Loved Costa Rico when we were there in November. Unless tou want to see something specific, get out of San Jose ASAP. Not particularly dangerous, just a bustling city.

CR was priced very reasonably, once you get there as airfare was pricey. I was only in Jaco, a surf town on the west coast. Surfing [novice ] as great. you will be very happy. Roads were not very good . So, 'that far on the map' could be an all day affair.