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

Connor 458

20 Nov 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure in San José, Costa Rica, where you'll discover the vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty of the city. From exploring historic plazas to immersing yourself in art and science, this itinerary has something for everyone.

Trip to San José

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Viator

Day 1Unveiling the Heart of San José

$ 11

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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Free

5 - 6 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

Day 2Discovering Science and Spirituality

$10

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$10

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Free

Day 3Immersing in Conservation and Cultural Delights

$ 11

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

38 - 46 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

32 - 39 min

Directions

Parque de las Garantías Sociales (Parque de la Caja)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

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Free

Day 4Thrills and Excitement at Parque Diversiones

$50

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

Day 5Delving into History and Nature

$13

$ 6

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

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$13

32 - 39 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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Free

Day 6Exploring the Vibrant Markets of San José

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 7Art, Science, and Culture Collide

$35

$ 11

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

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

•

5 - 6 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

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$13

Day 8Embracing the Serenity of Parque Nacional

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

Day 9Strolling Through Historic Sites and Local Crafts

$ 6

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

6 - 8 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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Free

Day 10Unearthing Ancient Treasures and Cultural Heritage

$58

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$38

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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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

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$20

Budget breakdown: $215 In total

Activities & Food:$165

Transport:$50