From its convenient location to its colorful streets buzzing with people, Costa Rica’s capital city of San José is both the literal and figurative center of the country. San José is the hub of all domestic transportation and the most common point of arrival and departure for tourists. Taxis are available 24 hours a day and a very accessible public transportation system makes day trips easy to plan. Take a day or so to explore its easy-to-navigate grid system with all the Avenidas running East/West and Calles running North/South. On these streets, you’ll find anything from lottery tickets to sewing needles for sale by nomadic and vocal merchants.

While San José is a cosmopolitan capital, housing the most important historic, cultural and government buildings, the charm isn’t always immediately apparent as style is overruled by functionality, a trait that is mimicked by the lifestyle of this humble, hard-working country. The aesthetic allure of downtown San Jose is limited to random snapshots of bright colors and well-weathered character, whereas more distinct personality is exuded in artisan pueblos, the college hub in the east and the upper class western neighborhoods heavily influenced by the United States.

The whole Central Valley region enjoys a temperate climate averaging 75°F year round. This and all the modern conveniences of any large city make it a popular place to live and visit.

Things to Do:

A walking tour through San Jose city will show you the country´s cultural patrimony whose architecture has been influenced by different stylistic currents through all its history: from Colonial, Neoclassic and Eclectic to Art Deco and Victorian.

The Gold Museum holds the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold jewelry in Central America. It contains indigenous jewels depicting numerous animals- frogs, birds, snakes, insects, crocodiles, lobsters and even shamans.

The National Theater

Is definitely the most charming building in San Jose. In 1890 wealthy coffee exporters raised import taxes in order to be able to hire Belgian architects to design this building, abundant with cast iron and Italian marble.

The Jade Museum

Has an extensive and impressive pre-Columbian art and jewelry collection. It is the world´s largest collection of pre-Columbian American jade. The exhibit in this museum is the largest American jade collection in the world.

Another interesting place is the Central Market, a traditional place which time hasn´t changed. It is an interesting place to observe and share with the average Costa Ricans. While you walk through the narrow passages you will see hundreds of traditional toys, pets, wood and leather crafts, candles, religious images and smell the great mix of spices, coffee, flowers, natural herbs, fruit and food.

Tourists will be able to enjoy a wide range of tours to choose from San Jose. Among the most requested are: a coffee tour & butterfly farm, a visit to the Irazu Volcano or the Poas Volcano. If you are more adventurous, there are rafting, canopy, and horsebackriding tours available as well.

Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at US:(850)266-7789  to talk to one of our Costa Rica vacation specialists or to plan a customized Costa Rica travel package that includes a visit to the Central Valley - Poas Volcano area.

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