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10 Days in San José: Unveiling Cultural Treasures and Culinary Delights

Bhavesh Amin

28 Nov 2023

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Embark on a captivating journey through San José, Costa Rica, as you immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. From ancient marvels to modern delights, this 10-day itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure for solo travelers.

Trip to San José

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Viator

Day 1Heritage Delights and Argentinean Feast

+

$286

·

$ 20

Antigua Aduana

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$131

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Plaza de la Cultura

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

~

Directions

El Tenedor Argentino

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$154

Day 2Wildlife Encounters and Jade Treasures

+

$375

Simón Bolívar Zoo and Botanical Garden

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$88

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Museo del Jade

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$105

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Sapore Trattoria

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

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$182

Day 3Contemporary Art and Urban Oasis

+

$212

MADC

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$44

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Parque Nacional

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

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Café Mundo

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$168

Day 4Crafts Galore and Musical Marvels

+

$168

Municipal Crafts Market

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Templo de la Música

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

CENAC

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Café Mundo

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$168

Day 5Historical Wonders and Scientific Exploration

+

$280

·

$ 20

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

•

$70

6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Centro de Investigación y Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$44

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Metropolitan Cathedral of San José

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 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.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$26

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

JR Ribs

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$140

Day 6Market Strolls and Playful Discoveries

+

$249

San José Central Market

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Children's Museum

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$88

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Restaurante Silvestre

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

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$161

Day 7Thrilling Rides and Tranquil Parks

+

$322

·

$ 20

Parque Diversiones

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$175

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Central Park Escazu

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Cafe Buena Tierra

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$147

Day 8Donkey Farm Visit and Cultural Immersion

+

$184

·

$ 20

Granja Burros de Portal

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$44

14 - 17 min

~

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

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Loving Hut

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$140

Day 9Historical Museums and Exotic Flavors

+

$233

·

$ 39

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

•

$44

27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Centro de Conservación de Santa Ana

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Natural Science Museum La Salle

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

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$35

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Sabor del Líbano

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$154

Day 10Artistic Masterpieces and Park Picnic

+

$221

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

•

$53

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

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Picanha Grill

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$168

Budget breakdown: $2643 In total

Activities & Food:$2527

Transport:$116