COSTA RICA
san jose | la fortunatravel tips | day trips | COSTA RICA
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unsolicited adviceCosta Rica's your go-to for wildlife shots and a laid-back vibe. It is very commercialized and catered to touristsIf you travel to experience good food, do not visit here.
Any restaurants mentioned on this page, do not go out of your way for. The starred plaes hit the bare minimum for an acceptable food experience.December-April for the best weather, or go in the shoulder months for fewer crowds and better deals.10 days is ideal for a perfect mix of beach time and jungle adventures.
Rent a car, explore beyond the tourist traps. Bloggers will scare you, but we were safe and didn't have issues.Shop at a super market (like Mega Super) for car snacks and buy your "souvenir" coffee and treats here for the best price. These places have armed guards so we felt safe.Depending on your arrival time, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall and grabbed a rental car the next morning. We visited a local mall and had cheap food at the casino next door.
Tip 10% for good service unless the bill adds a service charge, always check!Charge in local currency to get best exchange rates
Souvenirs: Chocolate, coffee, vanilla extract
I was in my first trimester and nauseous, so my experience may differ. This was not our trip for "instagrammable" photos
Any restaurants mentioned on this page, do not go out of your way for. The starred plaes hit the bare minimum for an acceptable food experience.December-April for the best weather, or go in the shoulder months for fewer crowds and better deals.10 days is ideal for a perfect mix of beach time and jungle adventures.
Rent a car, explore beyond the tourist traps. Bloggers will scare you, but we were safe and didn't have issues.Shop at a super market (like Mega Super) for car snacks and buy your "souvenir" coffee and treats here for the best price. These places have armed guards so we felt safe.Depending on your arrival time, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall and grabbed a rental car the next morning. We visited a local mall and had cheap food at the casino next door.
Tip 10% for good service unless the bill adds a service charge, always check!Charge in local currency to get best exchange rates
Souvenirs: Chocolate, coffee, vanilla extract
I was in my first trimester and nauseous, so my experience may differ. This was not our trip for "instagrammable" photos
san jose
san jose
This is a main metropolitan area, but not super touristy. Use common sense—stay aware of your surroundings, and try to avoid walking past dark.
EAT
Alma De Cafe
☆Cothnejo-Fishy (Elevated Cocktail Bar)
La Empanada
☆Lolo Mora's Ice Cream (vanilla- probably a top ice cream of my life)
Lolo's (Casual Dining)
Raw Co Juicery & Food (Healthy)
Restaurante Silvestre (Fine Dining)
Restaurante Sikwa (Costa Rican)
Restaurante Wong's 皇朝
Soda Tala #1 (Local Cuisine)
SEE
Barrio Escalante (neighborhood to explore)
La Casa del Cacao (Chocolate tasting)
San José Central Market
Surrounding area is bustling locals city
SLEEP
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
Easy Day Trips...
Easy Day Trips...
... or a stop along the way to La Fortuna. None you need to go out of your way to see.
Catarata del Tora
Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm (a true tourist trap, but this is where their coffee comes from)
Poas Volcano (check weather, if clouds not worth it. buy tickets ahead of time)
Eat Option for above day trips: Restaurante Freddo Fresas
Zarcero Central Park: Easy town to stop in, eat at Zarzamora.
la fortuna
la fortuna
EAT
Cafeteria The Village (Coffee)
☆Frutas Y Verduras Hnos Lazo (smoothies)
☆Jungle Bowls
Kenko La Fortuna
Pizzeria La Cava
☆Restaurante Fortuneno
Restaurante La Parado
Restaurante The Green Spoon
Soda la Horminga
Travesia Restaurant
I don’t usually give warnings, but skip below—food felt like Costco heat-up.
Anch'io
SEE
☆ Don Olivio Chocolate Tour (sloth on site). This tour is a MUST.
Fortuna Waterfall
North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour
Sloths Territory
*we were underwhelmed by the coffee here
SLEEP
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs*
Amor Arenal (wanted to stay here but booked too late)
Los Lagos Hotel, Spa and Resort
The Springs Resort and Spa
*Many resorts have on-site hot springs, so we spent much of our time relaxing on the property. The hot springs were great, and the breakfast deck offers stunning wildlife views.
Day Trips From...
Day Trips From...
... La Fortuna or on the way to the beach
Tabacon Hot Springs
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails
Poza Los Coyotes
Food on your way to the beach
Los Platillos Voladores, EatAlienFood
Cafe Colibri Monteverde
beaches
beaches
we did not beach, however some to consider are Papagayo Peninsula, Monteverde, and/or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
last visited november 2024
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