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Costa Rica: a country ripe with stunning landscapes, amazing outdoor activities and intriguing cultural attractions. Sitting at the heart of this Central American sliver is the country’s capital of San Jose. While the façade of Chepe (as the locals call it) may appear a bit unseemly, and it is used more as the hub of a well-oiled transport system that efficiently ferries tourists to the beaches, rainforests and picturesque national parks of the country, the city’s cosmopolitan charm warrants a few days’ explorations at the least. Shoppers, history buffs, gastro tourists and outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to some interesting draws both in and around the capital city.
Chepe’s Cultural Attractions
Hailed by many as the prettiest building of San Jose, the National Theatre is a prominent landmark of Tico culture. Built as a landmark of national pride by the coffee plantation oligarchies, the paintings, sculptures and architecture of the theatre make for an interesting tour.
San Jose is also home to a number of Costa Rica’s best museums giving a fantastic insight into the region’s rich culture and history. The Museo de Oro Precolombino found in the vicinity of the Plaza de la Cultura is famous for its large collection of Pre-Colombian gold while the world’s largest collection of American Jade can be found at the Museo del Jade. Walk through Costa Rica’s indigenous and colonial history at the National Museum of Costa Rica and head to the Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo to appreciate its beautiful display of contemporary arts from the Americas.
Enjoying the Outdoors
San Jose also boasts some wonderful outdoor spaces where visitors can enjoy some downtime in the city (during the day, not advised at night!). Parque Central, España, Nacional and La Sabana are some beautiful green spots to explore, while Plaza de la Cultura and Plaza de la Democracia have excellent cafés, shops and local vendors; a visit to the street craft market in La Democracia is highly recommended. While touring around these cultural attractions though, visitors should exercise a fair bit of caution; San Jose is infamous for its theft and crime. Traveling with a reputable San Jose tour guide is highly advised for anyone unfamiliar with the city and its surroundings!
San Jose’s Entertainment Experience: From Local Eats to Discothèques!
San Jose has a great entertainment scene with delectable restaurants, cool cafés and some notable nightlife. Mercado Central during the daytime boasts colorful vendors and affordable quick eats, while Downtown San Jose, La Sabana and Paseo Colon have the city’s best selection of restaurants. Looking for a fun night out in the city? San Jose has everything from boca bars and clubs to live music spots and discos. Los Yoses and San Pedro are two of the best nightlife spots outside the central San Jose area promising a unique, local night out. And if you’re looking to blend in, San Jose’s numerous dance academies hold salsa lessons for people looking to hone their Latino dance skills.
Day Trips outside San Jose: The Natural Attractions
Gorgeous beaches, river rapids, giant volcanoes and adrenaline-filled activities are only a short day trip away from the capital. Here are some of the best nearby outdoor attractions away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose:
Canopy Tours: Visitors can either zip-line or take aerial trams through a number of Costa Rica’s nature reserves, providing stunning views and eco-friendly interactions with the country’s rainforests.
River Excursions: There is nothing quite like kayaking or rafting through Costa Rica’s gorgeous jungles. River trips are very popular excursions from San Jose with the nearby Pacuare and Reventazón rivers being a popular stop.
Volcano Trips: For those looking to squeeze a bit of hiking into their vacation, tours from San Jose go to the Arenal, Poas and Irazu volcanoes where there are some excellent jungle treks available.