We've created this guide with the basic info you'll need for your stay.
Tap each link to be brought to that Google Maps location easily!
If going out remember to bring your mask with you, most places won't let you in without a mask. Hand sanitization will be required in most places and your temperature might also be measured.
WiFi Password
Networks available: La Capital FD, La Capital LR, La Capital PR
Password: PuraVida
Where to eat nearby
If you don't want to go out, a great option is using Uber Eats or Rappi - the main food delivery apps. They have lots of options.
Places within walking distance:
- Rinconcito Cusqueño (Peruvian. 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM).
- House Pizzeria (Pizza. 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM).
- Sabana's Place (Local food,"soda", located next to House Pizzeria. 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
- Tico Sabor (Local food,"soda". 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
- Chasky Food (Local food, "soda". 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- La Parrillita de Pepe (Colombian. 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM).
- Tito's Corner (Local Caribbean food. 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
- Sheriff's House Sabana (Grill, steak & Bbq. 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
- Pupusas de la Abuela (Local and centralamerican food. 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM)
- Rostizzados (Roasted chicken, chicken-related local dishes. 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Tamura (Japanese, sushi. 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
- O'Libano (Lebanese. 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
- Chubbs (Sports Bar, appetizers. 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
- Oryza (Healthy Fast Food, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
- La Fabbrica (Wood-oven pizzas and italian food. 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- Republica Casa Cervecera (Gastropub. 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM)
- Spoon (Local food, pastries and desserts. 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM).
- Soda Tapia (Local food. 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
- Huaraches (Mexican. 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- La Gauchada (Argentinian. 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
- La Princesa Marina (Seafood and local. 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- Pops (Ice cream and desserts. 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
- La Tacopedia (Mexican. 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
- Fast food: Subway, Taco Bell, McDonalds
Due to Covid restrictions, the latest a restaurant can be open is until 10:30 PM. After this time, you will be able to find food options only for delivery through apps like Uber Eats or Rappi.
Where to buy stuff
There's a grocery store/convenience store called AMPM. They also sell prepared meals, fruits and vegetables.
Currently with Covid restrictions they are closing at 11:00 PM.
If you're looking for a bigger supermarket you can go to Mas X Menos or Supermercado Avenida 10. Those are about 20-25 minutes walking distance, or a 5 minute ride with Uber or taxi.
SIM Cards
We currently sell Movistar SIM cards for $5 USD, they are already activated with a phone number and you'll need to follow the instructions to load credit and purchase a data plan directly on the Movistar website.
Also, in San José downtown you'll find official stores for all three carriers: Kolbi, Claro and Movistar.
Where to get a COVID test
You can book online on their website clicking here. However they take walk ins, appointment is not required and they are open 24/7.
Nearest location:
San José - Sede Central
Laboratorio Echandi
You can book online on their website clicking here or through their WhatsApp number at: +(506) 6223-2290
Nearest locations:
Rohrmoser, Mediplaza or Escazu
Laboratorio San Jose
WhatsApp number for booking your test appointment: +(506) 6063-6363
Nearest locations:
Rohrmoser, Sabana or Trejos Montealegre
Laboratorio Labin
WhatsApp number for booking test: +(506) 8933-0707
Nearest locations:
Rohrmoser or Escazu
What to visit in San José downtown
Get to San Jose Downtown easily taking the "Sabana-Estadio" local bus here. You can get off here at the last stop, it's right in front of the National Theater.
- Parque Morazan/Parque España
- Contemporary Art & Design Museum
- Parque Nacional/Biblioteca Nacional
- Barrio Escalante neighborhood
There's also a San José Free Walking Tour which we highly recommend doing.
It takes about 3 hours, it's free (tip based), and you get tons of awesome recommendations walking with locals. Booking is required, you can find all the details here:
Bus Schedules
Jacó - 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 18:00 - Terminal 7-10
You can purchase your ticket here.
La Fortuna - 8:40 AM - Terminal 7-10.
Puerto Viejo/Cahuita/Manzanillo/Sixaola border - 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00 - Terminal MEPE
Manuel Antonio - 6:00, 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:15, 14:30, 18:00 - Terminal Tracopa
Santa Teresa/Montezuma/Malpais - 6:30 AM (Mon-Sat) & 15:00 Sundays - Terminal 7-10.
You can purchase your ticket here.
Tamarindo - 11:30, 15:30 - Terminal 7-10. & 8:00, 16:00 PM - Terminal Tralapa
You can purchase your ticket here.
Monteverde - 6:30, 14:30 - Terminal 7-10.
You can purchase your ticket here.
Tortuguero - Take 9:00 AM bus from Gran Terminal del Caribe to Cariari. In Cariari, take the 11:00 AM bus to La Pavona. At La Pavona, take the next boat available.
Penas Blancas (Nicaragua border) - 4:00 AM, 6:00 AM & 10:00 AM - Terminal del Caribe
You can purchase your ticket here
Samara - 9:00 AM - Terminal 7-10
You can purchase your ticket here
Nosara (route through Samara) - 13:30 - Terminal 7-10
You can purchase your ticket here
Drake Bay/Corcovado - Take 8:00 AM bus to Sierpe. In Sierpe take the next boat available to Drake Bay. Terminal Tracopa
Dominical/Uvita/Bahia Ballena - 6:30, 8:30, 10:15, 11:00, 12:15,13:00. Terminal Tracopa
San Isidro del General, Perez Zeledon - 5:30, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30, 13:30. Terminal MUSOC
You can purchase your ticket here
Irazu Volcano - 8:00 AM In front of National Theatre.
Nicaragua with Ticabus - Check availability and buy your ticket online here
The following website has very useful information regarding other bus routes and connections:
https://centrocoasting.com/costarica/
Need any other route? Let us know and we'll give you the info!
*Frequencies on some routes may be subject to changes due to the reduced volume of travellers during the pandemic.
Dinner & Nightlife
Don't miss out on La California and Barrio Escalante areas and explore the huge variety of restaurants, bars and pubs while walking around the neighborhoods.
- Wilk
- Neon Ice
These are some suggestions, but it's best to walk around these areas and decide based on the atmosphere, especially now with Covid restrictions.
Where to eat in San José downtown
Looking for a good coffee? Check these places out:
- Café La Mancha. Located inside a landmark building (edificio Steinvorth), they share this beatiful space with Calle Cimarrona local brewery too.
- Alma de Café. Located inside the National Theater. You can also check out the theater's guided tours.
- Cafeoteca. Located inside Kalú restaurant in Barrio Escalante.
- Underground Brew Cafe. Located in Barrio Escalante.
- Franco Restaurante. Located in Barrio Escalante.
Don't miss out eating at the central market. Also, anything that has "Soda"on their name is usually an indicator of great and cheap local food :)
*Saturdays only: Visit Feria Verde, an organic farmer's market with laid back atmosphere and great options for breakfast. They are only open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Airport Transfer
Airport - Hostel: $25 USD (1-4 people)
Hostel - Airport: $25 USD (1-4 people)
Laundry Service
We have same day laundry service for $8, includes wash & dry.
One Day Tours
We'll be happy to help you booking tours or with any further doubt. You can also check directly the main tour operators we usually work with:
Let us know which tour you're interested in and we'll arrange it for you.
