I'm going to san jose, costa rica I have never been there. I need HELP?

Question

do i need rent a car and suggestions on activities or excursions.

Answer 1

Yeah, taxis are definitely the best way to get around SJ. They are very cheap- back in 2002 I think you could go from a suburb to downtown for 2 bucks and across downtown for 1 buck.

The city buses are extensive and frequent but the system would be confusing for a newcomer and its slow and not super comfortable.

As for places to see-  I would also advise Braulio Carrillo national park (less than 1 hr by bus and a very scenic ride) and Volcan Poas national park (smoking volcano with, weather permitting, awesome views).  There is even more stuff 2-3 hours away.

Answer 2

If you are in San Jose itself, the best and cheapest mode of transportation is the taxi.  Traffic is bad in San Jose and parking is difficult to find and relatively expensive. Streets are not marked (or in many cases are un-named).  

From San Jose there are a number of good day trips-- the Britt coffee tour,  rafting on the Pecuare or Revantazon, the La Paz Waterfalls or the Calypso Cruise to the Isla de Tortuga.  

San Jose is not a beautiful city but it has its own charm.  It is safe compared to most capital cities in Latin America but property crime (pick pocketing etc) is quite common.

Good luck!! I think you will enjoy your stay.