Travelers Tips as part of Total Patient Care™

Revised 20 April 2010

•  San Jose is in a semi-flat valley about 3500 feet above sea level, and average temperatures are about 14° F below beach-front temperatures.  Nights often cool off rapidly, and some type of jacket or sweater can be comfortable.

•  The airport (SJO) is just northwest of San Jose.  The Clinic, and some specialists we use, and lodging that we suggest are in or near Cartago, on the southeast of San Jose.

•  Some visitors like to rent a car, especially if they plan to take extended drives into the countryside for sightseeing and exploring.  However, as The Clinic provides most transport free to and from The Clinic, visitors may want to utilize the free transport during intense times of dentistry and do car rental (if any) after the dentistry is complete.

•  Two national symbols for Costa Rica are the Butterfly and the Toucan, both very colorful.  Some are available with “refrigerator magnets”, and Olger Gonzalez, The Clinic Patient Representative, knows where these are available.

•  It is usually advisable to discontinue use of blood-thinners (aspirin, etc.) for three days before dentistry.  If you have questions about this, or other medicines, feel free to e-mail Dr. Coto at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call him on 1-877-285-0959 to discuss your situation.

•  A number of Tour Operators offer tours throughout Costa Rica by bus, van or private car.  These range from half a day to several days, and brochures describing these are widely available.

                                                                                                                                             by Mr. Tom Hails