San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, is a bustling city nestled inside a tropical paradise. It sits in the Central Valley region with the Talamanca Mountains to the south and volcanoes to the north. It is surrounded by stunning, untouched cloud forests.
Founded in 1737, San Jose today is a sprawling metropolis. Costa Rica’s largest city, it is considered to be among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Here, you can find excellent range of accommodations, quality museums, inviting bars, diverse international restaurants fitting every budget, shopping centers, colorful markets and a fast paced night life.
The city is distinguished by its Spanish colonial buildings, like the ornate, neoclassical National Theatre overlooking downtown’s Plaza de la Cultura, a popular gathering spot.
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Plaza de la Cultura –
Popular public square in downtown San Jose with a fountain & some greenery sitting atop the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold.
Museos Banko Central de Costa Rica – www.museosdelbancocentral.org/en
Located under the Plaza de la Cultura. Includes Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold. A small art museum with extensive collection of Costa Rica’s Colombian gold and other Pre-Columbian artifacts.
Teatro National Costa Rica – https://teatronacional.go.cr/
The National Theatre which anchors one side of the Plaza de la Cultura, opened to the public in 1897. Coffee earnings and taxes derived from these profits, helped finance the theatre. The building is considered the finest historic building in the capital. Offers high quality performances by orchestras, operas, ballet, and other musical performances.
National Craft Market –
Huge covered market located in a square in the San Jose’s historic district near the National Museum of Costa Rica.
Museum National de Costa Rica – www.museocostarica.go.cr
The Costa Rican National Museum which sits on top of the Plaza de la Democraticia, is located inside the old Bellavisa Fortress. The museum features artifacts and history of Costa Rica related to Pre-Columbian art up to the present time. The Fortress, an ochre-colored building which was built in 1917, was originally a military barracks. It was converted to a museum following the 1948 civil war.
Jade Museum – www.museodeljadeins.com
Located opposite the Museum National de Costa Rica. One of the largest collection of American jade in the world.
Our dental tourism adventure in April, 2018, started with those in our group doing dental work being invited on a day excursion to beautiful Tortuga Island, courtesy of Meza Dental Care. 
Puntarenas was once Costa Rica’s prosperous, coffee-exporting gateway to the Pacific and one of the most important seaports in the country. Today it is a commercial fishing port, a terminal for ferries and a docking station for cruise ships.
We danced in the white sand to the lively rhythm of a Caribbean musical group. A nice buffet was served up to hungry guests. 
Some relaxed in lounge chairs under the shade of palm trees. 
Much to our delight, in one oyster 
The following morning the three of us women who were having dental work done, Anne, Jean and Merrilee, made our way to 
Hotel Don Carlos & Cafe Amon
Hotel Dunn Inn & Restaurant Alma de Amon 
Alajuela is a large, busy town near the 
The inviting covered market rivals that of Grecia and other towns in the area.
It was an active supporter of independence from Spain and a colonial administrative center for nearby coffee plantations. 
The small, quaint Heredia city is located a few kilometers from San Jose in central Costa Rica midst vast coffee plantations and lush greenery. 
Founded in 1705, it was the former coffee capitol of Costa Rica. 
The town of Sarchi, which is about 15 minutes northwest of Alajuela City, is known throughout Costa Rica for its beautiful and intricate arts and crafts and souvenirs. It is perhaps most widely recognized for its colorful 
and decorative oxcarts that have been made here for over a century and sold all over the country. 
This quaint little farming community is a jewel of the central valley of Costa Rica. It is 20 minutes north of Alajuela city and offers dramatic scenery.
The leafy green main square, anchored by the metal church, Catedral de la Mercedes, is inviting. The large covered marketplace is a gem overflowing with fresh tropical fruits, good bakeries, meats, poultry, fish, vegetables and good prepared food in traditional small sodas. The area offers a butterfly arena and a regional museum.
Poas Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s largest and most active volcanoes and one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It stands at a height of 8885 feet. 
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, known simply as Puerto Viejo, 
The town 
Horse back riding along beach trails is a highlight. There is a good selection of international restaurants. Accommodations, restaurants, cafes and bars cater to every budget.
There is a huge smattering of *expats mainly from USA, Europe, South America and Canada. The outskirts of town and the mounntains are home to the Bribri Indians. 
Charming bungalows; n
Lo
La Fortuna de San Carlos is a picturesque 
The town and surrounding area offer a wide variety of hotels, charming restaurants, eclectic shopping, and a wide range of outdoor activities. The area
Activities in the La Fortuna and Arenal area which can be enjoyed include spas and hot springs, horseback riding, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, waterfall rappelling, hiking, canopy tours, and boat tours.
Throughout La Fortuna 
When do Dental Tourism events take place?
Adventure & Dental Tourism in Costa Rica 2018/2019 