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6 Days in San José: Unveiling the City's Hidden Gems

Krishna Bhat

Krishna Bhat

24 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling adventure through San José, Costa Rica, as you discover its vibrant culture, lush botanical gardens, captivating museums, and bustling markets. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, indulge in local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting city.

Trip to San José

Day 1Wildlife Encounters and Urban Oasis
+

$19

Simón Bolívar Zoo and Botanical Garden
Long-running botanical garden & zoo with fish, amphibians & reptiles, plus birds & mammals.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
10 - 15 min

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Directions

MADC
Indoor-outdoor museum showcasing contemporary art & design from Central America & around the world.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$6
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Parque Central de San José
Busy square & meeting spot with park benches & occasional fairs, concerts & other events.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
Day 2Nature's Majesty and Scientific Wonders
+

$4

·

$ 3

Parque Nacional
Established in 1895, this iconic park features the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture
Set in a former penitentiary, this complex features a children's museum, auditorium & art galleries.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$4
Day 3Imagination Unleashed and Culinary Delights
+

$13

Children's Museum
Playful children's museum offering hands-on exhibitions in a castle-style structure.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
10 - 15 min

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Directions

San José Central Market
Lively, mazelike market with vendors for produce, fish, coffee, hot snacks & traditional crafts.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4Crafts Galore, Golden Treasures, and Urban Serenity
+

$19

·

$ 3

Municipal Crafts Market
Souvenirs like colorful masks, folk art & carved wood items in an indoor craft market.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

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Directions

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Museum featuring historic gold artifacts, including figures & coins, in a modern, underground space.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$19
17 - 21 min

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Directions

La Sabana Park
This 72-hectare park features the National Stadium & other sports facilities, plus an art museum.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5Authentic Market Experience and Artistic Inspiration
+

$8

·

$ 6

Mercado Borbón
Circa-1950 covered marketplace filled with sellers of produce, spices, meats & prepared foods.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Museum of Costa Rican Art
Indoor-outdoor museum in a historic building showcasing the works of Latin American artists.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$8
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Centro de Conservación de Santa Ana
Small protected area with native forest, plants & birds, plus a historic farm museum with animals.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 6Thrills and Learning at the Amusement Park and Science Museum
+

$30

·

$ 3

Parque Diversiones
This amusement park with rides for adults & kids gives its profits to a children's hospital.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$25
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Natural Science Museum La Salle
Natural history museum with animal dioramas, dinosaur replicas & mounted butterflies.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$5

Budget breakdown: $105 In total

Activities & Food:$92
Transport:$14