Could someone give us recommendations of Costa Rican destinations within a few hours of San Jose?

Question

Our last night in Costa Rica we would like to stay closer to San Jose in order to catch our flight but don't want to stay in the city. Is Playa Hermosa within a few hours' drive? We don't think Jaco is for us (too touristy) but welcome any other recommendations that are safe and picturesque. We will be traveling back from the Nicoya peninsula, FYI.

Answer 1

The entire nation is within a few hours of San Jose. ;-)  You can catch a bus and be anywhere within about 4 hours.

Jaco actually has its own charm, and I went there about 4 times while I was in the country. By US standards, even that beach isn't crowded.  For convenience of getting there and back for your flight, you really can't beat it.

Coming back from Nicoya, you might consider swinging through Monteverde. It's a lot more remote, so its harder to get to - definitely ask your concierge for advice - but if you haven't seen it, you must before you leave the country.

If you're not dead set against staying in the city, I would look into spending your last night in the western suburbs of the city.  Look into the San Pedro area or Los Yoses - it's an upscale neighborhood with various embassies and the University, and is really a very pretty area.  You don't really get the full Costa Rican flavor if you don't spend any time in the cities of the Central Valley.  I'd recommend Hotel Le Bergerac - it's where I put my parents up when they came to visit me, and it's just adorable. Beautiful room, courteous staff who speak flawless English.

Answer 2

playa hermosa is like an hour and 45 mins. non-stop. its a nice place and great waves. i quite go there for the waves and the atv races with friends. go for it dude

Answer 3

well ive been to san jose many times and from my experience.....i would say that the hot springs at Volcan Arenal called Tabacon was the best. Theres also a water park in guanacaste thats excelent for the dry season (december-may) then theres SanIsidro thats south from there, that like Tijuana, Mexico. In Limon i think there is a Four Season hotel, and its a beutiful place with coral reef and conopy tours.

Answer 4

sure playa hermosa would work. also you can try this place: http://www.pozoazul.com/how_to_get_there... only 90 min. from San Jose. it has rafting, horseback riding, biking, hiking, canopy tours, repelling. its cool!

have fun, and don't miss ur flight!

also, you can just go to Puntarenas city. its nice there.

when u come back to the city, stop at this place that is a milk factory called CoopeLeche, for an awesome chocolate milkshake!!!  have fun.

don't stop at this place that says "english books" "hamburgers" and"milkshakes" cus it sucks and the people talk forever..

have fun!!