Holidays

Destinations

Ski Deals

Christmas Deals

Weblog

074 4066 9199

info@lowcostvibes.com

020 8125 7557

Search with Google

We accept

Costa Rica

San Jose Holidays 2024/2025

Your Holiday to San Jose with Low Cost Vibes is Secure, Easy, and 100% Trusted for Unforgettable Memories!

View Deals

Get Customised Quote

You are in Good Hands
Stress free experience
Handpicked Hotels

We accept

Top San Jose Holiday Deals

Pick Your San Jose Package at the Best Price Now

Popular San Jose Hotel Deals

From the cheapest to luxury, find your preferred San Jose Hotel Package

TOP 10 REASONS

Why travel to San Jose: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit

Click to navigate through sections.

A SNEAK PEAK

A Sneak Peek into San Jose

San Jose, the capital and primary entry point to Costa Rica, is a vibrant city.
With the opening of new airlines, San Jose holidays are now more accessible than ever, thanks to British Airways direct flights from the UK.
The capital's neoclassical structures and lovely, tarnished grandeur are a pleasant surprise on most holidays to Costa Rica.
The city, also known as Chepe, can have a somewhat unmemorable initial impression. Still, if you allow it to showcase its beautiful museums and old neighbourhoods, you might fall in love.
San Jose to become oriented, but don't allow the city's concrete structures and raucous traffic obscure all of its other hidden gems.
If you go beneath the surface, you'll find vibrant neighbourhoods like Barrio Amon, where deteriorating colonial palaces from the past have been transformed into modern galleries, upscale inns, and Latin-inspired eateries.
At the farmers' market, you may buy unusual produce and interact with the locals.
You can also wander around Parque La Sabana, a sizable urban park serving as San Jose's counterpart to Central Park, the National Theatre, the gold, jade, or natural history museums.
After dark, a pounding dance beat and the percussion of the marimba bring the city to life.
San Jose holidays explore a multifaceted city ready for exploration, with cultural icons right outside its door and a vast expanse of natural beauty. Our Holidays are Good Vibes Only!
Capital - San José
International airport - Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Currency- The colón
Time: GMT-6
Driving side- Right side
Main Electricity- 120V
Official Language- Spanish
Religion- Roman Catholics

HIGHLIGHTS

Top Tourist Attractions in San Jose

With the hills, mountains, and plantations of the verdant Central Valley around it, the large metropolis of San José offers a striking landscape.
San José, or Chepe as the city is known locally, is odd and disorganised but also very relaxed and hospitable.
It might not have the "wow factor" at first appearance, but it has some beautiful dining alternatives and has hidden pleasures for those who take the time to explore.
Soaring volcanoes, flowing rivers, and various fascinating activities are all within short driving distance of the city outside the larger Central Valley.
This is the best location to begin or end your holiday because it is located in the nation's centre.

SEASONS TO TRAVEL

Best Months to Visit San Jose

With the hills, mountains, and plantations of the verdant Central Valley around it, the large metropolis of San José offers a striking landscape.
San José, or Chepe as the city is known locally, is odd and disorganised but also very relaxed and hospitable.
It might not have the "wow factor" at first appearance, but it has some beautiful dining alternatives and has hidden pleasures for those who take the time to explore.
Soaring volcanoes, flowing rivers, and various fascinating activities are all within short driving distance of the city outside the larger Central Valley.
This is the best location to begin or end your holiday because it is located in the nation's centre.
Highs between 74°F and 79°F and lows between 59°F and 63°F are typical year-round temperatures.

WORTH A VISIT

The Best Places to Visit in San Jose

Avenida Central – Central Avenue

The walking-only Avenida Central (Central Avenue) runs through San Jose's downtown centre.
There are numerous eateries, stores, and attractions there.
Finding a neighbourhood coffee shop, getting some wonderful Costa Rican coffee, and walking along the avenue are the best ways to start the day.
The best time to gather your bearings is in the morning when Avenida Central is peaceful and deserted.
To begin organising our day, we took a thorough stroll over the entire area.
Get lost and stroll as long as you like along the auto-free streets to feel the city's pulse because there are several walking streets around Avenida Central in San Jose and many walking streets that branch out from the main Central Avenue.
Great shopping can be found nearby as well.
This culinary and walking trip is a great way to learn about Costa Rican culture and cuisine if you enjoy walking.
You'll gather in the morning for coffee at a café in Borbon Market before travelling to Central Market, one of San Jose's major attractions, to sample local dishes and fruits.

Plaza De La Cultura

The Plaza de la Cultura, San Jose's central square, is an excellent site to start your journey.
Vendors are selling products, street performers are showcasing their talents, and locals are selling birdseed to feed the pigeons congregating in the Plaza's centre.
This is the location to take the iconic picture of a flock of birds taking off at your feet.
You can walk from the Plaza to many activities in this part of San Jose.
This Plaza is close to several prominent attractions, including the Central Market, the Jade Museum, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and the Gold Museum.
It's a terrific place to pick up some ice cream to take with you as you tour, and you'll find traditional fast-food restaurants in every city in the world.
Do not be alarmed by the numerous police officers who are armed and wandering around; they are there as a deterrence.
The Plaza de la Cultura is a meeting place for many tour groups and is also relatively safe.
It is perhaps the safest spot in San Jose because the police are there to ensure that everyone feels secure.

Teatro Nacional De Costa Rica – National Theater Of Costa Rica

It's a terrific place to pick up some ice cream to take with you as you tour, and you'll find the average fast-food restaurants in every city in the world.
Do not be alarmed by the numerous police officers who are armed and wandering around; they are there as a deterrence.
The Plaza de la Cultura is a meeting place for many tour groups and is also relatively safe.
It is perhaps the safest spot in San Jose because the police are there to ensure that everyone feels secure.
The 19th-century coffee barons went all out, importing marble from Italy and commissioning lavish paintings and statues of Spanish playwright and Beethoven.
Make sure to enter for the complete experience; the original statues have been moved inside out of concern for earthquakes and erosion.
The large theatre has a lovely outside with stone columns and a neoclassical design, but the interior is extravagant.
You'll notice an Aleardo Villa artwork right away.
The coffee and banana crop in Costa Rica is honoured in the poem "Alegora al Café y el Banano."

Museo Nacional De Costa – National Museum

Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the outskirts of town, is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife.
It also has the added benefit of having lovely beaches with smooth sand.
Howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, white-nosed coatimundis, and the difficult-to-miss capuchins are a few of the frequently seen animals in the park.
In addition, look out for shimmering butterflies and a variety of vibrant birds flying around.
Although you can explore the trails on your own, for a more immersive experience, consider taking a Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour.
The best spots for seeing and photographing wildlife are generally known by the guides, who also carry tripods and telescopes.
If you want to stay for a few days and treat yourself to a luxurious holiday, Manuel Antonio has one of Costa Rica's best beach resorts.

Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal)

One of the best places to view volcanoes in the nation is the steep Cordillera de Tilarán, where the Arenal Volcano National Park is located.
The Arenal Volcano, a cone-shaped peak with massive ash columns frequently spilling from the crater, is the area's main draw.
From AD 1500 until a catastrophic eruption on July 29, 1968, which killed 82 people and damaged two communities, Arenal stayed dormant.
Since then, there has been consistent activity, and visitors may expect to see anything from an ash cloud to bright red lava flowing down the mountain, depending on the day or week.
With over half of all Costa Rican birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals located inside its borders, the park is also renowned for its extensive biodiversity.
The only lodge located inside the confines of Arenal Volcano National Park is the Arenal Observatory Lodge, which was first built in 1987 as a private observatory.
It can be found on a macadamia nut farm on the volcano's southern flank.
View the magnificent views of Arenal Lake and the volcano opposite the lodge.
There are several hiking paths in the area, many of which lead to waterfalls and current and old lava flows.

Irazu Volcano National Park

At 3,342 metres, the Iraz Volcano is Costa Rica's tallest active volcano.
The volcano's summit is covered in craters and resembles the moon's surface.
The Diego de la Haya Crater is much smaller and has a tiny, lime-green lake that occasionally appears red.
Iraz's Principal Crater is 1,050 metres in diameter and 300 metres deep.
These craters, plus two smaller ones, one of which also has a lake, can be reached through marked pathways.
Additionally, a pyroclastic cone of broken volcanic rock may be seen.
On clear days, the Pacific and Caribbean views can be seen from the peak.

Monteverde and the Cloud Forests

One of the best areas to travel in Costa Rica for ecotourism is the cloud forests around Monteverde and Santa Elena.
This is undoubtedly the spot to go if you are eager to get close to nature and observe unusual plants and fauna without going too far off the beaten path.
The moisture required to maintain the region's distinctive habitats is provided by the clouds that blanket these trees.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve are home to various animals, amphibians, and reptiles. Still, many visitors come solely to observe the birds.
Watch out for howler monkeys and colourful frogs.
More elusive animals are jaguars and pumas.
One of the finest ways to see the forest is on a guided hike.
Another choice is canopy excursions, including cable cars, zip lines, and bridges.
The two main tourist destinations in the area are Monteverde and Santa Elena, which both include lodging, dining options, and even shops and art galleries.
Bus travel time to this location, northwest of San Juan, is somewhat over four hours.
Bring thick clothing because it can get chilly here.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is the ideal location if you're seeking a beach town with lots of activity where you may stay for a while.
Tamarindo, located in Guanacaste's Nicoya Peninsula, is a popular spot for beachgoing, surfing, and having fun.
The town, formerly a peaceful fishing community, has developed into a tourist hotspot with a wide selection of dining establishments and lodging options.
Tamarindo Beach, a stunning wide crescent that stretches for about 1.5 kilometres, is where the town is located.
The region is well-known for its surfing, and it has a variety of breaks that are good for both seasoned surfers and beginners.
In general, November and December are when the most significant waves typically occur here.
Eco-friendly excursions and pursuits are available close to Tamarindo, such as ziplining, horseback riding, diving, snorkelling, and diving while the turtles are nesting.
One of Costa Rica's most significant leatherback turtle breeding sites is close to Playa Grande.
More than 100 turtles can be seen building nests and laying eggs every night between October and March.

DISCOVER MORE

San Jose Off the Beaten Track

Dominical

One of the best surfing spots in Costa Rica is Dominical, a tropical refuge for backpackers.
This town has a long history of being known for its lovely beaches, affordable lodging, casual open-air dining, and fantastic bohemian culture.
But in the nearby mountains, resorts, bed & breakfasts, and opulent rentals draw affluent travellers.
In front of the town, a long stretch of beach is bordered by shady trees where sellers put up tables to offer crafts and other products.
What was once a dusty seaside hamlet has become a considerably more upscale tourist destination in recent years as the formerly-dirt streets have been paved and the sidewalks bricked.
There are quieter beaches outside the city where you can locate your particular spot.
Without travelling too far from civilisation, Dominical is an excellent site to see wildlife.
Even in Dominical, you can frequently see toucans, monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws.
Dominical sees a large influx of visitors during the annual Envision Festival in late February or early March.
This festival emphasises music, the arts, wellness, and sustainability, and it features yoga and other programmes, among other things.

Mal Pais and Santa Teresa

The Nicoya Peninsula's Mal Pais is a coastal region with excellent waves that draw surfers worldwide.
The primary attraction in the region is the town of Santa Teresa, but a string of settlements and beaches, including the territories of Mal Pais and Manzanillo, run along the Mal Pais.
Today, the neighbourhood is a mixture of travellers, surfers who never made it out, and tourists who regret not booking a more extended trip.
In comparison to locations like Dominical, the region is trendier, has a more vibrant nightlife, and has become an elite destination.

Jaco

Anyone seeking to leave San Jose but still desire the conveniences and advantages of a larger town or city should consider Jaco.
There is a large, attractive, and lively beach here.
The swimming and surfing are excellent, and the waves are smaller than in other places along this stretch of shore.
Jaco differs from the other coastal communities along this stretch of the Pacific Ocean by having contemporary residences and businesses, a wide range of excellent dining options and lodging options, and other modern comforts that have made it a favourite choice among ex-pats and retirees.
San Jose is only around a two-hour trip from Jaco.
This is a simple place to get to if you are arriving in San Jose and want to leave the city straight away but don't want to drive too far on your first day.
You can also make this your base and take day trips to surround beaches and attractions.

Wildlife Viewing

One of the few places in the world were visiting only for the wildlife is worthwhile is Costa Rica.
The country's unique and widespread wildlife experiences more than make up for whatever cultural attractions it may lack.
Rarely is it necessary to look for animals.
Around the cities, monkeys frequently arrive, cappuchins frequent the dining areas, scarlet macaws soar overhead, and toucans rustle in the neighbouring trees.
There are numerous places where one can see wildlife, but going to parks or joining organised tours with competent guides can increase the likelihood of seeing some of the more elusive species.
Generally speaking, the south of Costa Rica may offer you a better chance of viewing a more excellent range of species.
Nearly all of the creatures in Manuel Antonio National Park may be seen on a guided walking tour, including sloths and other kinds of monkeys.
The wildlife will probably come to you if you book a stay at an eco-lodge on the Osa Peninsula, a quaint mountaintop resort, or an inn close to Dominical, Uvita, or Ojochal.
But wildlife abounds in the north as well.
Howler monkeys are frequently seen in the trees and perched on wires above the streets in Tamarindo, even if you stay in the town centre.
Keep an eye out, and you'll spot some intriguing creatures.

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park if you don't think walking through the rainforest in the heat is fun.
Here, it is simple to see animals in their native habitats, such as monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and pumas.
These non-releasable animals are cared for on-site by scientists who are also available to answer your inquiries.
You can also stroll through a butterfly enclosure in addition to the large animals.
One of these friendly, bright creatures might even settle on you if you're lucky.
Ziplining is possible in Costa Rica, and if you want to experience it, here is one of the most significant locations to buckle up and soar.
The Superman route is the most well-liked zipline at Diamante Eco Park.
You figuratively fall off the peak of a mountain and descend one mile headfirst toward the sea!
For all-day admission, explore the park at your own pace, and purchase a Diamante Eco Park Day Pass with Lunch.
Take the Costa Rican Cultural Experience trip if you'd want to explore the nation's diverse ecosystem while learning about Costa Rican culture.
Here, you may learn about the native plants that surround you while being shown Tico life, gastronomy, and culture by the welcoming tour guides.

Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park

Beyond Dominical's gorgeous beaches in southern Costa Rica are the isolated Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park.
The park, created in 1975, safeguards what is regarded as Central America's best remaining section of Pacific coastal rainforest.
It has a vast route network and is well-liked by tourists who like to go on long hikes.
Dive, snorkelling, and fishing are other popular pursuits in the area besides surfing.
The major town in the region is Puerto Jiménez, and Drake Bay is home to several upscale lodges.

Tortuguero National Park

Visitors may choose to visit Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast for something a little unique and off the main road.
One of the wettest regions in the nation, this location is only reachable by boat or plane and provides something unique to the rest of Costa Rica.
As a result of the park's significance as a green sea turtle breeding habitat, the primary activity here is observing turtles.
Despite the abundance of beaches, swimming is not recommended in the coastal area due to the rough surf and strong currents.
Sharks are widespread.
On the beaches overnight, hundreds or perhaps thousands of green and leatherback turtles can be seen breeding and laying eggs (guides are required).
The number of turtle nests in the area has increased due to recent conservation measures.
Monkeys, sloths, and kinkajous can all be seen from the hiking routes or boats travelling along the canals.
Tapirs and peccaries are also present but more elusive.
It's also typical to see freshwater turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and other amphibians.

The National Theater in San Jose

The National Theater, which is regarded as the most impressive structure in San José, is a source of pride for Costa Ricans.
The governing coffee barons approved a levy on coffee exports in the 1890s to pay for the theatre's construction, and European artisans were brought in to create the building's design.
The building, finished in 1897, has a traditional Renaissance columned façade topped with statues representing Fame, Music, and Dance.
The most well-known paintings portray coffee harvesting and export, which Milan-based artist Arturo Fontana created in 1897.
Also inside the pink marble foyer are painted murals illustrating topics in Costa Rican life and allegorical characters of Comedy and Tragedy.

CULTURE & TRADITIONS

San Jose Culture and Traditions

Costa Rica is the world's happiest nation, a haven for peace and biodiversity, and a shining example of environmental responsibility.
However, Costa Rica's history and culture go well beyond what is known globally.
The tiny Central American nation is home to fantastic biodiversity, vibrant cultures, a love of freedom, and a tradition of democracy, equality, and access to education for everyone.
With a sprinkling of Jamaican, Chinese, and other immigrant cultures adding flavour and customs, Costa Rican culture is a colourful fusion of indigenous ancestry and Spanish imperial influence.
The ultimate consequence is a relaxed, amiable, and content nation.
a country where English, Bribri, the Creole Mekatelyu, and Mandarin Chinese are widely spoken, and Spanish the official language.
a country proud to lack an army (Costa Ricans disbanded their armed forces in 1949).
A country with a long history of providing free public services to everyone, including healthcare and education.
a country that is happy to spread its cultural riches.

FOOD FUN FASHION

San Jose: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide

Restaurante Freddo Fresas

#Food

Grab a cup of superb Costa Rican coffee and place an order for a typical snack after you've had your fill of fresh strawberries picked directly from the garden of this quaint cabana in the Alajuela Province.
The soups, such as olla de Carne (meat soup), sopa de pozol (hulled corn with a pig), and sopa de frijol (bean soup), should not be missed.
The charreada (corn pancakes) go nicely with a drink of strawberry juice.
A tortilla aliada, a Frisbee-sized tortilla cooked with a mixture of corn masa, cheese, and cream, is an alternative to Gallo pinto and casados.

Chubascos

#Food

In 1982, the daytime-only facility had its humble beginnings as a little shack.
A must-see attraction nowadays is the rustic wood cottage close to Poás Volcano amid a lush natural forest.
Before starting a day of volcanic hiking, savour a cup of Costa Rica's world-famous coffee.
The majority of visitors come for the casados, a "pura vida" platter of rice and beans with eggs, cheese, picadillo (chopped meat), salad, and your choice of stewed meat.
There are famous Tico breakfasts like gallo pinto, gallotes (largely filled tortillas), gallitos (tortillas filled with savoury stews), and arepas, but the majority come for the casados.

Bacchus

#Food

The primary attractions of this well-known Italian restaurant are the garden terrace and the enormous selection of local fish.
The restaurant advertises many Costa Rican goods amid the list of Italian classics on the menu, including ossobuco, tuna carpaccio, antipasti, standard pasta dishes, and pizza al taglio.
The seafood menu has dishes like sea bream cooked in lime, jumbo shrimp in a Barolo wine reduction, and a combination of corvina, shrimp, and octopus tossed with tagliolini pasta, which shows the abundance of local fish.

Raw Co Juicery & Food

#Food

Chef Nene Murillo returned to her native Costa Rica to devote her life to the raw-food lifestyle after working in prestigious Spanish restaurants such as the two-Michelin-starred El Coque Restaurante and El Club Allard.
She established Raw Co Juicery & Food, a takeaway business that specialises in colourful cuisine that highlights the pure products of Costa Rica.
She prepares juices with turmeric, lime, ginger, and honey, gluten-free, plant-based sushi and pokes bowls, and bottomless bowls of pureed dragon fruit or red banana topped with fresh berries when she isn't instructing classes on the preparation of raw food.

La Granja

#Food

For desayuno granjero, a country breakfast with fried eggs, gallo pinto, Costa Rican sour cream, plantains, fried cheese, and tortillas, visit this Tico family-style eatery in the busy Pavas neighbourhood.
Three hearty casados are available, including the casado granjero, akin to your private Tico feast.
One of the attractive characteristics of this rural house, with its sturdy wooden picnic benches, is that many dishes are served on banana leaves.
Choose the pozol, a sweet corn and pig rib stew coloured by achiote and enhanced with flavours of culantro, for a genuine taste of Costa Rican home cooking.

Furca

#Food

This is San José's version of the international steakhouse, offering premium cuts of chateaubriand, Brazilian picanha, falda (flank steak) served with sticky rice and bok cabbage, and porterhouse.
Executive chef Marco Leiva runs the restaurant.
Dishes like the green papaya salad, the octopus with cassava "charcoal," and a sauté of jumbo shrimp and garden poppies heavily feature local Costa Rican ingredients.
Select from a range of sides, all paired with wines from the Americas, to go with your steak, including grilled asparagus, blackened yucca, and sweet potato puree.

La Empanada

#Food

Visit this Costa Rican institution next to the Plaza de las Garantas Sociales to start your exploration of deep-fried empanadas Costarricense.
Locals have been visiting here since 1948 for the well-browned, crispy maise flour turnovers stuffed with beans, ground beef, chicharrón, cheese, and potatoes.
Visit early in the day when coffee and empanadas are served.
Choose a gaseosa (soda) or Costa Rican horchata to go with your empanadas in the afternoon, then have them split open and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and chile.
The other savoury delicacies, such as the enyucados, and deep-fried yuca balls filled with ground beef, are excellent, but you must have the empanadas.

Chicharronera Cacique Acserí

#Food

Ticos serve a plate of chicharrones along with limes, tortillas, and Bocas (bar snacks) for toppings like yucca, chimichurri (also known as Costa Rican pico de gallo), cilantro, and the essential Salsa Lizano at every respectable fiesta.
This well-known chicharronera has been a venue for events big and small in the Aserr neighbourhood since 1966.
The deep-fried, meatier than those found elsewhere in Latin America, chicharrones that are eaten with rice, picadillo de papa with Salsa Lizano, and other traditional Bocas are a local favourite.
Come to a party and order the Chichafrijo Grande or the Gran Cacique, which serves four to six people (chicharrones with whole beans).
Enjoy the cimarron music and mascaradas (masked dancers) while sipping some ice-cold Imperials.

San Jose City Tour

#Fun

The most effortless approach to familiarise yourself with San Jose, discover your bearings, and settle in generally is to take a city tour.
It all depends on what you enjoy doing because there are several excellent possibilities for city tours in San Jose.
Numerous tour operators provide paid excursions that frequently include transportation inside the city and hotel or hostel pickups.
If a lengthy walking tour doesn't appeal to you, consider signing up for a private paid time that includes transportation and lunch.
You'll see a lot more of the city on these tours and have private time with a knowledgeable guide.

Visit the National Theater – Teatro Nacional Costa Rica

#Fun

One of San Jose's most prominent structures is the National Theater (also known as the Teatro Nacional Costa Rica).
It is adorned with opulent furniture and numerous magnificent marble statues.
It was once promoted as the key selling point to draw wealthy visitors to the nation and city.
You can still visit the theatre today to see a performance or look around.
The free walking tour of San Jose includes a stop at the theatre, but you won't get to see much of it.
Instead, return alone to take a closer look.

Explore La Paz Waterfall Garden

#Fun

A trip to La Paz Waterfall Garden will wow you if you travel to Costa Rica to see gorgeous waterfalls, which you should have done.
The La Paz Waterfall Garden is a privately owned area featuring a variety of other attractions, including a butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, trout lake, hummingbird garden, and other animal cages, in addition to several natural waterfalls.
It is Costa Rica's largest animal refuge.

Go on a Food tour

#Fun

The best way to learn about a city or nation is through its cuisine.
On a culinary tour, you may discover more about the culture and history of Costa Rica by trying some of the country's national foods.
You'll also have a full stomach when you finish the tour!
On this particular food trip, you'll leave San Jose at night and sample a wide range of regional cuisine.
Discover marketplaces, stroll through areas you might not usually visit, and finally join your guide for a sumptuous 3-course meal.
Two glasses of wine or two beers are also included!
This tour delves into Costa Rica's culinary past rather than simply skimming the surface.
You will sample eight dishes and four drinks during the tour.

Visit a butterfly garden.

#Fun

There are many places to visit across Costa Rica, but one of the more well-known pastimes is visiting a butterfly garden.
An educational movie outlining the life of butterflies and some fascinating facts about them typically precedes tours through the gardens.
You'll pick up some new information! After that, saunter through a butterfly enclosure to get a better look.
Your tour guide will give you more information and identify the various species. It's a fantastic experience!

Fashion

#Fashion

Even when it rains, Costa Rica's tropical climate is perfect for outdoor shopping, and pedestrian-friendly promenades are both locals' and visitors' preferred shopping locations.
The newest outdoor shopping destination is Avenida Escazu, which spares no expense when creating a festive shopping atmosphere.
Live entertainment, DJs, and dance performances are just a few additions to the shopping experience.
Stroll down the length of this pedestrian-only street, lined with upscale stores, trendy restaurants, and an IMAX theatre.
Avenida Central, a well-known retail district in Costa Rica, runs through the centre of San Jose.
It is lined with various stores and spans several city blocks.
Stock up on trinkets at the vintage Mercado Central, where sellers sell anything from Costa Rican coffee and fresh food to apparel, trinkets, and souvenirs.
Visit the Muitiplaza Mall, Mall San Pedro, or Plaza Cariari if you want to shop in a traditional mall with department stores, a food court, and a movie theatre.
Every little town in Costa Rica has a weekly feria (market), or many of them; they are the most significant places to find locally produced artisanal food and souvenirs.

NATURE & SAFARI

San Jose: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures

The lush primary virgin rainforests and intricate network of freshwater and marine resources make up the Costa Rica National Parks & Reserves.
Three of Costa Rica's 28 national parks have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
To preserve Costa Rica's lush beauty and abundant animal population, around 28% of the country's land is designated as a park or reserve.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a strange, misty haven in the clouds that is well-known for its distinct microclimates and birdlife.
With its dense, lush rainforest and plethora of species, Corcovado National Park has been named one of the most ecologically intense locations on earth.
The North Caribbean coast's Tortuguero National Park is a haven for turtles that draws tourists and environment lovers worldwide.
Consider which parks and reserves are on our list of the most visited when planning your trip.

EVENTS & FIESTAS

San Jose Must-Attend Festivals and Events

Festival of underground music Ocaso from January 6 to 11; this festival is held in the Costa Rican village of Tamarindo. It is a five-day festival featuring domestic and foreign electronic music performers. However, there are also workshops, camping areas, and art installations. This festival is ideal for individuals who want to dance and enjoy positive energy.
The seaside hamlet of Tamarindo hosts the BPM Festival: Costa Rica. The biggest names in electronic music are present during the week-long festival. With BPM in charge, you can be sure that the festival's debut edition will feature only the best house and techno artists. These artists included Luciano, Deep Dish, Nicole Moudaber, Carl Craig, and Dubfire.
Fiestas Zapote This event, which takes place in the town of Zapote, is one of the most well-known in Costa Rica. Christmas is celebrated through a week-long festival with traditional music, cuisine, and dance. A sizable amusement park also offers fun activities for the whole family.
In Uvita, Costa Rica, there is a nine-day Envision festival. It's a festival for sustainable living with the mission of fostering originality, innovation, and ethical behaviour. There are yoga sessions, music performances by well-known performers, and art installations. This festival is ideal if you're interested in sustainability and personal development. This festival is also the most well-known abroad in Costa Rica.
This festival lasts for two weeks and is held in Palmares. It is one of the biggest and most well-known festivals in Costa Rica. Parades, bullfights, and rodeos commemorate the nation's independence. Experience Costa Rican culture and traditions at this fantastic festival.
This is a traditional dance from Costa Rica that is performed on October 12 and 13. On March 19, 1935, a group of friends established this festival in Alajuelita. On February 24, 1856, they defeated the Spanish Guardia Civil, and they were now rejoicing. Since most of them did not know Spanish at the time, they adopted dance as a means of communication. The L'mon Carnival's primary goal is to celebrate life with cuisine, dance, music, and joy. Everywhere in Costa Rica, people commemorate this day because it has grown to be a significant element of the national identity. One of the best festivals to visit Costa Rica during is this one.
An annual festival called the Fiesta de Los Diablitos is held in two villages. The celebrations for Boruca are kicked off by a village elder blowing into their conch shell at midnight on December 30 through January 2. The second takes place from January 1–7 in the village of Rey Curre. The battle between the miniature devils, or diablitos, is celebrated in both settlements. Native Americans, known as the Diablitos, fought the Spanish conquistadors. They commemorate and honour their ancestors throughout this holiday.
This is a music event that takes place in Cusco. Because it occurs in the summer, when there are many sunny days and nights, it is named Sun. There are several stages and activities to pick from throughout the two-day festival. The fact that Sun Festival offers more than simply music is its most vital aspect; additional events include yoga lessons, meditation sessions, and art workshops.
Costa Rica celebrates Easter with a week-long festival known as the Easter Festival. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mass, concerts and processions are held throughout the week. You should know a few things before travelling to Costa Rica, one of which is that they celebrate Easter with great zeal!
The winter solstice is commemorated during this festivity. It takes place from September 10 to September 12 in San José. Live music, food vendors, and art displays are part of the festival. Additionally, this is a fantastic festival to learn about and experience Costa Rican customs and culture.
During this time, Puntarenas hosts a three-day carnival. It is one of Costa Rica's largest and most well-known festivals. Parades, bullfights, and rodeos commemorate the country's independence. During this festival, you have the opportunity to learn about Costa Rica's rich culture and traditions.

FAQs to Plan Your Best San Jose Holiday

Places similar to San Jose to visit

Pick your vibes is not available at the moment, please check again later

San Jose Holidays 2024/2025

Top San Jose Holiday Deals

Popular San Jose Hotel Deals

TOP 10 REASONS

A Sneak Peek into San Jose

Top Tourist Attractions in San Jose

Best Months to Visit San Jose

The Best Places to Visit in San Jose

Avenida Central – Central Avenue

Plaza De La Cultura

Teatro Nacional De Costa Rica – National Theater Of Costa Rica

Museo Nacional De Costa – National Museum

Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal)

Irazu Volcano National Park

Monteverde and the Cloud Forests

Tamarindo

San Jose Off the Beaten Track

Dominical

Mal Pais and Santa Teresa

Jaco

Wildlife Viewing

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park

Tortuguero National Park

The National Theater in San Jose

San Jose Culture and Traditions

San Jose: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide

Restaurante Freddo Fresas

Chubascos

Bacchus

Raw Co Juicery & Food

La Granja

Furca

La Empanada

Chicharronera Cacique Acserí

San Jose City Tour

Visit the National Theater – Teatro Nacional Costa Rica

Explore La Paz Waterfall Garden

Go on a Food tour

Visit a butterfly garden.

Fashion

San Jose: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures

San Jose Must-Attend Festivals and Events

FAQs to Plan Your Best San Jose Holiday

Places similar to San Jose to visit

Good vibes only