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San Jose Guide:
San Jose, the Capital of Costa Rica, is the hub of all transportation in Costa Rica. For that reason, it is usually the first place you will visit while in Costa Rica. It lies between three Costa Rica volcanoes. There is a large variety of Costa Rica hotels, National Parks, restaurants and tours & attractions for visitors. The first thing noticed about San Jose is the local friendliness. The city is set up on a pretty logical grid system. When on foot and touring the capital, Costa Ricans, also known as Ticos, are always willing to lend a hand with directions. Always remember though, locals use landmarks not street names for directions, and if you just can't figure out where you are, find a local church. Every church in Costa Rica faces west. While in the Capital, you have access to the best public transportation in all of Central America.
Heredia, Grecia, Sarchi & Zarcero
All of these cities and towns are northwest of San Jose and can be combined into a long day trip (if you have a car), perhaps in conjunction with a visit to Poas Volcano National Park and/or the Waterfall Gardens.
The scenery here is rich and verdant, and the small towns and scattered farming communities are truly representative of Costa Rica's agricultural heartland and campesino tradition. This is a great area to explore on your own transportation in a rental car, if you don't mind getting lost a bit -- the roads are narrow, winding, and poorly marked. If you're relying on buses, you'll be able to visit any of the towns listed below, but probably just one or two per day.
Getting There:
The road to Heredia turns north off the highway from San Jose to the airport. If you're going to Sarchí, take the highway west toward Puntarenas. Turn north to Grecia and then west to Sarchí. There'll be plenty of signs.