8 Days in San José: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Costa Rica

Amanda R.

12 Dec 2023

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets of San José, Costa Rica. Discover ancient marvels, immerse yourself in the rich culture, and indulge in mouthwatering cuisine. Join us as we explore the hidden gems of this captivating city.

Trip to San José

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Viator

Day 1From Artisan Markets to Culinary Delights

$48

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Chietón Morén Museo y Mercadito de Artesanías

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

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Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$40

Day 2Unraveling History and Exquisite Gold

$110

$ 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

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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

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

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Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$52

Day 3Wildlife Encounters and Serene Gardens

$73

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$25

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

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Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$48

Day 4Central Parks, Butterfly Gardens, and Jade Treasures

$108

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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Free

15 - 22 min

Directions

50+ species of butterflies on view in a park-like environment with waterfalls & greenery.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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$18

16 - 23 min

Directions

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

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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$13

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

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$30

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

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Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$48

Day 5Thrilling Adventures and Scenic Beauty

$90

$ 6

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

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

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Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$40

Day 6Museums, Cathedrals, and Culinary Delights

$69

$ 11

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$10

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

38 - 46 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

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Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría

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

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

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$13

2 - 3 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$46

Day 7Science, Culture, and Art

$90

$ 6

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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4 - 5 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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$25

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

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Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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$15

5 - 8 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$42

Day 8Parks, Cultural Centers, and Caribbean Cuisine

$53

$ 11

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

23 - 28 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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$13

8 - 11 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$40

Budget breakdown: $688 In total

Activities & Food:$639

Transport:$50