Explore San José

Introduction

San José is the capital of Costa Rica and is centrally located in this small, yet diverse, Central American country. It is the center of government, business, theater and arts, and is the home to Costa Rica's international airport, Juan Santamaria.

There is a wide variety of activities that can be explored from the capital such as some of the world's wildest & most beautiful white water rapids, volcanoes, butterfly farms, coffee plantations, mountain biking, museums, and more.

San José has a very active nightlife with some excellent restaurants, casinos, bars, discos.don't leave the city without trying a little salsa/meringue dancing!

Most travelers will spend either their first and/or last night here due to flight schedules.

Recommended Stops

• Plaza de La Cultura
• La Casona – located in the heart of downtown San José on the walking mall of the Plaza de La Cultura, this is the best and most affordable place to purchase souvenirs. All prices are VERY negotiable, therefore, do not pay ticketed price. This is a great place to purchase local woods, art, and more.
• Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls – located about 45 minutes from the city, near Alajuela, this is an excellent day trip. Along the way, you will pass gorgeous coffee plantations and strawberry fields. At Poás, you can walk up to the crater, as well as hike the many trails offered. At the Waterfalls, you can witness this natural wonder, and in addition, enter the expansive gardens and butterfly farm located above the waterfall. See this tour >
• National Theater - Built between 1890 and 1897, this edifice's construction costs were paid for by the Costa Rican people through import taxes. The National Theater is home to valuable pieces by Italian artists, and is still in good condition after 100 years. The pride of Costa Ricans, the Theater is the center of the country's main cultural, artistic and political activities, and was declared a National Monument in 1965.
• Jade and Gold Museum – The Jade museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art (gold, ceramic, jade and stone), and is the only museum displaying indigenous jade artwork in the Americas. It is located in the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (National Insurance Institute) building. The collection of indigenous gold objects displayed at the Gold Museum is considered one of the most valuable in the world. The museum is located in the Plaza de la Cultura, adjacent to the Tourism Information office of the Costa Rica Tourism Board. Located on Calle 5 at Avenida Central, the Gold Museum is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Irazú Volcano - This park protects colossal Irazú, which, at 3,432 meters above sea level, is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. The active volcano has a long history of eruptions and eruptive cycles. The protected area's many geological features include the Playa Hermosa, Principal and Diego de la Haya craters, as well as the Sapper formation, the highest point in the massif, from which both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be seen. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, a cafeteria, parking and several natural viewpoints.
• Braulio Carrillo National Park - this park is located northeast of the Central Valley in the central Cordillera Volcánica, between the massifs of Poás and Irazú volcanoes., Braulio Carrillo is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica. Nearly the entire landscape is made up of tall volcanic mountains swathed in forest, with countless great rivers running through deep canyons. Several extinct volcanoes have been identified: Chompipe, at 2,259 meters tall; Turu, at 2,139 meters ; Cerro Cacho Negro, at 2,250 meters ; and Barva, which has several craters collectively known as Tres Marías with an average height of 1,725 meters. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, and several natural viewpoints. One great way to see this park is via the Aerial Tram.
  

Don't Miss!

San José is a great jump off point for many types of adventures, including white water rafting, and our famous 4-in-One The Best of Costa Rica (4 in One) tour.

See a complete list of Adventure Tours in San José >

Restaurant Recommendations

Café Mundo

Located in historical Barrio Amon, this old mansion was converted into a casual restaurant serving a wide variety of international cuisine including pastas, chicken, seafood, pizzas, and soups. Great choice for good food in a casual, fun atmosphere

La Monastere

Located in the hills of Escazú, this former monastery was converted into one of the city's finest international restaurants. Serving gourmet dishes in a semi-formal atmosphere with fabulous views of the city.

Machu Pichu

Peruvian restaurant specializing in seafood and meats. Excellent food at very reasonable prices. Located on the outskirts of downtown San José (any receptionist or cab driver will know this place)

Las Tapas de Manuel

A Spanish “tapas”, or appetizers, restaurant located in Escazú/Santa Ana offering a wide variety of exquisite appetizers in a nice atmosphere. Excellent option…one of my personal favorites.

Hotel Grano de Oro

Their outdoor/indoor café is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner with excellent dishes, friendly service and a very relaxing atmosphere. A combination of national and international cuisine at reasonable prices.

La Casa de Dona Lela

Now with a location in Escazú, near Alto Las Palomas, offering the best variety of local food. The menu is extensive and features every type of local food you can imagine from arroz con pollo, gallo pinto, casados, and more. Very affordable and large portions.

Pan e Vino

Italian restaurant serving wood oven pizzas, fresh pastas, and seafood - several locations around the city

Places to Avoid

We do not recommend walking around the downtown area, or the Coca Cola Bus Station area at night. These area are not dangerous, however, tend to attract a more sinister group in the evenings and are best avoided.