16 and traveling to Costa Rica for one month alone to volunteer. Tips, interesting places, good shopping?

Question

I'm flying to Costa Rica on the 7th, living with a host family, and volunteering 8 hours on weekdays at an orphanage in San Jose. I've completed AP Spanish so I'm almost fluent, and am very independent and all that junk :), just wondering if anyone could give me any tips on what to expect,a nd cool places to go and things to do. I really want to see the real Costa Rica, not the watered down tourist areas.

Answer 1

I think the best place is Multiplaza del Este or if you want to go a little farther then try the upscale Multiplaza de Escazu. That's for shopping and dining. Mall San Pedro is a bit dangerous for regular tourists but probably it would be nice for you. You could go to Moravia to buy souvenirs. And you MUST go to Poas Volcano. it is a very tourstic area but surely you would enjoy it.

Answer 2

Well, aren't you lucky!  I think you'll be shocked at the poverty--I was.  Even the people with money don't flaunt it like we do here.  San Jose is a dirty city--the sidewalks have huge holes in them--always watch where you walk.  Be careful in certain areas and don't go out alone.   It will be unbelievably hot and humid, so take clothes that "breathe."  Take plenty of bug spray too.  I didn't find the food to be very good, but you can always find something to eat.  You can see some pretty mountains from San Jose.  Try to take a trip to Poas volcano.  It's very close and impressive.  Truly, just a 15 minute drive outside of the city it's like a whole different country--it's beautiful, so try to take as many day trips as you can.  Try to visit the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve and Tortguero National Park if possible.  Try to visit a cloud forest too.  Don't forget Manuel Antonio Park.  (Some of these are hours away from San Jose).  Try to visit the town of Fortuna and Arenal Volcano.  Try to get to a coffee plantation.  If you're only able to stay close to San Jose, you won't feel like you visited CR when you return...try your best to see the country while you're there.  

As for shopping, I didn't find any bargains.  I thought the street markets offered the best stuff at the best prices.

The kids are so adorable and they all wear uniforms to school.  I joked though that every time we passed a school, the kids were outside at recess.  They actually have to go to school longer than we do in the US.  You'll see bars on all the windows.  It was a culture shock to me and I've done some traveling...have a blast!

Answer 3

I love it in Costa Rica!

but anyways

i think you should check out POPS if you like ice cream, they have the best ice cream ever!

coconut and mango is the best i think but ya go to POPS.



POPS

POPS

POPS...

Answer 4

Both multiplazas mentioned are great to visit. Try to meet some ticos your age. They are soo nice and they will invite you to their houses for some coffee thats the way you will see the real CR. Volcan Poas is amazing, its a bit cloudy and damp up there so dress accordingly. Also Volcan Irazu is a little bit farther but its the highest one in CR and its also a great site. Your family if they were as great as mine (ilived in CR for 6mo in college) will give you a great insight to what there is to do. Your best bet meet some people your age from the US or OTHER countries and explore the country together. Also, remember nothing is really close the closest beach is 2hrs away on bus (jaco) so if you really want to explore you need at least 2 days each time you go away. Busses are the best way to travel short and long distances.

Answer 5

Hola Jessika,

Soy de Mexico, pero no conozco Costa Rica, visita el siguiente sitio Web http://www.tourism-costarica.com/ donde puedes encontrar informacion sobre lugares turisticos. Si tienes tiempo, visita Mexico, hay muchos lugares muy bonitos.

Congratulations on your volunteering activities, it is very nice of you. All the best, and I hope you enjoy Costa Rica.

Saludos

Answer 6

Well if your going to San Jose you might want to check out Mall San Pedro for shopping its pretty nice and also Terra Mall, its really fancy it also has a big movie theater with stadium seats and some nice places to eat at. Try not to be alone to much if you are in the city always be where there are a lot of people.