With some terrific day trip options in the surrounding area, renting a car makes good sense. Without one, it wouldn’t be half as easy to soak up all that Cartago, 25 miles away, has to offer. See the best sights starting with Parque Nacional Tapantí-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte, Lankester Botanical Garden and Las Ruinas de la Parroquia. San Jose is another great option. It’s 30 miles away and has an array of interesting things to do. Costa Rica National Stadium, Sabana Park and Morazan Park are only the start.