URaTrip, Inc.

A City In Paradise: San Jose, Costa Rica

Well known for its natural beauty, Costa Rica is also graced with an attractive capital city, located in a tropical valley between forested volcanic ranges. San Jose’s comfortable climate ensures verdant green parks accented with colorful exotic flowers, and encourages walks along vibrant pedestrian thoroughfares.This Central American gem showcases museums with pre-Colombian art, lively markets, and a beautiful theater next to a charming, friendly plaza. Quaint cafes beckon with fresh brewed Costa Rican coffee. Exciting attractions such as an active volcano and tropical rain forest are just outside the city.

Tips in this Tour:

	San Jose, Costa Rica has a distinct dry season from January to April. This is also the high season; so make sure you book in advance! It can rain a lot the rest of the year, getting downright torrential in October and November.
	As in most large cities, due to crime, you should avoid parks and other desolate areas at night.
	Change your money at the official kiosk in the airport upon arrival in San Jose - or use ATMs. You will get a better exchange rate than moneychangers on the street, who often give counterfeit bills.
	Don’t touch anything in the rain forests in Costa Rica. Many plants have hidden thorns, and hairy caterpillars can be venomous. So are those cute and colorful frogs, which can also be harmed by the bug repellent on your hands.
	Pick up a copy of the Tico Times (or, if you read Spanish, La Nacion) to find out about the many activities occurring in San Jose.

Transportation:	By Foot - Easy walking
Specialty:	City/Town
Category:	Guided Tour - play before & while you tour
Rating:
Added:	07/18/2008
Duration:	30 min
Purchase/Download: Visual Podcast + Free Map Be sure you have sufficient space on your device, approximate sizes listed below For PC and Windows Mobile Devices .wmv - $15.95 (65MB) For Mac, iPod, and iPhone .m4v - $15.95 (75MB) For most cellphones .3gp - $15.95 (30MB) For most smartphones .mp4 - $15.95 (79MB) Audio Only + Map for any audio device .mp3 (15MB) + Free Map - $9.95 QuietGuide for mobile device .pdf - $12.95 Mail disc of all of above files $19.95

More about this tour

Chapters in this tour:
Introduction
Beautiful Parks of San Jose
Museo Nacional & Artesan Market
Avenida Central & Plaza de la Cultura
Parque Central to Central Market
Barrio Otoya, Poas & Rain Forest

Provider: Patrick O

Patrick O'Donnell has been a guide in a variety of locations, from his hometown of Niagara Falls, New York to the jungles of southeastern Peru. A passionate birder and biologist, he lives just outside of San Jose, with his Costa Rican wife and daughter.