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It’s not everyday a student gets to fly over his or her high school. Earlier today, I had the opportunity to do so. I took full advantage of this rare moment to snap a couple photos. I was more than happy with the results, and my school was even happier after I sent a few of them their way :) Proud to call this place my high school.
It’s not everyday a student gets to fly over his or her high school. Earlier today, I had the opportunity to do so. I took full advantage of this rare moment to snap a couple photos. I was more than happy with the results, and my school was even happier after I sent a few of them their way :) Proud to call this place my high school. - Photo by Chris Leipelt

Explore San Jose, Costa Rica: An Invitation to an Unfor

About San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, Costa Rica is a vibrant city located in the heart of the country. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty, San Jose is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's museums and galleries, or taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and rainforests, San Jose has something for everyone.

San Jose, Costa Rica is an excellent travel destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. The city is nestled in the Central Valley and surrounded by lush rainforests and towering mountains. Visitors to San Jose can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the city's rich cultural heritage to exploring the natural wonders of the surrounding countryside.

One of the city's most popular attractions is the National Theater of Costa Rica. The theater, which opened in 1897, is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture and is home to some of the country's most important cultural events. Visitors can take a guided tour of the theater to learn more about its history and architecture.

Another popular attraction in San Jose is the Mercado Central. This bustling market is the perfect place to sample some of Costa Rica's delicious cuisine, including fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and local specialties like gallo pinto. Visitors can also browse a wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs at the market's many stalls.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, San Jose is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The city is just a short drive from the Poas Volcano National Park, which boasts one of the world's largest active craters. Visitors can hike through the park's lush cloud forests and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

San Jose is also home to a number of excellent museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Visitors can learn about Costa Rica's rich history and culture through a range of exhibits and interactive displays.

Overall, San Jose, Costa Rica is an ideal travel destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's vibrant cultural scene or venturing out into the surrounding countryside, San Jose has something for everyone.

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Popular Stays in San Jose, Costa Rica

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in San Jose, Costa Rica

Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel offers the best location in the capital city. Only 20 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, 10 minutes from downtown San Jose, Forum, Multiplaza, Lindora, main Shopping Centers and easy access to highways that leads to the country's main tourist attractions. Located near the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, the "Central Park" of San Jose, a 72 acre urban forest of green areas where you can practice multiple sports. It also has a large lake, hence our name, Parque del Lago! As a boutique hotel, we specialize in personalized service, thoroughly tending to every detail of your stay to make it the best experience of your trip.
The Barcelo San Jose is considered to be one of the best business hotels in Costa Rica. It is nestled in a quiet neighbourhood among tropical grounds, approximately 3 km from the centre of San José. The hotel features comfortable rooms and fantastic business and leisure facilities. Within the area guests will be able to find a variety of entertainment possibilities, including, a shopping centre, a variety of museums and La Sabana City Park. The nearest golf course lies about 2 km away.
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Delta Hotels By Marriott San Jose Aurola

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of San José, Costa Rica, with a stay at Delta by Marriott San Jose-Aurola Hotel. Nestled in the pulsating heart of Central America, our hotel offers the perfect gateway to this exotic city. For business travelers, we provide state-of-the-art facilities, including a fully-equipped Business Center and versatile meeting rooms capable of accommodating up to 350 people. Conveniently located within easy reach of the Asamblea Legislativa, government offices, and the bustling financial district, we ensure a seamless experience for corporate ventures. Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore the rich cultural heritage of San José. Delve into the treasures of the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, showcasing an array of exquisite gold pieces and archaeological wonders. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the history of Costa Rica at the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. Just a stone's throw away, the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture beckons with a myriad of attractions. From the engaging Museo de los Niños, perfect for family outings, to the awe-inspiring National Auditorium, where captivating productions unfold, and the National Gallery, a hub of local and international exhibitions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. After a day of exploration, unwind in style at our hotel. Take a refreshing dip in the indoor swimming pool or maintain your fitness regime at the well-equipped Fitness Center. Stay seamlessly connected with complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. Before embarking on your next adventure, tantalize your taste buds with a delectable dining experience at one of our on-site restaurants, Mirador or Tropicana, offering a delightful selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Experience the essence of San José with Delta by Marriott San Jose-Aurola Hotel, where every moment is infused with comfort, convenience, and unparalleled hospitality
Welcome to the Central America Paradise, Costa Rica. Pura vida! Upon arrival to the Juan Santamaria International Airport, just 20 minutes away, you will find our hotel ready to welcome you, guaranteeing a pleasant stay. We are located right next to the San Jose green lung known as La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Near our hotel, you will find iconic and centrally located sites where you can easily walk to. Ten minutes away you will find the historical center of San Jose, the central offices for Fortune 500, Microsoft, European Union, Dole, several embassies, and fast-food American restaurants such as KFC, McDonald's, Subway, and Starbucks as well as a great variety of gastronomic options. You will also find within a walking distance the Costa Rican Museum of Art, National Stadium as well as business and corporate centers. We have easy access to supermarkets, drugstores, and entertainment sites. If your visit is for business or if you are looking for a place to have a meeting, a conference or a special event, we offer you more than 2000 sq meters of completely equipped conference rooms; we offer assistance in every single detail from our meetings director, personalized menus, special set ups according to your needs, decoration and the commitment from all our team for your event to become a true success. In Crowne Plaza we are committed to offer you memorable experiences Welcome!
Our luxury hotel lies at the heart of San Jose’s exclusive Escazú district. Tropical greenery embraces every space, from our fitness center to our dining venues. Be seduced by our three swimming pools, outdoor spa palapa, and mountain vistas. Charmed by the culinary art of our four restaurants, meeting venues, and convention center. Our Escazú hotel is woven into the Multiplaza Mall complex, so shopping and entertainment are steps away. It’s all you need in one luxurious retreat.
Xandari Resort & Spa consists of 18 spacious villas on a 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation overlooking Costa Rica's Central Valley. The villa's private terraces, furniture and gardens are designed with great attention to detail, and each villa is adorned with original works of art. All villas have a private terrace, a walled-in sun area, a bar, kitchen, and either a king sized bed or two full beds. Over 3-kilometres of scenic trails lead through coffee and fruit orchards and into a lush natural tropical setting with a year-round river and five beautiful waterfalls. Fruits, vegetables and herbs from the plantation's gardens complement Xandari's health-conscious specialty dishes. Add to this the warm personal attention of a dedicated staff... and it's simply paradise.
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Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport

In the heart of Rio Segundo, Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of City Mall and Juan Santamaria Historical Museum. This hotel is 2 mi (3. 2 km) from Central Park and 2 mi (3. 3 km) from Juan Santamaría Park. Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a television in a common area. Stay in one of 100 guestrooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour room service. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours). Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometer. Casino Fiesta - 0. 2 km / 0. 1 mi- City Mall - 2. 4 km / 1. 5 mi- Juan Santamaría Park - 3 km / 1. 8 mi- Central Park - 3. 1 km / 1. 9 mi- Alajuela Cathedral - 3.
This charming hotel lies on the edge of San Jose, within 13 kilometres from the city centre and less than 9 kilometres from Juan Santamaría International Airport. Travellers will find themselves within easy reach of the vibrant area with bars, restaurant, shopping opportunities and entertainment venues. History enthusiasts may visit the Juan Mora Fernández statue, National Theatre of Costa Rica, the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture. This sophisticated property is a perfect destination for all those looking for quality accommodation and convenience. The rooms are sumptuously designed and fitted with comfortable furniture and modern amenities to ensure a truly enjoyable stay. The hotel also has accessible rooms for guests' added convenience. Visitors may spoil themselves with a selection of delectable dishes served at the hotel restaurant. They may also keep in fit on the on-site gym or take a cooling dip in the shimmering outdoor pool.

Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has many unique places sights. One of the most famous is the majestic Rio Celeste located in the canton of Guatuso in the province of Alajuela, inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park. • Visit one of the most famous areas in Costa Rica. • Discover Celeste River Waterfall. • Enjoy a walk on the trails through the Tenorio Volcano National Park.
For a small country of just 51,100 square kilometers, it has much to offer. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica. View towards different exotic birds as the walk through green tropical forests, fascinating to obtain a surprising amount of wildlife and marine species, relax in the spectacular beaches of surround sound with adventure. If you are a nature lover or an adrenaline seeker, there is so much to do! Program includes: Accommodation for 12 nights  1 Night in San Jose  2 Nights in Tortugurero National Park  2 Nights in Cahuita Beach (Limon) 2 Nights in Arenal Volcan Area (Fortuna) 2 Nights in Monteverde Cloudforest 3 Nights in Manuel Antonio Beach Meals as per itinerary (12 Breakfast - 6 lunches - 3 dinners)  Professional Bilingual guide  Comfortable air conditioning mini van throughout the itinerary 6 Full day Excursions as detailed on itinerary  All taxes
For a small country of just 51,100 square kilometers, it has much to offer. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica. View towards different exotic birds as the walk through green tropical forests, fascinating to obtain a surprising amount of wildlife and marine species, relax in the spectacular beaches of surround sound with adventure.  Program includes: Accommodation for 9 nights  2 Nights in San Jose  3 Nights in Corcovado National Park   2 Nights in Arenal Volcano - La Fortuna   2 Nights in Monteverde Cloudforest   Meals as per itinerary (9 Breakfast -  5 lunches - 4 dinner)  Professional Bilingual guide   Comfortable air conditioning vehicle throughout the itinerary   Domestic flights San Jose / Corcovado / San Jose  Boat transfers airstrip / lodge / Airstrip All taxes
This tour in Arenal is the best option from San José if you want to combine the best of two experiences in one day, our tour offers the possibility of taking a tour of hanging bridges in the middle of the rainforest and then enjoying a delicious 100% thermal bath natural in an exclusive thermal resort, with more than 25 different pools. There are 9 suspension bridges and 11 normal bridges, we walk through the rainforest for 3.2 kilometers, we will have panoramic views of the forest and animal watching. Our Thermal Spa is located right next to the volcano and the water that they have in their pools comes directly from the Arenal Volcano with an average temperature of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, it is the perfect temperature to relax after a walk, the water has properties rejuvenating and you can appreciate the difference in the smoothness of the skin after finishing the tour, in addition the water helps to remove all impurities from the skin of the body.
Enjoy an all-inclusive day tour from San Jose where you can see the biggest attractions in the Arenal area. On this tour you will visit one of the largest falls in Costa Rica, and you will be able to walk on the treetops in the tropical forest as you cross our suspension bridges over 125 meters high, while an expert naturalist guide explains about the flora and fauna of the place, you will see mammals, arachnids, snakes, and much more! Finally you will enjoy an afternoon a Thermal Spa, ideal to relax and enjoy a rich thermal bath with completely natural water at different temperatures, with more than 25 pools you will have a unique relaxing moment with the best view of the volcano.
Enjoy a week of tours in Costa Rica, with your hotel included you no longer have to worry about anything. We offer a unique combination that allows you to get to know the points of greatest interest in Costa Rica in just one week. This package is ideal for people who want to make the most of their time and money. It is the best option if you have an anniversary or a family trip. In this trip you will enjoy trips to the beach, the rain forest, the dry forest, the cloud forest and some adventure with our activities.
Unforgettable experience...!! Be amazed by the volcanic colossus of Arenal, though it has not erupted recently, this cinder cone on the Costa Rican skyline is considered one of the world's most active volcanoes. Also, visit The  Arenal Hanging Bridges (Mistico Park) a series of suspension bridges in the Volcan Arenal National Park area, offering views of Lake Arenal and Volcan Arenal, finally soak up in the thermal benefits in the mineral-rich waters at Baldi hot Springs Resort & Spa
Take time to relax your mind and body as you enjoy of these therapeutic volcanic hot water springs, surrounded by mother nature, rain forest, volcano and magnificent infrastructure of pools, waterfalls and wet bars that will make your visit to these place very pleasant . Enjoy an adventure tour in the area on the second day of the trip.

Why People Love San Jose, Costa Rica

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in San Jose, Costa Rica

S
Steffmarinb
5
Jul 2021
Fue una experiencia muy buena, la guía súper simpática y atenta a todos, además se respetaron las burbujas y el transporte fue cómodo.
M
mylene1515
5
Mar 2020
Ce que j'ai aimé le plus c'est que le chauffeur arretait a plusieurs moments pour qu'on voit des animaux (toucans, singes) en cours de route. Cest un super service. Le guide au parc du volcan tenorio aussi super aimable et attentif !!
C
C6235HEfelipem
5
Jul 2023
Excelente tour, la cascada y el rio , simplemente hermosos, liuego el tour de perezosos, hermoso tambien. Muy preocupados por el turista. Lo unico negativo fue que hice el tour un dia domingo, por lo tanto de vuelta hacia san Jose, tuvimos casi 6 horas de viaje, llegamos a las 9 p.m al hotel ago...

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Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose

What are some must-see attractions in San Jose?

San Jose is full of interesting and unique attractions, but some of the must-see sights include the National Theater of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the Central Market. The National Theater is a beautiful historic building that offers tours and hosts a variety of cultural events. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of the indigenous people of Costa Rica, and the Central Market is a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

What are some outdoor activities to do in San Jose?

San Jose is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, making it a great place for outdoor activities. Hiking is a popular choice, and there are several trails within easy reach of the city, including the Cerro de la Muerte and the Poas Volcano. For something a bit more adventurous, you can try zip lining or white water rafting on the nearby Pacuare River. You can also take a day trip to the nearby La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can see a variety of exotic animals and hike through beautiful gardens.

What are some family-friendly activities in San Jose?

If you're traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in San Jose. The Children's Museum is a great choice, with interactive exhibits that will keep kids entertained for hours. The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden is another fun option, where you can see hundreds of beautiful butterflies up close. For something a bit more active, you can take a horseback riding tour through the countryside or go on a jungle canopy tour.

What are some of the best restaurants in San Jose?

San Jose has a thriving food scene, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional Costa Rican cuisine to international dishes. Some of the top restaurants include Grano de Oro, which serves upscale French and Costa Rican cuisine, and La Esquina de Buenos Aires, which specializes in Argentinean steaks. For something a bit more casual, you can try Cafe Mundo, which serves delicious sandwiches and salads, or El Patio del Balmoral, which has a great selection of craft beers and pub food.

What are some must-visit museums in San Jose?

San Jose is home to several fascinating museums that are worth a visit. The National Museum of Costa Rica is a great place to learn about the country's history, while the Jade Museum offers a fascinating look into the culture of the indigenous people. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is another interesting option, with a variety of exhibits that showcase Costa Rican and Latin American art.

What are some affordable accommodations in San Jose?

San Jose has a variety of affordable accommodations, including hostels, budget hotels, and vacation rentals. Some of the top options include Hostel Pangea, which offers both private rooms and dorms, and Hotel Aranjuez, which has clean and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a vacation rental, you can try Airbnb, which has a variety of options to fit every budget.

What is the best time of year to visit San Jose?

The best time to visit San Jose depends on your preferences. The high season runs from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is also the busiest time of year, so prices can be higher and attractions can be more crowded. If you're looking for a quieter time to visit, consider going during the rainy season, which runs from May to November. The rainy season can be a bit unpredictable, but it's also when the landscape is at its greenest and most beautiful.

What are some cultural events to attend in San Jose?

San Jose is a vibrant and cultural city, with a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Some of the top events include the International Festival of the Arts, which takes place in March and features music, theater, and dance performances from around the world. The National Horse Parade is another popular event, which takes place in December and showcases the country's proud equestrian tradition. The Fiestas de Zapote is another fun event, with carnival rides, live music, and plenty of food and drink.

What are some of the best day trips from San Jose?

San Jose is a great base for exploring some of the nearby sights and attractions. One of the most popular day trips is to the Arenal Volcano, where you can see the active volcano and soak in the nearby hot springs. For something a bit more relaxing, you can take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, or explore the nearby cloud forests of Monteverde. You can also visit the Doka Coffee Estate to learn about the history and production of coffee in Costa Rica.

What are some of the best markets to shop at in San Jose?

San Jose is home to several great markets where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The Central Market is one of the most popular, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to souvenirs and clothing. The Feria Verde de Aranjuez is another great option, with organic produce, artisanal cheese, and handmade crafts. For something a bit more high-end, you can try the Mercado de San Jose, which has a great selection of artisanal foods and craft beers.