San José Tourist Trap Tips by BEETLE_VERTE

When at home and looking at your guide book and maps, you might have, like I did, the impression you have to go to San Jose, at least to get in and out of the airport.

Well, you don't. San Jose isn't worth it (I think) and the airport is in fact in Alajuela. Find a nice hotel in Alajuela to pick you up if you need a place to stay the first night (our plane landed at 10 pm... we had to stay in the area!). The taxi ride will be shorter and you'll get a better surrounding than downtown in the capital.

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At Least Do This: If you really need to go, find a place in the west quarter. It's still close to everything but less unpleasant.
Alternative: Use Alajuela as your base camp for the Central Valley activities you want to do.