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

Edgar Bautista

10 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling adventure through San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital. Discover ancient wonders, immerse yourself in rich culture, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Join us as we explore the city's hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.

Trip to San José

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Conservation Delight and Urban Oasis

$20

$ 22

Small protected area with native forest, plants & birds, plus a historic farm museum with animals.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$20

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Thrills and Tranquility in San José

$100

$ 11

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$100

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Immerse in History and Cultural Treasures

$25

$ 22

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

•

$25

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

33 - 40 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Market Marvels and Cultural Heritage

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

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5Wildlife Encounters and Precious Jade

$110

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$60

Day 6Nature's Wonderland and Artistic Inspiration

$25

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$25

Day 7Serenity in Parks and Local Crafts

$ 22

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Historical Insights and Golden Artifacts

$130

$ 11

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

•

$40

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$75

12 - 18 min

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

•

$15

Day 9Relaxation in the Green Heart of the City

$30

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$30

Day 10Adventure and Exploration for All Ages

$50

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$50

Budget breakdown: $578 In total

Activities & Food:$490

Transport:$88