Your stay — City Express
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Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Capilla Los Arcos (864 m · ~11 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Vida Abundante (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Comunidad del Reino (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Church: Convento y Capilla de los Franciscanos (1.7 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial Cariari — 215 m · ~3 min walk
Parque Los Arcos — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 797 m · ~10 min walk
Farmacia El Indígena de Cariari — 240 m · ~3 min walk
Fresh Market — 290 m · ~4 min walk
Terminal Lomas del Río — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid airport exchange bureaux and most hotels — they take a heavy cut.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants and hotels; cash needed for street stalls, small shops and taxis. Contactless is common but mobile pay less so.
Restaurants: 10% service charge often included – if not, 10% expected. Taxis: not required, but rounding up is appreciated. Hotel staff: 500–1000 CRC per bag, 2000–5000 CRC for housekeeping per stay.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A simple black coffee (café negro) at a local soda costs around 600 CRC.
Casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad, meat) at a soda: 3000–4000 CRC.
Arroz con pollo or a small pre-made pizza slice: 2500–3500 CRC.
Look for sodas and carts near the central park or bus station for empanadas, tacos and fresh fruit cups for 1000–2000 CRC.
Supermercado Más x Menos and AutoMercado are common in Ulloa.
Indoor markets in nearby Alajuela or Heredia centre sell cheap basics; for fast fashion try the mall in Heredia.
Local bus (Autotransportes Unidos, route to Alajuela/Heredia) costs about 350 CRC per ride. From Juan Santamaría airport, take the public bus to Alajuela (600 CRC) then connect, instead of a taxi (20,000+ CRC).
Eat at sodas (small family-run eateries) instead of tourist restaurants. Drink tap water (safe here) and refill a bottle. Buy fruit and snacks at local markets rather than hotel mini-bars.
Emergency Contacts
UlloaIn Costa Rica, the national emergency number 911 covers police, ambulance, and fire services. For non-urgent police matters, call 117. The nearest hospital with emergency services is Hospital Monseñor Sanabria in Puntarenas, about 30 km west of Ulloa.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ulloa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at City Express
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 797 m · ~10 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia El Indígena de Cariari — 240 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Hyatt Place San José Cariari, Ulloa
💡 Book online beforehand with companies like Interbus or Tropical Tours — they drop you right at the entrance. Good if you have luggage.
Anywhere in San José / SJO → Hyatt Place San José Cariari, Ulloa
💡 Uber is legal in Costa Rica but airport pickups can be tricky — walk to the main road outside the terminal to avoid wait and surge. Often cheaper than taxis.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Hyatt Place San José Cariari, Ulloa
💡 Go to the official taxi stand outside arrivals — ignore drivers who approach you inside. Pay in colones for the best rate.
San José city centre (Calle 2, Av. 3/5) → Hyatt Place San José Cariari (stop: Cariari)
💡 Buses don't have signs in English — ask the driver '¿Va para Cariari?' to confirm. Get off after the large pedestrian bridge near the mall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in at City Express?
Check-in at City Express is from null. Check-out is by null.
Where can I eat cheaply near City Express?
Casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad, meat) at a soda: 3000–4000 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from City Express?
Local bus (Autotransportes Unidos, route to Alajuela/Heredia) costs about 350 CRC per ride. From Juan Santamaría airport, take the public bus to Alajuela (600 CRC) then connect, instead of a taxi (20,000+ CRC).
Top Attractions in Ulloa
💡 Saturday evenings from 5pm there is usually a live music event or dance class. Bring a mat to sit on.
💡 The best time is Sunday morning, when a few farmers bring fresh fruit. Carry small bills; few stalls take cards. The coffee at the corner stall is cheap and decent.
💡 Go before 8am to avoid the heat and catch the most birds. Bring water, there are no kiosks along the route.
💡 Ask at the reception for the key to the rear courtyard—there is a small replica of a traditional adobe kitchen. Donations of a couple of dollars are welcome but not required.
💡 Go just before sunset for the best light. Wear sturdy shoes and take a torch for the way down—there are no streetlights on the path.