City Tour San Jose visit most interesting and cultural places

San José , Costa Rica

City Tour San Jose visit most interesting and cultural places

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About this experience

Full day City Tour San Jose visit most interesting and cultural places with guide, we pick you up at your hotel in San Jose, Alajuela or Heredia

Available options

City Tour San Jose visit most interesting and cultural places

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

National Park fees

Lunch

Local taxes

Detailed itinerary

Private full day City Tour San Jose visit most interesting and cultural places with guide, we pick you up at your hotel in San Jose, Alajuela or Heredia.

We start the tour with your pick up at the hotel, to get into the San Jose City. First we will visit some museum with art and cultural information about Costa Rica.

First we will visit the La salle Museum, it has more than 70,000 pieces on display, with paleontology sections, magnificent replicas of large dinosaurs and specimens of fossils of primitive animals, geology, fossil specimens, rocks and minerals malacology, collection of shells and molluscs, has more than 14,000 specimens of some 5,000 species, invertebrates. Gather diverse material such as sponges, corals, scorpions, spiders, insects etc. Ornithology, the most varied birds in a collection of more than 1,400 specimens. Entomology, the best collection of butterflies and the largest in the country with 9,000 specimens, about 1,200 species, marine and freshwater fish, reptiles (crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, snakes), mammals (more than 400 specimens) and different species preserved.

Stop 2

The National Theater is a building of historicist architecture completed in the year of 1897. It is considered one of the most important buildings in national history, and the main architectural jewel of the city of San José. Its construction holds a profound significance given that it represents the decision of the Costa Rican at the time of taking action and economic stability (brought by the coffee harvest) and politics of the time in which it was built.

We will have a typical Costa Rica lunch at one of the more recognized and popular restaurants in San Jose, to go after this at most colorful place, the market of souvenir. It is a market with history that was founded in 1994 and has become one of the tourist attractions of the city of San José, a place where numerous artisans who offer their unique handicrafts, such as ceramic pieces, meet. , jewelery, articles made of leather, paintings, traditional clothing, wood carvings, glass among many other items that can be seen and bought to take a good memory.

Then we will visit some Costa Rica's monuments very representatives for its culture.

What's not included

DVD (available to purchase)

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

About San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.

Top Attractions

Museo del Jade

This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.

Museum 1-2 hours ¢5,000 (CRC)

Mercado Central

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.

Historical 1 hour ¢6,000 (CRC) for tours

Parque La Sabana

A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Zip-lining in nearby areas Coffee tasting tours Spa treatments Museum visits Historical tours White-water rafting in nearby rivers Coffee plantation tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center

By bus

Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Escalante Barrio Amón San Pedro

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.

Irazú Volcano National Park

55 km (34 miles) • Half day

A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Alajuela

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.

Festivals

Fiesta de las Luces • December Festival de las Artes • March

Pro tips

Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.