San Jose, Costa Rica
This trip meets at 7:00 pm at the hotel Don
Fadrique in the Los Yoses Neighborhood of San José, Costa Rica,
telephone 506-225-8186 or 506-225-7050. Dinner is included.
Check in is 2:00 pm, mention Lava Tours when you arrive. Lava Tours is the Costa Rican tour company that Western Spirit works with. If you arrive earlier you may drop your bags at the hotel and tour town.
GETTING TO SAN JOSE
-Flying into
San Jose, Costa Rica.
There are direct flights to Juan Santamaria International Airport San Jose from the US.
American flies from Dallas and Miami. Continental connects through Houston and Newark. United flies from Chicago and Los Angeles. Taca offers flights from Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC.
We don't recommend flying into Liberia, Costa Rica, it's five hours north.
-Taxi Service
Taxi's are readily available at the airport. Taxi fare to the hotel is $19 for a regular taxi. Fare is $25 in a van, recommended if you're traveling with your bike.
-Travel Agent
For help with travel plans, we recommend Costa Rica Travel Store, www.costaricatravelstore.com, or email jaime@costaricatravelstore.com. They specialize in getting people to Costa Rica.
PACKING FOR
YOUR TRIP
You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the gear listed! If you have any questions about anything on the list, please call us.
FLYING WITH YOUR
BIKE
Check with your airlines for additional fees charged to travel with your bike. We highly recommend having your bike tuned up before your tour so you know it is in top running condition. Your guides will build your bike the evening of the first day and store your bike box while you're on the trip.
ENTRY/DEPARTURE REQUIREMENT
A passport valid 3 months beyond intended stay and a return ticket are required to enter Costa Rica. Visas are not required for US citizens.
A departure tax of $27 US is charged when leaving Costa Rica. This must be paid in cash or travelers checks, credit cards are not accepted.
TRAVELER INFORMATION
-Currency
Local currency is the Costa Rican Colon. US Dollars are widely accepted and can be used directly in purchase of goods and services. The ATM network is good and a recommended way of obtaining cash. Nearly all shops in major towns accept major credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard. Street vendors and smaller establishments in remote areas may accept only cash. We recommend bringing at least $200 cash for incidentals, drinks etc., an ATM card and a credit card.
-Telecommunications
Direct dial phones, fax and internet are all available in San Jose. Phones are available at all of the lodging except La Carolina. Country code is 506.
-Time Zone
Costa Rica standard time is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, which is equivalent to the Central Standard Time zone in the US. Daylight savings time is not observed.
-Immunizations
Check with your physician or local Department of Health clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip for required or recommended immunizations. You may also obtain information from the Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm#country.
-Weather
January, February and March are the warmer and dryer months in Costa Rica. The average temperature in the Central Valley is 72 degrees F.
ENDING TIME
The trip ends after breakfast on Day 8 at the Don Fadrique, which is convenient for airport departures. We will help you arrange your airport taxi the night before. You may schedule your flight anytime on Day 8.
EXTENDING YOUR STAY
Additional time in Costa Rica can easily be arranged, make sure to let us know if you would like to extend your visit by a few days.
Refer to the "Things to do" page for suggestions in San Jose.
