A2Z Languages - Costa Rica - School Guide

A Pedestrian In Costa Rica

1) It can be very hard to find street names or even building or house numbers. You may be able to find them, but must look hard.
2) If you want a quick reference to find a direction look at a church. Church entrences face west.
3) As in many places in Latin America right of way is determined by size. As a pedestrian you will be the smallest. This means it is your responsibility to get across a street safely. Don't assume a driver will stop or give you the right of way.
4) Costa Rican do not use addresses. They use point of references when telling you how to get somewhere. It can be difficult at first, but can be rather entertaining.

Protection from the Sun

Due to Costa Rica's position relatively close to the equator, the sun will be much stronger than you are used to. If you don't take precautions you will definately get a sunburn. Use sunscreen whenever possible if you will be outdoors for any length of time.

Getting around

By Bus: Microbuses Rapido (tel.238-8392 or 238-0506) offers service to Heredia every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., from Calle 1, Avenidas 7/9 in San Jose. buses depart from Heredia for San Jose from Avenida 4, Calle Central/1. Microbuses also depart San Jose from Avenida 2, Calles 10/12, every 20 minutes, and hourly midnight to 6 a.m.

By Train: A five-car train operated by Intertren (tel. 226-0011) departs from the Atlantic Railway Station in San Jose (Avenida 3, Calle 21) at 5:45 a.m. and 12:15 and 5:30 p.m., Mon. - Friday. It travels via the university of San Jose in San Pedro. Return trains depart from the railway station opposite the Mercado Florence in Heredia at 6:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 6 p.m. (50 clolones/35 cents)

Much of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:

A2Z Languages highly recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit his website where you can purchase this book or find out more about the author.

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