourmet cereal, and fresh roasted coffee 7. Holiday Inn, SAN JOSE Address: 1740 NORTH FIRST STREET Hotel Front Desk: 1-408-7933300 Hotel Fax: 1-408-4530259 Check-in 3:00 PM Check-out 12:00 PM Location: • Local Time: 12:49 AM PDT • Distance from Hotel: 3. 0 MI • Hotel is located at or near an Airport Facility: • 250 Single-Bedded Room(s) • Storage • 3 Floor(s) • 238 Double-Bedded Room(s) • Exterior Corridor • 494 Non-Smoking Room(s) • Interior Corridor • 12 Suite(s) • Amenities: • Spa Facilities – Whirlpool • Health & Fitness Center (On-Site) – accessible 24 hours with hotel room key • Television • AM/FM stereo • Showers This hotel is newly renovated. Its facilities include stairmasters, lifecycles and treadmills. Housekeeping & Laundry Services: • Dry Cleaning Pickup/Laundry • Same Day Dry Cleaning • Daily Housekeeping Others: • Outdoor swimming pool • Convenience Store • E-mail & Internet • Unstaffed Business Center • Newsstand • High Speed Internet Access Initial Fee: $5. 00 • Wireless Data Connection Initial Fee: $9. 95

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Hi. We are arriving around noon into San Jose and our Sansa flight leaves the next morning. Can anyone recommend a decent hotel at less than $100, in walking distance from the airport? An added bonus would be one also in walking distance from San Jose sights/food.

I’m not sure what the area is like, maybe walking distance isn’t reasonable, in that case short cab ride.

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When look at the information about hotels in Costa Rica you will notice that the capital of this beautiful country has many different places where you can stay. While you may hunt for these hotels San Jose Costa Rica is still a good place for you to start your vacation in.

You should take some time looking at the different ways that you can get your hotel information. The reviews that you looking from this information gathering should provide you with some additional information. The information should include the price of the different hotels, the amenities that you will find and if possible s city map to look at.

One of the best ways for you to plan your trip or vacation time in San Jose Costa Rica is to look at some travel guides. These guidebooks or online links can help you see what awaits you in San Jose Costa Rica.

Once you have gotten all of the information that you need about the different activities that can be found in San Jose Costa Rica you should start seeing about the different accommodations. The variety of hotels San Jose Costa Rica has to offer you will allow you the chance to choose one that fits your budget.

To help you out with finding a place to stay you can find a number of hotels, bordering homes, three star, four and also five star hotels. You will also have the luxury hotels and spa hotels where you can choose to stay.

Each of these places has different amenities that you can use. You will need to see what sights you will be able to access from your hotel. For those of you who desire to spend some time on a beach you will need to look for hotels San Jose Costa Rica that can have you driving there in about a few hours time.

Other than that you will find that staying in San Jose has many interesting things for you to do. Once you know the exact place where you will be staying you can see about booking your hotel. You should make sure that you known the price of different hotels San Jose Costa Rica.

With the known facts about hotels San Jose Costa Rica has to offer you, you can find why people want to stay in San Jose. The hotels of this beautiful country will make your stay here in Costa Rica an enjoyable one.

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Image taken on 2009-02-23 19:01:43 by stevendepolo.

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http://TravelCostaRicaNow.com

Hotel Capital in San Jose, Costa Rica -

Hey Everyone! On this visit to San Jose we decided to try and do it on the cheap and see what hotels and hostels were BEST for backpackers and people traveling Costa Rica on a budget, while still getting a bang for the buck.

We stayed 2 nights at Hotel Capital. Hotel Capital boasts the best location in all of San Jose, were they right? Is it all about location, location, location, and what about the orthopedic beds… would they be ideal for a good nights sleep or would it be like sleeping on a piece of cardboard? The Hotel Capital was only $28./ night for the both of us… was it worth it, would we recommend Hotel Capital to our friends and family? Check out this video and see if Hotel Capital is all that and more.

For more helpful travel information on Costa Rica make sure you check out our website and our blog.

Our Travel Tip Website- http://TravelCostaRicaNow.com/

michael alan’s blog – http://www.DoingCostaRica.blogspot.com/

Our pictures from around Costa Rica – http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelcostaricanow_com/

Our Gay Travel Tip Webpage – http://travelcostaricanow.com/index.php/Gay

michael alan’s gay blog – http://www.DoinGayCostaRica.blogspot.com

Lots more travel tips on video by us – http://travelcostaricanow.com/index.php/Costa_Rica_Travel_Videos

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Duration : 0:4:26

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