Tourism Department of Costa Rica (I.C.T.)
Costa Rica's tourism department, know as the I.C.T. (Instituto Costarricence de Tourismo) is located on the 11 th floor of the main building; just on the other side of Plaza de la Cultura along Avenida Segunda (Second Avenue). You must enter the building from the back side, facing the newly renovated park. Current bus schedules, brochures, maps of San José and the National Parks, as well as other valuable information concerning tourist attractions are usually available. The I.C.T. office, however, cannot make your reservations, but their bilingual staff will assist you with phone numbers, along with any questions you may have. To contact them, call 223-1733 . From North America, you may call the Costa Rica Tourism Department direct at 1-800-343-6332. A new office has just opened under the Plaza de la Cultura (see photo), which contains all the material mentioned above; they are open weekdays only.
At San José's international airport there are representatives from I.C.T. at the base of the stairs, just before you depart the airport. In addition, an office of CANATUR, a privately funded tourism association, has material available at their disposal. Just outside the airport, to the left, is an office which also has plenty of information, including maps, magazines, brochures, etc. This particular office can make reservations for those
interested.
Several hotels in San Jose provide full service travel planners within their hotel facility. The Holiday Inn, Hotel Del Rey and Grand Hotel Costa Rica are just a few examples. Convenient, and staffed with bilingual employees, these travel agents will gladly assist you with your travel
needs.
The recent surge in tourism to Costa Rica has brought with it an oversupply of undocumented and unqualified travel planners. Inexpensive travel packages and services are frequently advertised in local newspapers, as well as from small storefront businesses throughout San Jose. The rich flora and fauna of Costa Rica is best viewed and enjoyed while accompanied by a properly trained, professional guide. Any savings you enjoy will most certainly be offset by inconveniences or disappointment. Be sure to deal only with those reputable firms which are approved by the I.C.T.; all travel agencies in Costa Rica must be approved by the I.C.T in order to sell travel.
