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

13 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant streets of San José, Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, explore historical landmarks, and discover the city's natural wonders. Join me on this unforgettable journey!

Trip to San José

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Viator

Day 1Cultural Delights at Antigua Aduana and Simón Bolívar Zoo

$25

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

Long-running botanical garden & zoo with fish, amphibians & reptiles, plus birds & mammals.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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$25

Day 2Serene Beauty at Parque Nacional and Museo del Jade

$30

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

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$30

Day 3Artistic Marvels at MADC, CENAC, and Plaza de la Cultura

$13

Indoor-outdoor museum showcasing contemporary art & design from Central America & around the world.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$13

2 - 3 min

Directions

Cultural center with theaters & a museum housed in a 19th-century former liquor factory.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Free

Day 4Time Travel through History at Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia Museum and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

$58

$ 6

Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia

Museum since 1991 with tours & a permanent exhibit on former Costa Rican President Calderón Guardia.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$20

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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$38

4 - 6 min

Directions

This stately cathedral built in 1871 blends Greek orthodox, neoclassical and baroque architecture.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5A Fusion of Art and Science at Museum of Costa Rican Art and Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

$23

$ 17

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$15

12 - 15 min

Directions

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

Set in a former penitentiary, this complex features a children's museum, auditorium & art galleries.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

13 - 16 min

Directions

Large public green space featuring play equipment, trails, lakes & a variety of sports facilities.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Featuring a statue from San José's Japanese twin city, this park offers sports fields & gardens.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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Free

Day 6Exploring Local Crafts and Natural History at Municipal Crafts Market and Natural Science Museum La Salle

$10

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$10

Day 7Embrace Nature's Splendor at La Sabana Park and Braulio Carrillo Colina Park

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

This compact urban green space with a church view is a popular, scenic spot to relax.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Thrills and Laughter at Parque Diversiones

$50

This amusement park with rides for adults & kids gives its profits to a children's hospital.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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$50

Day 9Journey into Heritage at Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría and Centro Cultural Herediano Omar Dengo

$13

$ 11

Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$13

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

24 - 29 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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Free

Day 10Culinary Delights and Playful Learning at San José Central Market and Children's Museum

$25

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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$25

Budget breakdown: $289 In total

Activities & Food:$245

Transport:$44