Schedule Registration Rates Hotel & Travel Internship Site Visits Sponsorship Information

Planning Your Travel to San José, Costa Rica

San José pulses with the energy of Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage and forward-looking spirit. Nestled in the heart of the country, it’s a city where tradition and innovation meet—home to world-class universities, a growing tech and startup scene, and a dynamic blend of Latin American influences. Surrounded by mountains and lush landscapes, San José offers a gateway to global learning unlike any other. We can’t wait to welcome you to this vibrant hub for the 2025 Careers, Internships, and Global Learning Conference.

Event Location

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San José
San Antonio de Belen, San Jose, San José, Cariari, 40703, Costa Rica
+506 2209 1000

Reserve Your Room for CIGL

A special room block will be available at a discounted rate until September 9, 2025.

NOTE: All room reservations must be made through this official link via the DoubleTree Hotel Cariari San José. We are aware of unofficial third parties and scams inviting people to book via other means. Only reserve your room through this official link.

​The DoubleTree Hotel Cariari San José is the site of CIGL 2025. A free shuttle is available to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport seven kilometers away. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and free WiFi. If time permits, the Cariari Country Club and golf course are next door. Bars, a cafe, and a restaurant are also available on-site.

Transportation Options

By Plane
San José is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located about 20 km (12 miles) from the city center. The airport is the busiest in Costa Rica and offers direct flights from major cities across North America, Central America, Europe, and parts of South America. Taxis, airport shuttles, and rideshare apps (like Uber and DiDi) are readily available to take you into the city. Our conference hotel also offers a free shuttle to and from SJO.

By Car
Driving to San José is possible from within Costa Rica or nearby Central American countries. Major highways like Route 1 (Interamericana Norte) and Route 27 connect San José with the Pacific coast and the Nicaraguan border. Note: Driving in San José can be challenging due to traffic congestion and local driving habits—plan accordingly and consider renting a GPS-enabled vehicle or using navigation apps.

By Bus
San José is a hub for long-distance bus travel throughout Central America. Several reputable bus companies, including Tica Bus and Tracopa, provide service from neighboring countries and within Costa Rica. Most long-distance buses arrive at terminals in or near downtown San José.

Public Transportation Within San José
While there is no subway system, San José has an extensive public bus network operated by multiple companies. Buses are frequent and inexpensive, though routes may be confusing to newcomers. Rideshare apps and taxis are popular alternatives for getting around the city.

Visa Information

All visitors are responsible for and must have valid travel documents and identification to enter Costa Rica. It is your responsibility to determine if you need a visa to enter the country.

Invitation Letter
An invitation letter may be required for your visa application. Conference attendees registered to attend the conference and paid in full can request a letter of invitation for visa applications.

Please request your letter of invitation for the Careers, Internships, and Global Learning Conference 2025 in San José, Costa Rica by July 11, 2025. The visa application process can take several months, so please apply for a visa as early as possible.

Guidelines:  

• Invitation letters will be issued to attendees who have registered for the full conference.   
• Invitation letters will be emailed as PDFs to attendees. Hard copies cannot be mailed.  
• If a visa is denied, The Forum will refund your registration fee according to our Refund/Cancellation Policy.  
• All expenses associated with the conference are the responsibility of the attendee.  
• The Forum is unable to assist with the visa process beyond providing the invitation letter.

Your request will be reviewed by Forum staff. Please allow 2 weeks to receive a response. The Forum reserves the right to decline the request for a letter of invitation. Your request for a letter of invitation does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. 

Request an Invitation Letter