Day 1: Just Me and José (San)

nikkiquintero

Aug 26

3 min read

One rental car, one night in the city, and the official start of my solo Costa Rica birthday adventure.

And just like that, I was back.

Costa Rica.

Trip number five.

Only this time, life looked very different from the last time I'd landed here.

But we'd already made the decision.

We were going anyway.

First order of business: wheels.

Yes girl, We're Driving

I picked up my rental car from Vamos Rent-A-Car, and I have to give them their flowers.

Easy. Simple. English speaking. No mysterious fees appearing out of nowhere.

When you're renting a car in another country and traveling alone, easy and uncomplicated is exactly what you want.

Keys secured, luggage loaded, Google Maps activated.

Let's go.

There's always a moment at the beginning of a solo trip when it hits me:

Nobody else is responsible for getting us anywhere.

I'm the driver.

The navigator.

The problem solver.

The security detail.

The DJ.

And occasionally the person yelling, THAT WAS THE TURN! at herself.

But there's something I love about it too.

Every little thing you successfully figure out becomes another quiet reminder:

I can take care of me.

26 Floors Above San José

For my first night, I'd booked the URBN Cornerview, a 26th-floor Airbnb in San José.

For one night in the city?

Perfect.

I didn't need a resort. I needed somewhere comfortable, convenient, and easy to get in and out of the next morning.

But before I could tuck myself in...

I needed food.

Obviously.

It was already late, and I found Aguizotes within walking distance.

Now, could I have stayed inside and ordered something?

Absolutely.

Gone hungry?

Maybe.

Was walking around an unfamiliar city alone at night necessarily the activity I'd recommend to every solo traveler?

Absolutely not.

But I checked my surroundings, trusted my gut, and decided I felt comfortable making the walk.

So your girl went to dinner.

And This Is How I Met Chiliguaro

I started with an Imperial michelada because we're in Costa Rica and I believe in respecting local customs.

Okay, maybe that's not technically a local custom.

But Imperial is Costa Rica's beer, I was officially on vacation, and that's enough justification for me.

Then came the chiliguaro.

Listen.

I don't know who needs to hear this, but if you come to Costa Rica and somebody offers you a chiliguaro—

do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

Try it.

Spicy. Savory. A little citrusy.

Surprisingly delicious.

10/10 introduction.

For dinner, I ordered a stuffed plantain and fries.

And listen...

They did what needed to be done.

Would I order them again?

Probably not.

But we thank them for their service.

The chiliguaro, however?

She's coming with us.

A Quiet First Night

After dinner, I walked back, climbed 26 floors above San José, and tucked myself in.

No dramatic first-night adventure.

No life-changing revelation.

Just me, in Costa Rica, having successfully gotten myself exactly where I needed to be.

And honestly?

That felt good.

There were plenty of things waiting for me back home that I couldn't control.

But right then, I didn't need to figure out my entire life.

I just needed to be present.

Got the car.

Found the Airbnb.

Fed myself.

Got home safely.

Chiggity check!

Tomorrow could handle itself tomorrow or manana por la manana.

Besides, I had a big day ahead.

I was going chasing waterfalls.

Pura vida por vida. 🌴

The Details

🚗 Rental Car — Vamos Rent-A-Car. Would I use them again? Yes. The process was easy and straightforward, and I didn't encounter surprise or hidden costs. Exactly what I want when renting abroad.

🏙️ Stay — URBN Cornerview, San José. Would I stay again? Yes—for a quick overnight in San José. It was comfortable, convenient, beautiful view and did exactly what I needed it to do before getting back on the road.

🍽️ Dinner — Aguizotes. Get again: Chiliguaro + Imperial michelada. I'd skip next time: Stuffed plantain and fries.

💡 Solo Travel Note: Just because somewhere is within walking distance doesn't mean you should automatically walk there—especially alone at night. Check the area, stay aware, and make the decision that feels right for you in the moment.