8 Days in San José: A Journey of Culture and Delights

Maggie Jewett

20 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure in San José, Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the city while savoring delicious local cuisine. From ancient marvels to modern delights, this itinerary will take you on a captivating journey through the heart of San José.

Trip to San José

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling History and Sipping Coffee

$148

Former customs building with a modern entrance hosting conventions, concerts & other events.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Museum displaying anthropological, geological & archeological objects & a large jade collection.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$60

6 - 9 min

Directions

Popular public square with a fountain & some greenery sitting atop the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$68

2 - 3 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$20

Day 2Nature's Playground and Gourmet Pizza

$68

Established in 1895, this iconic park features the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$24

4 - 5 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$44

Day 3Fun-filled Learning and Culinary Delights

$142

Playful children's museum offering hands-on exhibitions in a castle-style structure.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

11 - 16 min

Directions

Busy square & meeting spot with park benches & occasional fairs, concerts & other events.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$44

2 - 3 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$48

Day 4Crafts Galore and Golden Treasures

$159

Souvenirs like colorful masks, folk art & carved wood items in an indoor craft market.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Museum featuring historic gold artifacts, including figures & coins, in a modern, underground space.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$75

2 - 3 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$20

3 - 4 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$64

Day 5Exploring Science and Artistic Wonders

$142

$ 11

Natural history museum with animal dioramas, dinosaur replicas & mounted butterflies.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

6 - 8 min

Directions

Indoor-outdoor museum in a historic building showcasing the works of Latin American artists.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$30

5 - 8 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$44

2 - 3 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$48

Day 6Vibrant Markets and Exquisite Bites

$104

Circa-1950 covered marketplace filled with sellers of produce, spices, meats & prepared foods.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

Lively, mazelike market with vendors for produce, fish, coffee, hot snacks & traditional crafts.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$48

4 - 5 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$56

Day 7Cultural Immersion and Spicy Delicacies

$113

$ 11

Cultural center in a restored 1800s building offering concerts, lectures, workshops & more.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría

Exhibits on Costa Rica's military & cultural history housed in a former barracks & prison building.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

4 - 5 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$56

2 - 3 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$32

Day 8Serene Parks and Gastronomic Delights

$80

This 72-hectare park features the National Stadium & other sports facilities, plus an art museum.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$48

2 - 3 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$32

Budget breakdown: $978 In total

Activities & Food:$956

Transport:$22