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10 Days in San José: A Journey Through History and Culture

Kris Ausloos

15 Jan 2024

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Embark on a 10-day adventure in San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital. Discover ancient marvels, immerse yourself in the local culture, and explore the city's hidden gems. From historic museums to lush parks, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty.

Trip to San José

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling Santa Ana's Conservation Wonders

+

$10

·

$ 6

Centro de Conservación de Santa Ana

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 Science Museum La Salle

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$10

Day 2Thrills and Science at Parque Diversiones

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$58

·

$ 6

Parque Diversiones

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$50

16 - 20 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

•

$8

Day 3Journey through Aserrí's Stone and San José's Central Charm

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$13

·

$ 11

Stone Aserrí

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

31 - 38 min

~

Directions

Parque Central de San José

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría

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

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

Day 4A Feast for the Senses at San José Central Market

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$0

·

$ 6

San José Central Market

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Metropolitan Cathedral of San José

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Antigua Aduana

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Imagination and Heritage at the Children's Museum

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$38

Children's Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Centro de Investigación y Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$13

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Plaza de la Cultura

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

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Art Appreciation and Serenity at La Sabana Park

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$15

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

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$15

7 - 10 min

~

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 7Cultural Delights at Centro Cultural Herediano

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$25

·

$ 6

Centro Cultural Herediano Omar Dengo

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

28 - 34 min

~

Directions

Simón Bolívar Zoo and Botanical Garden

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$25

Day 8Jade Treasures and Contemporary Art

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$43

Museo del Jade

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$30

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

MADC

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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$13

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Templo de la Música

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 9Nature's Majesty 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

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Municipal Crafts Market

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

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 10Gold, History, and the Spirit of San José

+

$58

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$38

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

CENAC

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

~

Directions

Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$20

Budget breakdown: $291 In total

Activities & Food:$258

Transport:$33