San Jose

san josé province

Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is in the Central Valley. It has world-class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings. It’s an extensive plain, guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout the national territory.

Founded in the first half of the eighteenth century, San José is nowadays a city where visitors of the entire world converge; it is a metropolis full of interesting places, faces, and colors reflecting the history of a population.

Its architecture is diverse, as are the people walking its streets. In the north sector of the city you can find the most refined samples of urban development of the early last century. There are many houses and buildings of European inspiration, built with a profound Costa Rican sense of style.

Once in the city, visitors may choose among dozens of one-day tours to the most outstanding natural places, inside and outside of the Central Valley, as well as having access to a great variety of sports adventures and activities for exploring.

1 /

plan your trip

Keep Exploring Costa Rica

Discover more stories about the people, places and experiences that make Costa Rica unforgettable.

top vacation top vacation top vacation top vacation top vacation top vacation

7 reasons Costa Rica is the ultimate vacation spot

A couple of millennia ago, Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” He got it partially right. Travel boosts, restores, and expands not just the mind, but also our bodies and our senses.

off the map off the map off the map off the map off the map off the map

5 places in Costa Rica you won’t find in most guidebooks

Costa Rica isn’t hurting for visitors, and with all those fellow travelers on the road, you might expect it to be difficult to get off the beaten path. But consider this: Costa Rica is home to a full 6% of the world’s biodiversity and counting.

resplendent resplendent resplendent resplendent resplendent resplendent

Quetzal Education and Research Center

The Quetzal Education and Research Center is located in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, and acts as a second campus for the Southern Nazarene University. The Center helps students learn about field biology and research, while also promoting biodiversity, sustainability and social responsibility.

day trips day trips day trips day trips day trips day trips

Six destinations near San José

Are you looking for some sun and relaxation but don’t want to travel too far? Here are six options for that quick weekend getaway you’ve been needing.

la cangreja la cangreja la cangreja la cangreja la cangreja la cangreja

Explore La Cangreja National Park

La Cangreja National Park is situated in the province of San José, Puriscal canton, in the Mercedes Sur and Chires districts. To be more precise, the main entrance is located about 35 km southeast of Santiago de Puriscal.

1 /