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

Emerson Gamlin

Emerson Gamlin

3 Jan 2024

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure in San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage as you explore museums, markets, and parks. Discover ancient marvels, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the warmth of the Costa Rican people. Get ready for an exciting journey filled with unforgettable memories!

Day 1Unleashing the Natural Wonders at Parque Nacional
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$0

Parque Nacional
Established in 1895, this iconic park features the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Day 2Dive into Art and Culture at Plaza de la Cultura, Museo del Jade, and MADC
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$85

Plaza de la Cultura
Popular public square with a fountain & some greenery sitting atop the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Museo del Jade
Museum displaying anthropological, geological & archeological objects & a large jade collection.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$60
9 - 14 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
$25
Day 3A Day of Fun and Learning at the Children's Museum and Municipal Crafts Market
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$50

·

$ 11

Children's Museum
Playful children's museum offering hands-on exhibitions in a castle-style structure.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$50
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Municipal Crafts Market
Souvenirs like colorful masks, folk art & carved wood items in an indoor craft market.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 4Unveiling the Glittering Past at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and San José Central Market
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$75

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Museum featuring historic gold artifacts, including figures & coins, in a modern, underground space.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$75
7 - 10 min

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Directions

San José Central Market
Lively, mazelike market with vendors for produce, fish, coffee, hot snacks & traditional crafts.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 5Immerse in Costa Rican Art and Nature at the Museum of Costa Rican Art and La Sabana Park
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$30

Museum of Costa Rican Art
Indoor-outdoor museum in a historic building showcasing the works of Latin American artists.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$30
7 - 10 min

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Directions

La Sabana Park
This 72-hectare park features the National Stadium & other sports facilities, plus an art museum.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 6Explore the Vibrant Mercado Borbón and the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture
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$15

Mercado Borbón
Circa-1950 covered marketplace filled with sellers of produce, spices, meats & prepared foods.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
12 - 17 min

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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
$15
Day 7Discover the Wonders of Nature at the Natural Science Museum La Salle and Centro Cultural Herediano Omar Dengo
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$20

·

$ 11

Natural Science Museum La Salle
Natural history museum with animal dioramas, dinosaur replicas & mounted butterflies.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$20
25 - 30 min

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Directions

Centro Cultural Herediano Omar Dengo
Cultural center in a restored 1800s building offering concerts, lectures, workshops & more.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 8Thrills and Excitement at Parque Diversiones
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$100

Parque Diversiones
This amusement park with rides for adults & kids gives its profits to a children's hospital.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$100

Budget breakdown: $397 In total

Activities & Food:$375
Transport:$22