Costa Rica » San Jose » Guide to Activities and Attractions

Whilst San José is often dismissed as being rather less than interesting, it is worth a visit to get to know everyday local life and to see the national museums and public buildings.

There are a couple of interesting museums within the city itself, the best of which are:

Jade Museum on the 11th floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS). Open Monday through Friday from 08:30 – 16:00, admission $2.

National Museum open from Tuesday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30, admission $4

Gold Museum open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00, admission $4

National Theatre open from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, admission $2

Musuem of Costa Rican Art open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00.

Within striking distance of the capital for a day trip are various very interesting options:

Poas Volcano

The drive up to Poas is very pretty and, if you are lucky to catch it on a clear day, the view from the top into the green crater lake is quite spectacular.

Each of the small villages to the south of the volcano have their own attractions: Sarchi is famous for its highly decorated ox-carts; Grecia is home to a rather curious church made entirely from metal; and Zarcero has a topiary in the centre, filled with shrubs cut into weird and wonderful shapes.

Irazú Volcano, Lankester Gardens, Orosí valley.
Irazú is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica and on a clear day there are some truly stunning views from the top across the valley. Get up there early for your best chance of seeing the crater lake before the clouds roll in.

Rainforest Aerial Tram.

Located in the Braulio Carrillo National Park just outside San José, the aerial tram is an open-air cable car running through the canopy. It can be a little touristy, but it is a good chance to get a different perspective on the jungle if you’re not keen on zip-wires or canopy walkways.

Doka Estate coffee tour

One of the best large plantation coffee tours, with interesting explanations of the whole production process. Less theatrical than the nearby Café Britt experience.