San Jose
From its convenient location to its colorful streets buzzing with people, Costa Rica’s capital city of San José is both the literal and figurative center of the country. San José is the hub of all domestic transportation and the most common point of arrival and departure for tourists. Taxis are available 24 hours a day and a very accessible public transportation system makes day trips easy to plan. Take a day or so to explore its easy-to-navigate grid system with all the Avenidas running East/West and Calles running North/South. On these streets, you’ll find anything from lottery tickets to sewing needles for sale by nomadic and vocal merchants.
While San José is a cosmopolitan capital, housing the most important historic, cultural and government buildings, the charm isn’t always immediately apparent as style is overruled by functionality, a trait that is mimicked by the lifestyle of this humble, hard-working country. The aesthetic allure of downtown San Jose is limited to random snapshots of bright colors and well-weathered character, whereas more distinct personality is exuded in artisan pueblos, the college hub in the east and the upper class western neighborhoods heavily influenced by the United States.
The whole Central Valley region enjoys a temperate climate averaging 75°F year round. This and all the modern conveniences of any large city make it a popular place to live and visit.
Things to Do:
1. Get Lost in el Mercado Central:
See the variety of extraterrestrial-looking fruits, listen to price negotiations on giant sides of beef, or pick up a hand-stitched cowboy hat from the Tico who made it. The high lofty Central Market, inaugurated in 1880, has been converted to such a tight maze of people and stalls, we recommend leaving a trail of bread crumbs to find your way out. For the freshest typical food in the country, follow the strong scents to the restaurant stands towards the center.
2. Discover the Costa Rican Identity
The National Museum is housed in an army barracks that is riddled with bullet holes from the 1948 Civil War. As you pass through the front gates, you’ll find yourself transported to times past with displays that progress from pre-Colombian artifacts to modern day government, religion and natural wonders. Don’t miss the gold display or the Secret Garden with native butterfly species including the elusive blue morpho. Entry is $4 for foreigners.
The National Theater is the most impressive piece of colonial architecture in San Jose and a national landmark. Set in the Central Plaza, the building serves as a testament to the days when coffee barons ran the town and brought culture to the city. The theater was constructed in parts and shipped from Europe for reassembly in the 1890s. Today you can wander about its halls ($3 entrance fee) viewing local and European art or visit the on-site coffee shop.
The Costa Rica National Art Museum is set on the west end of La Sabana park in what was once the international airport building. The beautiful white Spanish stucco style with cast iron accents regularly introduces new exhibits from interactive to sculptures, miniature art and even videos. Best to visit on Sunday when entrance is free (normally $5) and the park is alive with recreation seekers.
3.Get caught in the rain
The Braulio Carrillo National Park is just 20km northeast of San Jose but it feels a world away. With an altitude variation of nearly 3,000m from the lowest section to the peak of the Barva volcano, the climate ranges from wet forest to cloud forest and is damp year round. Bring hiking shoes to explore the limited pathways and you may come upon a variety of wildlife like ocelots, jauguars, snakes and quetzals, as well as tropical plants like the giant elephant ear a.k.a. poor man’s umbrella.
4. When in Costa Rica. Eat Gallo Pinto!!!
Try a soda, a small local restaurant that can be found around just about every turn. These restaurants offer down home Costa Rican cuisine at the most economical prices. Try the traditional chilero (a zesty condiment of pickled vegetables) or a casado (a combo platter with rice, beans, and a portion of meat of your choice).
5. Salsa the Night Away!
Castro’s, a popular 3-story dance club, plays a varied play list of Latin beats. People come to get their serious grove on, or try out their vocals on the karaoke stage below, so stand back or pull up table to watch, before you know it, you may be inspired enough to join them.
6. Follow a 20-year Tradition
El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte has been an East San Jose stalwart since the 80s. Do as the locals and come on a Monday when the party is at its best. Filled with a variety of patrons from students to tourists and tour guides, this bar is a favorite with singles looking for love, and offers live music and dancing. Open until about 1 a.m., sometimes later.
7. Get some fresh air outside of the city
A popular day trip from San Jose is to tour the Poas or Irazu volcano. Poas is the largest geyser in the world and the massive Irazu is 3,378 meters high. Both stand amid cloud forests and much cooler climates than the city. The passage offers beautiful scenery and with luck, you can view the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea simultaneously. Admission to both parks is $7 for foreigners.
8. Get your caffeine buzz on!
Learn how Costa Rican coffee is made from the seedling to the roaster. A coffee tour with Doka Estate or Café Britt will show you the ins and outs of the coffee production process and how it all began. You will tour each company’s main coffee plantation before enjoying an informative and delicious tasting session. Meals are also available upon request.
