San Jose to Nuevo Arenal

Hello
Was looking for information online but could not find much about transportation from San Jose to Nuevo Arenal. I was wondering if the bus went right to Nuevo Arenal or another area, like Tilaran, and I would have to take another bus to Nuevo Arenal? If anyone knows anything about the buses, like frequency and where in San Jose they leave from, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Beach time from Heredia area

Will be picking up daughter in Heredia after her 5 weeks of studying (and hopefully, learning) Spanish. Want to have some kick back beach time, love to get into water if possible, not just look because riptides, ect . Leaving Heredia Aug 1 and return in the 4th to catch flight on 5th. Have car, is this enough time to get to Cahuita or do I go to Pacific side? Flying out of SJO. Thanks, anyone...

Authentic Costa Rica souvenirs in Guanacaste

Chorotega pottery is probably the most authentic "Costa Rican" souvenir one can buy in Guanacaste.

The forms, designs, decorations and methods are of pre-Colombian origin-this stuff is as Costa Rican as it gets! There is absolutely no better thing one could do if you are looking for souvenirs and gifts for the folks at home, if you have a half day to spare, than to drive to Guaitil and San Vincente and walk around the villages. Visit the shops, walk the street and occasionally one of the locals may even invite you to look at pottery they have at their house. This is the most "fair trade" way to buy, because you will be buying directly from the artisans. The larger stores(one-in a corner-in particular) will not offer the best prices though. The smaller shops attached to a house or just their porches are where you will get the best price. Almost everyone in this area works in the ... more »

Where to buy map of Central America in San Jose?

Anyone have any tips/knowledge of where I might find a map of Central America while in San Jose?

Thanks.

Motorcycles

We're looking at a motorcycle trip to Costa Rica next year. 4 guys for 1 week. We're all reasonably experienced bikers. I'd be interested in any comments or advice on motorcycles there.

We're looking at these people. Ride

Also our choices are January or April. I would prefer April but am concerned about rain.

advice on trip to Santa Teresa

I am going from San Jose to Santa Teresa on the southern end of Nicoya in the second week of July.
Was considering taking the bus, but it seems Santa Teresa is spread out a bit, so I'm leaning toward driving there instead.
Two questions:
-Is it correct that I'd likely want to drive instead of taking the bus; I won't be surfing but will want to see the sights in the area.
-Are the roads to ST from the ferry from Puntarenas such that a 4x4 is needed, or would a regular sedan be okay? The sedan option would really be ideal for my budget as I have a Tico friend whose car I can rent for much less than what a 4x4 will cost, as I would have to rent one of those through an agency.

Any other pointers such as "must see" or "don't miss" places, great little sodas or great hangouts for chilling or your favorite cabinas, greatly appreciated.

Will be traveling with a Tico or two so langua... more »

place to relax not too far from San Jose, suggestions please

Hello, I am going on an organised tour of Costa Rica (Nov/Dec) but would like to spend 3-4 days at either the beginning or end just on my own to relax. It looks as though beaches may be too far away and I have looked at a website of a nice hotel on a coffee plantation not far out of San Jose but rather above my price range. Can afford something reasonable but don't want to be in a big complex of hotels. So ideally a quiet beach and simple hotel or something in the country with good views (no jungles!). many thanks