The Big
Picture
Casa Holanda is located just outside the quaint city-town of Heredia , which is in the “state” of Heredia in the Central American country of Costa Rica. The airport is approximately 10 kilometers or 6.21 miles. We provide private airport pick-up and drop-off to and from our front door for a fee probably less than what you would pay for a public taxi.
There is numerous information about Costa Rica on the Internet, and below I’ve provided some links that can give you that extensive information and maps about the country.
The water in Costa Rica is drinkable from the tap and of the highest standard. North Americans should not be afraid of it at all. However, as in all cases, including different regions within the United States, it’s probably wise to buy bottled water to drink when vacationing in a different place other than your home.
Everything in Costa Rica is within a day’s drive, including the beaches on both coasts. Casa Holanda is located in the central valley, which is smack dab in the center of it all! It’s been said that Heredia has the most perfect weather in the world!The closest beach, Puntarenas, on the Pacific side is about a two hour drive west. Stunningly beautiful beaches are in Guanacaste and are about a full day’s drive. There is also the wild (nature and surfing culture) coast of the Caribbean with flatter, bikeable terrain, other stunning beaches and a Caribbean, multi-cultural (including indigenous people) atmosphere. That will take you about 4 hours to drive too as well. You will need to make accommodations to stay overnight at least.
More touristy beaches, but not disappointing at all, are Tamarindo, Montezuma, Jaco with its deep sea fishing and the famous Manuel Antonio Beach with its trails many nature tours. Manuel Antonio is about a little over a ˝ of day’s drive and once again you will need to make accommodations there to fully enjoy it. More wild and woolly, remote beaches for you jungle lovers are located in the south at Corcavado State Park and the Caribbean beaches north of Limon. You might take one of the small in-country planes to these (around $60 round trip, not bad!)
Please note that for North Americans the beaches are very hot and humid! Be sure to have water with you at all times until acclimated and please use sunscreen no less than 50 for fair skin (Yes, you will still tan.) The sun in Costa Rica is many times more intense than up North or even in the Caribbean, since Costa Rica is closer to the equator and the sun’s rays are at a direct angle.
Let's Get Specific: Where in Town Are We?
So let me tell you about the immediate area of the B&B and some of the many interesting things to see and do close by here.
Casa Holanda B&B is in the community of San Pablo, on southeast corner of the city of Heredia, going towards Santo Domingo and San Jose. Quiet and gentile, within walking distance of the house there is our very own "Cafe New York City" which serves quality cafes, espressos, cappuccinos, cakes, pies, sandwiches, plate of the day, and a stunning view of the Central Valley. San Pablo also boasts great typical food restaurants, a major supermarket, an Internet café, a beautiful old church, pharmacy, fresh fruit stand.
A little farther (via one of the numerous, cheap taxis available) are the center of the city itself, the university, and the new and beautiful mall, Paseo de la Flores , which has what most malls in the US have, including a food court with many of the major Costa Rican chains, except this one has beautiful views of the south mountains.
Heredia, "The City of "Flowers", is one of the oldest cities in Costa Rica (in fact, founded in 1706), and is known as one of the important centers of the coffee trade in the country.
The Café Britt
coffee tour will not only tell you all you want to know about Heredia and
coffee industry, the actors will perform it for you!
In town there is the Central Market which has many items for sale and some really good authentic Costa Rican dishes, of course great coffee. Every Saturday morning there is the large open air market where local farmers come to sell vegetables and fruit.
Heredia's central park is simply stunning at sunset, and every Thursday the professional symphony performs a concert there. Heredia has its own bars although the town tends to open and close up early. The street side shops are vibrant, full of life and merchandise is reasonably priced.
Just to the South, San Jose is a 20 minute taxi ride away. Described as a “little New York,” here is your nightlife: concerts, museums, nice restaurants, interesting bars, danceclubs. Afterwards, there is always a taxi available to bring you back home to your room at Casa Holanda.
Links
Costa Rica:
www.1costaricalink.com (Excellent Web Directory)
More Maps and Driving Directions for Costa Rica (Referred by 1CostaRicaLink.com)
And More Enlargable Maps of Costa Rica (Referred by 1CostaRicaLink.com)
Links to Map Homepages of Costa Rica (Referred by 1CostaRicaLink.com)
Lonely Planet's Information on Costa Rica
La Nacion (The Premier Newspaper in Costa Rica)
The Tico Times (A Newspaper Geared Towards English Speakers)
Insidecostarica.com (A Website Geared Towards the English Speaking Community)
Heredia:The Official Webpage of the City of Heredia, CR (In Spanish)
Heredia Language Schools:Heredia should also be called the city of schools, because not only the second largest University is here, La Universidad Nacional (UNA), but there are 5 (count 'em 5!) excellent language schools close by. It would be possible to come down to Costa Rica and learn Spanish in an intensive program while you stay at a nearby, quiet setting like Casa Holanda.
Walk to class everyday or we can practice your Spanish with you during your stay.
For business people who want to learn Spanish, you can't beat our setting with our garden patio or dining table for meetings, free local calls and Wireless Internet access.Intercultura Language School (Learn Latin Dance and Cooking here as well!)
Cool Things to Do in the Area:First Check Out Our Many In-HouseCasa Holanda Private Tours
The La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Kind of One Stop Shopping in Tours of Costa Rica)
Poas Volcano (Pretty Drive There, Smell the bowels of the Earth)
Braulio Carillo National Park (Big and Beautiful!)
Pacaure River Rafting (Another must!)
Sarapiqui Canopy and Rain Forest Tour
Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo and more north Tortuguero) Recommendations:The southeast coast of Costa Rica is a quirky, melting pot of cultures with surfers, beautiful beaches and an abundance of tropical wildlife. Cahuita National Park contains the second largest coral reef in Central America. Cocles is a well-known surfing spot with its Salsa Brava reef break with Hawaiian style waves.
Tortuguero is the village and national park farther north on the Caribbean coast. Tons of wildlife reside here, not to mention the nesting of the sea turtles during the months of August through October.
Below are our sister inns, which provide very different experiences for travelers. Click on their sites for more information.El Encanto Bed and Breakfast (Beautiful, private and spritual setting)
Costa Rica Caribbean Way Website (Area Information)
Turtle Beach Lodge (in Tortuguero and lots to do there. The only lodge within the National Park.)
Arenal Volcano Area Recommendations:
Orosi Valley Recommendations:The stunning and picturesque Orosi Valley is just beyond the country's original capitol of Cartago. It is an area which is much more rural and nice compliment to Casa Holanda located in Heredia and near San José.
Orosi Valley Farm Bed and Breakfast (On the edge of a mountain with friendly, knowledgeable owners)
Pacific Side Recommendations:When we say Pacific Side, this means beaches in Manuel Antonio, Jaco Beach, and Guanacaste areas.
Costa Rica Canopy Tours in Manuel Antonio - The longest ride
Ama Tierra Hotel and Retreat (We like this place not only because it's nice, but musical as well.)
Finca Los Caballos Nature Lodge Hotel, Montezuma - Horseback Riding, Birdwatching, Honeymoons
Music, Theater, and Cultural Links:The National Theater (Schedule, Tickets, Information)
Jazz Cafe (Local/international acts. Located in San Jose, San Pedro District)
Vocalist.org (Free listing for vocalist and singing teachers in Costa Rica and Worldwide)
The Credomatic Annual Music Festival (Usually Held in August)
Festival de Las Artes Costa Rica (Held in a different town every year)
San Jose's Fiesta de la Musica (Usually held in public spaces in June)
Costa Rican Department of Culture and Youth
The composer James Nathaniel Holland's website
Amodeo Art in Motion Art Gallery (Buy quality art of local Costa Rican Artists)
Airlines:American Airlines (Specials are Frequent to Costa Rica)
Continental Airlines (Specials and Direct Flights from Newark, NJ)
TACA Airlines (Regional but Flies from North American Cities Too)
Helpful Travel / Services Information:www.1costaricalink.com (Excellent Web Directory)
Alfa Travel Guide - Central America
TripAdvisor (Read unbiased opinions about hotels and vacations)
Costa Rica Translation Service Company
Limousine Service for Weddings, Special Events
Costa Rica Real Estate, Central Valley Homes, Lots
Colina Dental Clinic, Cosmetic Dentistry
Costa Rica Hotel, Diving Center, Drake Bay
Sixt Costa Rica Rental Cars, 4X4s - San Jose Airport
Eco-Vacation Rental Villas Overlooking Playa Dominical in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Hotel on the Beach at Playa Grande - Surfing, Yoga
Costa Rica Yoga - Meditation Courses, Spiritual Teachings, Retreats
COINED Spanish Courses in Costa Rica - Heredia, Samara Beach
Costa Rica Business Services & Products Website
Costa Rica Real Estate - Houses and Lots in Puriscal, Central Valley
After Biz Life - Leisure Activities, Shopping
The Bed and Breakfast Directory
Vacation Rentals PerfectPlaces.com has 1000's of vacation rental homes, villas, condos, and Bed and Breakfasts worldwide.
Victoria bed and breakfast, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
Australia Hotels AsiaRooms provides the complete information about the booking of hotels in Australia. Accommodation in Australia.
HEREDIA, COSTA RICA
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Casa Holanda B&B Newsletters Composer James Nathaniel Holland
Last update January 2007 2006
This Website, all copy and graphics are copyrighted 2007 James Nathaniel Holland, Composer, Pianist.