Day TripsThere are many things to do and see in the Central Valley either with a rent-a-car, a pre-arranged tour or a taxi. We are here to assist you with car rentals, english speaking taxi drivers, private vans, buses to the coast, interplanetary transport and more. Don't want to make decisions? Then email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for recommendations.
Some idea of costs: A taxi ride costs you about $13 to $15 an hour, a 1/2 day guided/organized tour costs $25 to $60 a person (or $60 a taxi load) and a day trip (usually including EVERYTHING) is $80 to $160.
Here are a few ideas on things you can do in and around the Pura Vida Hotel area - ask us for more:
Last Minute Gifts
Alajuela/Mall Internacional - closest mall, not to be confused with Malls you may know.
Pura Vida - Pefi original ceramics from Cartago, Costa Rica, also coffee and some beautiful Borucan masks
Crafts Store - wood items, crafts, behind the Fiesta or check out the Namu gallery in San Jose for authentic stuff
Alajuela Market - you wont find much but its a delight & youll have an excellent sensory experience
So many things to do, so little time
many first time guests learn just how much there is to do in Costa Rica and come on back the next year to peel away more layers of this onion. Before heading for the beach stay a day or two in our beautiful central valley and learn the answers to some important questions:
Why are there so many shoe stores in Alajuela?
Was Irazu Volcano always an extraordinary aqua green?
Why is Braulio Carrillo National Park so difficult to spell?
How do you find a plumber on a Friday evening?
What is the REAL reason they abolished the army?
Why a sense of irony will stand you in good stead at PV?
What good is an Assasin Bug?
Before we start with the trip ideas, here are some Driving Times - to various points of the Costa Rican compass. When driving in Costa Rica you can be assured of two things - it will always take longer and you will get lost. Do not worry because Costa Ricans love to be helpful and giving directions is a national pasttime.
If you wake up to the sound of fireworks at 5am, it is either someone having a birthday or it could be a Festivals - why not book your trip to coincide with one of the many festivals and cultural events in Costa Rica?
A while ago a delightful couple, Carla and Mark did the Grand Tour and then went home and wrote a tale Carla and Mark's trip to Costa Rica - thanks, we appreciate the kind thoughts.