Costa Rica 2024: Quepos to San Jose

This would be our penultimate day here in this wonderful country. As usual we took breakfast at the hotel, but this morning we have one of the monkeys that call the trees surrounding the resort/hotel their home jump over for a visit. Perhaps it was wanting some breakfast too. Everything went too fast and before one of the waiters finish his sentence, "Don't give food" my husband already had handed a piece of pineapple to the monkey. While there was a little game of catch me if you can by the waiter and the monkey, we were all entertained.

After breakfast, four of us (2 decided to stay at the hotel) made our way to Quepos town to do a little bit of shopping for Costa Rican coffee.

Coffee purchase about $50.

Fish monger across from the grocery store.

Street food in the form of fried chicken and empanadas emitted aromas too tempting to ignore, so we indulged in fabulous fried goodies.

We stopped for coffee and ice cream and entered a few stores.

This local was happy for the little fried food handout.

At 11 am, we checked out of the hotel and drove to our next destination, San Jose, the capital city. The drive to San Jose was about 2 to 2.5 hours.

This was my landmark to the hotel. As soon as I see this double arch, I know we're on the right track and the hotel was just a few shakes away.

Upon arrival, we rested a bit and got our stuff ready for our departure the next day. One of us was flying out tonight, so needed to make sure she's all ready.

Rested and showered, we went out to see a little bit of San Jose. This was the only time we have to see the city. We decided the best spot to go is at Avenida Central, which is a mile-long pedestrian street. It's one of the busiest place in the city since there and its surroundings are where the tourist areas are located. We also found out they have a Central Market, which was closing when we got there that night.

I don't know what they are but they are so beautiful with their pink flowers.

Also found the pink buses so attractive.

We found a parking garage 15-20 minutes walk away from Avenida Central and along the way we passed 3 casinos. This yellow building is one of them.

The picture is not perfect but this is the Central Post Office. I read that it is still operational today.

San Jose's official city brand SJO Vive (San Jose Lives)!

We were in search of dinner.

I jokingly refers to this as the Times Square of Costa Rica.

Egg roll is called Tacos Chinos.

I stopped to watch the only sunset I've seen here on this trip.

Central Market was closing.

There's a handful of sculptures along the length of Avenida Central

We took our friend to the airport but we got to the wrong one. We eventually found international terminal.

The next morning, we ditched getting the free breakfast at the hotel and instead went back to Central Market for breakfast.

We found the bakeries here really temptin g.

In another bakery, I got the churros that was filled with dulce de leche, oh so good.

WE went inside the Central Market to get food to take to the plane and my friend realized she forgot to get Starbucks mug souvenir, so we hunted for one.

And we found it not too far from Central Market. I have another friend that collects these mugs or cups or whatever you call them, so when we travel I make a mental note to stop at Starbucks.

From here, we went straight to the airport.

Many things to do and see at the airport.

They also provide water for the four-legged travelers.

It was a wonderful vacation with friends. My body was exhausted because we were always on the move, but the heart and soul were at peace and fully relaxed. I look forward to my next visit to Costa Rica, hoping to see the other parts I didn't get to see this time.