where to stay

we arrive at San Jose airport two days pre-cruise (leaving from Caldera) What area is best for the two nights before the cruise? Should we stay near airport, in San Jose itself, or further towards the coast? We'd like to take a day trip on our second day and perhaps another shorter trip the morning of our cruise (which departs at 5 pm) So also looking for tour operators and transportation from airport and to cruise port.

Thanks!

we arrive at San Jose airport two days pre-cruise (leaving from Caldera) What area is best for the two nights before the cruise? Should we stay near airport, in San Jose itself, or further towards the coast? We'd like to take a day trip on our second day and perhaps another shorter trip the morning of our cruise (which departs at 5 pm) So also looking for tour operators and transportation from airport and to cruise port.

 

Thanks!

If it were me, I'd stay in or near Puerto Caldera. Because, we've experienced 2 bus accidents, and a broken down bus while in Costa Rica. I personally wouldn't be comfortable with the travel time from San Jose to Caldera on the day of the cruise.

There are tour companies that will take you on tours from the coast.

There are few options in the Puerto Caldera area. Would not recommend staying there.

I would recommend the Escazu area on the western edge of San Jose . Plenty of hotel options in the area (a couple of Marriotts, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, etc) and good access to tourist attractions in the Central Valley (downtown San Jose, Poas Volcano, Irazu volcano, coffee tours). Escazu also makes for an easy jump to Puerto Calder via highway; the drive is normally about an hour but traffic due to constructions recently bumps that up to 1.5 hour.

thank you for your suggestions. we have been in contact with Odyssey Tours (recommended on trip advisor) for an excursion to Poas volcano on one day and then transfer to cruise ship with stop in Sarchi on the second day. But still unsure where to stay. Looking at Hotel Presidente in the center of town, Parque del Lago on the outskirts, and Terrazas de Golf in San Antonio de Belen. All have good ratings. If we stay at Terrazas, it will not be easy to get to the city center, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Is it worth it to stay more centrally, given that we will be taking tours outside of the city on both days? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

We have spent parts of two winters in Costa Rica. We like very much.

There is really not much to see in San Jose.

IF you like the beach or seaside you might want to consider renting a car. You could drive to the Jaco/Hermosa area (not to be confused with Hermosa in Guanacaste province). It is about 1 1/2 hours. Beautiful beaches. We prefer south of Jaco since it is a little too built up for us.

Or, you could drive north 2-3 hours to Guanacaste. Some people like the Tamarindo area but it is far too crowded for us. This past march we stayed a little south, closer to San Jose, at Samara. Wonderful beach, especially a few miles south.

Failing that, you could drive to the Arenal area in the mountains.

Lots of things to do. Driving is not an issue but you do need to be careful at night.

We are staying for 4 nights at the HotelBougainvillea which is in Heredia, north of San Jose. It is set in lovely gardens and offers a range of excursions, including one to Poas volcano, which we intend to take.

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