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, parks, restaurants and 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. 

San Jose Day Trip: Grecia

The picturesque little town of Grecia is noteworthy for its unusual metal church, which is painted a deep red and has white gingerbread trim.

Just off the central park, next to the Palacio Municipal, you'll find the humble Grecia Regional Museum (tel. 494-6767), which has some simple exhibits and information about the town's history.
About 1km (1/2 mile) outside of Grecia, on the old road to Alajuela, you will find the World of Snakes (tel. 494-3700). Open daily from 8am to 4pm, this serpentarium has more than 150 snakes representing more than 50 species. Although the $11 admission includes a guided tour, I find it a bit steep for this type of attraction.

Getting There:
Buses leave San Jose every half-hour for Grecia from Avenida 3 between calles 16 and 18. The road to Sarchí is to the left as you face the church in Grecia, but due to all the one-way streets, you'll have to drive around it.

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