Stuck in San Jose, Costa Rica...What do we do?
My boyfriend and I will be traveling to costa rica in a few months. We will fly into San Jose then go to the Province of Puntarenas. The only problem is that our flight lands at 9am but we can't check into our hotel until 4pm. Since we will have our luggage we won't be able to really explore when we arrive. What our some things to do on the way to the Central Pacific Coast that will kill a lot of time?
Costa Rica - 4 Answers
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1 :
It might take you longer to get from San Jose to Pacific Coast than you think. First time I went there I trusted my companion. She said it should take about an hour or hour and a half. It was more like about 6 or 7 hours and the pot holes in the road looked like vol-canoe craters which is why they had to drive slowly.
2 :
In hotels like the Doubletree Hilton in Puntarenas and Barcelo Tambor Beach, also in Puntarenas, they also tell you that check in is at 4 pm. However, that doesn't mean that you can't go there, leave your stuff with the bellhop and enjoy the facilities while you are waiting for your room. If I were you, I would call the hotel and find out whether they have a safe place where you can store your luggage if you arrive a little earlier. If not, I suggest that you never lose sight of your luggage anywhere around the airport or in San Jose. There are many thieves looking to prey upon unsuspecting tourists who are too trusting. If you need more information about Costa Rica, try the TicosLand.com website.
3 :
Head towards your hotel, enjoy the ride, look around, etc. When you get to the hotel attempt to check in. More than likely you will be able to. If not, the hotel will likely hold your bags so that you can check out the local surroundings. NOTE: If you are renting a car be aware that similar to the 'Bump & Run' technique used in the U.S. where a planned low speed accident is designed to get the victim driver out of their vehicle for a strong-arm/armed car theft … tire spiking is the method of choice used by criminals worldwide when targeting tourist driven rental cars loaded with suitcases full of nice clothes and expensive electronics. Be sure your car rental company briefs you on safety measures just to make sure your visit to this wonderful country is without a major negative incident.
4 :
On you way to Puntarenas you have to go through San Mateo, On the main road, there is a place called PANACA. http://www.panacacostarica.com/index.php Its like a big farm, you can actually play with the animals they have. It will take most of your day time. For me, I would rather get to the beach and get hammered watching the sunset. You´ll be getting out of the airport like at 9:30 am / 10 a.m. Depending on were your going the trip is going to take at least 3 hours, if you stop for food 4. Lets say you get there at 2 p.m., 2 hours of drinks at the beach isn´t a bad idea. Might do it this weekend....
