What to do in San Jose, Costa Rica and how to get to Arenal from Downtown?

I agree with Dougger.

The Museums are the best part of San Jose.

Also, I took the public bus from San Jose to La Fortuna once. Never again. The price was right ( I think it cost us about $5.00 a person, maybe a little more) but it took forever, and was very uncomfortable.

I now usually hire a private shuttle, which will run about $130 for up to 5 people. Ideal because they work around your schedule.

You can also catch a regular shuttle for about $40.00 a person. Cheaper for small groups but it's on a strict schedule.

Or you can always take a cab.

I also never rent a car in CR. The driving is different than it is in the states. The roads are not as well maintained. You aren't always guarenteed to have good signage on the roads. And the accident rates in San Jose are very high (I think my last cab driver told me 3rd in the world). I know people who have done it but I prefer my adventures in the wilderness, lol.

In San Jose everybody should see the Gold Museum (near the National Theater) and the Jade Museum in the INS building. Both are more or less in the central area, easy to find.

You can get a bus from San Jose to Arenal but the trip can seem torturous. It costs a bit more but the best way is to hire a car and driver for the trip.

You are not going to find any cheap places to stay in the Arenal area but if you are willing to stay a half an hour away you can find more reasonable places. Look on line at theTico TImes and in amcostarica for lodging and car hire.

Avoid car rentals if possible. By the time you are done hiring a car and driver is often cheaper.

If you can stay out of San Jose it's better. there is a really nice hotel in town that is named Hotel Villa Dolce, they have a web site we used to book.

the gold & jade museums are a must, theere is a nice square centrally, and taxi's are the way to go, about $5 from airport to downtown.

there are lodges near the Poas volcano, and Arenal has a niational park there with lodging.

Google Earth is a great tool when searching for things.

Mainly when you are downtown just don't travel off the beaten path, especially at night, & you'll be ok. there are casinoes strip clubs etc.. if you are into that sort of stuff

there's a cigar rolling place near the embassy that was cool to go to.

have fun !

hello you may take the public bus, but that will take you forever to get there.

you may also get private transportation

valle dorado tours offers this service and more

You can travel by public bus or with a shuttle: www.graylinecostarica.com or www.interbusonline.com