San Jose General Reports

[Sammon]

Don't think you need a car in San Jose. I've visited 2 years ago. San Jose is very congested. I took Uber everywhere. Then when I wanted to drive around the country and visit some places I rented a car. The most stressful part was driving out of San Jose. Once out in the country it wasn't a problem. I elected to get full coverage and was glad I did. Someone while I was parked caused some minor damage to the lower rear part of my car prorbably pulling out of a parking spot. Everything was completely covered by the insurance. I won't rent again without electing the full coverage but if you only plan on staying in San Jose, just use Uber or a taxi.

I do not stay in San Jose all the time. Yes, I meet girls there. Usually I like to take them on day trips. I met a very pretty tica with big boobs who lives near puerto limon. She suggested there is a carnival and we went. On the way she had her friend meet us and come with us. Equally pretty but not a working girl. We had a great time all day and night till midnight. We also went to an island nearby in a boat. In the evening there was a big music and dance party. I got to dance and kiss her friend. I suggested she come for a threesome back in San Jose. But she declined.

Met a very pretty Colombian and took her all day trip to Arenal. We had a great time at the hot springs pool all afternoon. People were looking at her and me maybe jealousy.

Took another girl to Jaco and Manuel Antonio, hired a boat and went fishing, island beach, made out on the sand with full view of the boat person who was little far but still could see.

This is the reason why I rent a car. Very adept in driving crowded conditions. Still take full insurance. Helped me couple of times with dings.

One time in Belize somebody smashed the window. I guess they thought of stealing something but I do not keep anything valuable.

People are very nice when driving to out of the way places. Some look at us funny but a smile goes a long way. Having a fully Spanish speaking girl helps. We have been offered drinks in local places by strangers. Only one time a drunk guy wanted to dance with my girl but you should see the fury in my girls face when she threatened him. Spanish girls are feisty.

My thing is wife up, get immersed in culture, drive with abandon.

[JustARub]

You should be able to take a SENSA plane which is the domestic airline of CR usually about $100 each way. 35 min flight.

You can take the bus from the 7-10 station in San Jose but it is not that comfortable and easily a 5-6 hour ride.

3 hour drive to Liberia if you rent a car. A private driver is going to be over $150-200 so I don't recommend. If you need a car just for the drive rent one from Alamo or Budget in San Jose and then drop off in Liberia. You can take Rte. 1 all the way and it is a safe and scenic and pleasant drive. But. It is a bit long.

If you're staying the night in downtown San Jose and decide to fly up (it's a really easy way and cheap) try and book a flight on AEROBEL of the much closer Tobías Bolaños airport the next morning.

[John Clayton]

Is there a bus to Liberia? Would a private car be reasonably cost efficient? I haven't a clue. Thanks.

I've done both car rental and bus. Less than 4 hours by car, 4 hours by bus, but not way more. Buses are convenient, clean and cheap.

[OldSchool318]

Hi folks, I am coming to Costa Rica next month to meet my beautiful lady in Liberia. I will be flying in to San Jose. What is the best and easiest way to get to Liberia from San Jose? I plan on spending the first night in San Jose, then finding my way to Liberia the next morning.

Is there a bus to Liberia? Would a private car be reasonably cost efficient? I haven't a clue. Thanks.

You should be able to take a SENSA plane which is the domestic airline of CR usually about $100 each way. 35 min flight.

You can take the bus from the 7-10 station in San Jose but it is not that comfortable and easily a 5-6 hour ride.

3 hour drive to Liberia if you rent a car. A private driver is going to be over $150-200 so I don't recommend. If you need a car just for the drive rent one from Alamo or Budget in San Jose and then drop off in Liberia. You can take Rte. 1 all the way and it is a safe and scenic and pleasant drive. But. It is a bit long.

[Radical Guy]

Hi folks, I am coming to Costa Rica next month to meet my beautiful lady in Liberia. I will be flying in to San Jose. What is the best and easiest way to get to Liberia from San Jose? I plan on spending the first night in San Jose, then finding my way to Liberia the next morning.

Is there a bus to Liberia? Would a private car be reasonably cost efficient? I haven't a clue. Thanks.

[Paulie97]

Draw your own conclusions.

https://mcj.go.cr/sala-de-prensa/not...lvemos-nuestro

[Mojo Bandit]

Given your willingness to spend freely on a rental car and full insurance, something at least unnecessary if not burdensome for time spent in San Jose around the gringo gulch, I'm surprised the travel insurance and antigen test on return are deal breakers. For the former a lot of guys are using Trawick. The later is a piece of cake, with on demand service and results within hours for about $50. This is only for boarding. By all reports customs doesn't check it.

P.S. You must have made your reservations way in advance. The Covid insurance requirement has been in place since last fall, and the test on return has been in play about three months.

I was trying to send you a PM but your box is full. So I tracked you from Colombia to Costa Rina to let you know.

[Paulie97]

I am used to driving in many countries. I usually get full insurance which covers everything. Yes, it doubles the daily rate....However uncertain rules and regulations forced me to postpone my June trip to August. Hopefully by then USA re-entry testing and Costa Rican health insurance requirements will go away.

Given your willingness to spend freely on a rental car and full insurance, something at least unnecessary if not burdensome for time spent in San Jose around the gringo gulch, I'm surprised the travel insurance and antigen test on return are deal breakers. For the former a lot of guys are using Trawick. The later is a piece of cake, with on demand service and results within hours for about $50. This is only for boarding. By all reports customs doesn't check it.

P.S. You must have made your reservations way in advance. The Covid insurance requirement has been in place since last fall, and the test on return has been in play about three months.

[Markon]

Don't think you need a car in San Jose. I've visited 2 years ago. San Jose is very congested. I took Uber everywhere. Then when I wanted to drive around the country and visit some places I rented a car. The most stressful part was driving out of San Jose. Once out in the country it wasn't a problem. I elected to get full coverage and was glad I did. Someone while I was parked caused some minor damage to the lower rear part of my car prorbably pulling out of a parking spot. Everything was completely covered by the insurance. I won't rent again without electing the full coverage but if you only plan on staying in San Jose, just use Uber or a taxi.

I am used to driving in many countries. I usually get full insurance which covers everything. Yes, it doubles the daily rate. I rent a car at the airport from reputed international companies. Iris a no brained for me. I like the freedom of going anywhere any time I want.

Do not like any organized tour. So far never got into trouble. Only in Belize one time my parked car was banged up. No issues because I had full insurance. I have traveled all over Costa Rica driving with either one of the couple of local girlfriends. Great time together including the one 18 year old teaching me how to please her and me.

However uncertain rules and regulations forced me to postpone my June trip to August. Hopefully by then USA re-entry testing and Costa Rican health insurance requirements will go away.

[Sammon]

Is parking a problem? Not really. The price is certainly right (free). To get to their parking you go to the left side of the hotel, down the hill and re-enter the hotel property through the gates on the right. The parking is an underground garage under the hotel. But be forewarned the garage is very tiny with only maybe a dozen tightly packed spots. If the garage is full it can be kind of tricky maneuvering around. Tbh, I don't recall if I reserved a space ahead of time or not. My guess is that confirming a spot ahead of time couldn't hurt just in case they're full but that, with tourism down finding an empty spot and maneuvering in and out of the garage won't be so much of a problem these days.

Besides that, most people don't rent cars while they're staying in San Jose because a) driving in the city is a huge pain in the ass b) secure parking once you get to wherever you're going in the city can be a pain in the ass too c) the risk of getting into anaccident and/or having your car broken into is much higher in the city and d) taxis (or even buses) are plentiful, cheap and so much easier (and for short distances, which is mostly what you'll be doing, is even cheaper and easier to do by walking). Why pay $30 or more per day to rent a car that you'll mostly leave parked while you're in the city when your total daily taxi bill will be less than a quarter of that? I understand completely about your desire for mobility but if you feel you really need to rent a car for that, I'd strongly recommend you limit it to the days you're going outside the city (e.g. to Jaco, Fortuna or maybe for day trips to Central Valley locations like Alajuela/Poas or Cartago/Irazu/Orosi although such day trips are usually best done as part of organized tour unless there is a group of you). Just plan those days accordingly so that they're grouped together

I am used to driving in many countries. I usually get full insurance which covers everything. Yes, it doubles the daily rate. I rent a car at the airport from reputed international companies. Iris a no brained for me. I like the freedom of going anywhere any time I want.

Do not like any organized tour. So far never got into trouble. Only in Belize one time my parked car was banged up. No issues because I had full insurance. I have traveled all over Costa Rica driving with either one of the couple of local girlfriends. Great time together including the one 18 year old teaching me how to please her and me.

However uncertain rules and regulations forced me to postpone my June trip to August. Hopefully by then USA re-entry testing and Costa Rican health insurance requirements will go away.

[Prolijo]

Booked a trip to San Jose middle of June. Booked a room at Taormina hotel. Renting a car. On Expedia king room is $73 per night with breakfast for 2 and free parking.

My question is for people who stayed there. Is parking a problem? Or it should be pre reserved with a message to the hotel through Expedia?

Posts say it is extremely girlfriendly with no chica fee. Is it true you can take anyone up to your room? Is more than one allowed? I am sure they will check I. The which is good.

Is the casino and bar area open around the clock? How far is it from old Del Ray?

By that time test requirements will hopefully go away.

Thanks for the reply.

Is parking a problem? Not really. The price is certainly right (free). To get to their parking you go to the left side of the hotel, down the hill and re-enter the hotel property through the gates on the right. The parking is an underground garage under the hotel. But be forewarned the garage is very tiny with only maybe a dozen tightly packed spots. If the garage is full it can be kind of tricky maneuvering around. Tbh, I don't recall if I reserved a space ahead of time or not. My guess is that confirming a spot ahead of time couldn't hurt just in case they're full but that, with tourism down finding an empty spot and maneuvering in and out of the garage won't be so much of a problem these days.

Besides that, most people don't rent cars while they're staying in San Jose because a) driving in the city is a huge pain in the ass b) secure parking once you get to wherever you're going in the city can be a pain in the ass too c) the risk of getting into anaccident and/or having your car broken into is much higher in the city and d) taxis (or even buses) are plentiful, cheap and so much easier (and for short distances, which is mostly what you'll be doing, is even cheaper and easier to do by walking). Why pay $30 or more per day to rent a car that you'll mostly leave parked while you're in the city when your total daily taxi bill will be less than a quarter of that? I understand completely about your desire for mobility but if you feel you really need to rent a car for that, I'd strongly recommend you limit it to the days you're going outside the city (e.g. to Jaco, Fortuna or maybe for day trips to Central Valley locations like Alajuela/Poas or Cartago/Irazu/Orosi although such day trips are usually best done as part of organized tour unless there is a group of you). Just plan those days accordingly so that they're grouped together

[OldSchool318]

Where did you surf? Jaco or Hermosa. Else where? How was the surf, crowds? Seriously thinking about when things get back to semi-normal like next fall / winter with time in SJ.

Sorry to get off topic, but Little Hawaii or Avellanas is a great place to go pretty much everyday for surf.

About 10 km from Tamarindo, you need a 4 x 4 really as there is some dirt roads.

Beach has a nice bar and you can rent a board all day for $10. Also have bodyboards.

Waves are usually spectacular and consistent and is a great place to take a day date from Tamarindo if you are staying in that area.

[AmorPorFavor]

Staying at Taormina past couple days. Chica fee is $15. Probably due to the Easter Holiday things are kinda slow but still 20+ talents normally showing up after 8 PM. Fun stuff.

Masajes are open for business regular hours. Went to Monica's yesterday, and Relax the day before. Both had 5+ Chicas of average quality. Requested CIM and Culo and with 100% acceptance rate. After some pleasant propina negotiations.

Leaving tomorrow morning. Hotel could not arrange COVID test over the weekend so they sent me to Lab this morning. Easy walk and results were emailed in about 2 hours. $50 todo.

Was surfing at Jaco Beach Thurs-Sat, and stayed at Cocal. Beach vibe is good but of course things are expensive and masajes were not satisfactory. Speaking from surfer's point of view I did it right this time. 2-3 days in Jaco and the rest in SJ.

Still think Rio is better overall, but appreciate CR a lot more after this trip. Will come back.

Where did you surf? Jaco or Hermosa. Else where? How was the surf, crowds? Seriously thinking about when things get back to semi-normal like next fall / winter with time in SJ.

[Sammon]

You don't need a car in San Jose, unless you are driving around the Country.

I usually rent a car. Gives me the mobility to where I please. I have met chicas out the way places. I have gone to Costa Rica so many times and drove all over. Have wifed up some girls and traveled.

Anyway I might cancel this trip if the testing requirements to come back to USA and Costa Rican travel health insurance is not retracted.

Rental car, hotel, airfare are all can be cancelled. Only the airfare maybe goes to credit which is only $300.

[World Travel 69]

Booked a trip to San Jose middle of June. Booked a room at Taormina hotel.

How far is it from old Del Ray?

Thanks for the reply.

You don't need a car in San Jose, unless you are driving around the Country.