San José
Founded in the first half of the eighteenth century, San José is nowadays a city where visitors of the entire world converge; it is a metropolis full of interesting places, faces, and colors reflecting the history of a population.
Its architecture is diverse, as are the people walking its streets. In the north sector of the city you can find the most refined samples of urban development of the early last century. There are many houses and buildings of European inspiration, built with a profound Costa Rican sense of style.
Once in the city, visitors may choose among dozens of one-day tours to the most outstanding natural places, inside and outside of the Central Valley, as well as having access to a great variety of sports adventures and activities for exploring.
Things to Do
Museo del Jade This museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art done in gold, ceramic, jade and stone, and is the only museum displaying indigenous jade artwork in the Americas. It is located on Central Avenue and 13th Street.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park Parque La Sabana, or La Sabana Park is the largest green space in the capital city of San Jose. Created in 1977, the park offers a much needed respite for the busy city residents to enjoy nature without having to leave the metropolis, garnering the nickname the “Lungs of San Jose.”
Costa Rican Art Museum The old La Sabana Airport building is the home of this museum, which normally displays diverse collections of plastic art. On the second floor of the building, the Salon Dorado features a wooden mural depicting the country’s history from the Amerindian era to the year 1940.
Plan Your Trip
When to Visit The best time to visit San José, Costa Rica, is during the dry season from December to April, when you can enjoy sunny weather and minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring the city’s cultural sites, museums, and nearby coffee plantations. However, the green season from May to November offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates, with rain typically occurring in the afternoons. If you want to experience local culture, consider visiting in mid-September for Costa Rica’s Independence Day celebrations or in December for the festive holiday atmosphere.
Getting Here San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport is the main arrival point for thousands of travelers every year. Unless you’re heading to the resorts in Guanacaste (in which case you should try to book your flights into Liberia), you’d like to fly into the San Jose airport and start your journey from there. The airport is small but efficient, so depending on the time of year it is possible to clear immigration and customs in under an hour.