THE LOCATION
The capital city of San Jose is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica at an altitude of 1,170 m (3,840 ft). The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains with several nearby volcanoes. The San Jose metropolitan area has a population of approximately 2 million people. San Jose has all the amenities of a large capital city, and offers museums, parks, markets, plazas, and theaters, as well as plenty of shopping and nightlife.

Costa Rica is known for its warm tropical weather. Temperatures in San Jose range from 22-32°C (72-90°F) year round. ‘Green season’ lasts from May to October with the wettest months being September and October. ‘Dry season’ is from November to April.

TRANSPORTATION
Getting around San Jose is easy. Local buses are inexpensive and easily accessible throughout the city, and taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. There is a bus stop just a half-block from the Maximo Nivel campus. For people looking to explore Costa Rica, San Jose is the perfect starting point. The least expensive travel option is the public bus system, which can take participants anywhere in Costa Rica as well as up to Nicaragua or down to Panama. Private transportation, flights, and rental cars are also available.

FOOD
Costa Rican gastronomy is based on rice, black beans and tortillas. With its tropical location, fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. If you are a smoothie lover you are in luck because Costa Ricans typically prepare fresh fruit juice and smoothies every day. The most common dishes are gallo pinto and casados. Gallo pinto consists of rice and beans and is usually served for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs and coffee. Casados are plates of steak, pork, or chicken, loaded with white rice, and black or red beans, served with a side of summer squash or coleslaw, and fried plantains. There are a number of other traditional dishes that you can try including tamales, arroz con pollo, ceviche, olla de carne, and mondongo.

CULTURE
Costa Rica is a fairly conservative country, but at the same time very cosmopolitan. “Ticos” are very friendly and love to welcome visitors to their country. If this is your first time traveling abroad, you can easily adapt to the culture. While in San Jose, dress like you are in the capital city. In Manuel Antonio, shorts, bathing suits, and sandals are the norm. Some cultural recommendations include:

– Dress conservatively in San Jose
– Avoid open displays of affection in public
– Do not bathe nude at the beach
– Do not slam doors, it is considered extremely offensive
– Never raise your voice in anger
– Wear shoes or sandals at your family-stay
– Understand that “tico time” is often flexible
– Avoid direct confrontation and accusations
– Avoid topics such as pre-marital sex and teen pregnancy

SHOPPING
San Jose and Manuel Antonio have a number of shops, malls, and art galleries, and you can buy excellent souvenirs, clothes, cigars, and coffee. In downtown San Jose, you can find the artisans’ market and the Central Market, both of which should not be missed!

EATING OUT
San Jose and Manuel Antonio offer an excellent selection of both traditional Costa Rican food and international fare. In both cities, you can enjoy delicious and inexpensive local meals at a number of restaurants and at the central market in San Jose. Prices range from as little $5.00 (USD) for a big plate of traditional food to $50.00 (USD) for elegantly prepared international dishes. And of course, do not forget to try Costa Rica’s world-famous coffee. Note, in Costa Rica you are not obliged to tip, as a 10% gratuity is always added to your check.

NIGHTLIFE
San Jose and Manuel Antonio offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs. Both cities have a lively nightlife with great places to dance, drink and listen to live music.