10 Days in San José: A Journey of Discovery

Simon Schulz

16 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling 10-day adventure in San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital. Explore ancient marvels, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this captivating city. From historic museums to picturesque parks, every day promises a new and exciting experience.

Trip to San José

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Wildlife Encounters and Culinary Delights

$208

$ 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

11 - 14 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$104

3 - 4 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$84

Day 2Thrills and Tranquility in the Heart of the City

$276

$ 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

4 - 5 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$84

3 - 4 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$92

Day 3History, Culture, and Delicious Roasted Pork

$225

$ 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

30 - 36 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$104

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$96

Day 4Market Hopping and Churro Indulgence

$172

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

8 - 11 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$92

3 - 4 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$80

Day 5Zoological Wonders and Jade Treasures

$270

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

2 - 3 min

Directions

Sapore Trattoria lo transportará a un lugar donde los deliciosos y auténticos sabores de la comida Italia serán una realidad.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$80

3 - 4 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$80

Day 6Nature's Serenity and Artistic Inspiration

$217

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$100

6 - 9 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$25

7 - 10 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$92

Day 7Japanese Gardens, Crafts, and Argentine Cuisine

$188

$ 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

5 - 8 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$104

2 - 3 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$84

Day 8Historical Insights and Golden Artifacts

$306

$ 22

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

4 - 5 min

Directions

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$80

7 - 10 min

Directions

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

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

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$15

7 - 10 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$96

Day 9Park Strolls, Art Appreciation, and Authentic Noodles

$218

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

5 - 8 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$100

1 - 2 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$88

Day 10Adventure, Play, and Gastronomic Delights

$246

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

8 - 12 min

Directions

2 ambientes, 2 conceptos que comparten una excepcional cocina basada en ingredientes autóctonos, preparados con técnicas culnarias modernas.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$100

7 - 10 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$96

Budget breakdown: $2425 In total

Activities & Food:$2326

Transport:$99