Another vote for Antigua! Wonderful colonial city, compact and walkable. Warm engaging people! If you are going the week before Easter make your reservations early.

I agree with the above. I have been to San Jose, although it was a few years ago. Nothing memorable about that city at all. Most of Costa Ricas best sites and adventures are elsewhere in the country..

We just got back from Guatemala last week. We passed through Antigua three times during our journey, staying a total of six days.. It would be easy to spend five days there and environs and not get bored. It definately has all the things you are looking for and in a compact area. Have a good trip

Antigua is amazing! Without any doubt you will be want to return in the future. I live in Guatemala City, and Antigua is one of my favorite places in the world. Here you will find a lot of activities to do. Great colonial hotels, great restaurants, the views are breathtaking and from here there are shuttles if you want to take a one day trip to Lake Atitlán. Feel free if you want to contact me if you need help.

It has been some time since we were in San Jose and we will not go back, nothing there. Other areas of Costa Rica are interesting but do not fit your discription of wants. We are currently in Antigua for a total of 3 months.This is not our first visit and hopefully not our last. Many things to do, good places to eat, places for shopping, nearby areas to explore. And, maybe the best, friendly people. I vote with all the other responses.

Antigua!!! Beautiful, unique, charming small city with amazing restaurants. Lots to do. And cheap! Did CR for two weeks and did not see San Jose - my research showed that it is like Guatemala City: a large smoggy city that can be skipped. Don't miss Antigua!