San José

The capital of Costa Rica and the central base for exploring the country — around 350,000 people in the city proper and 1.5 million in the Gran Área Metropolitana de San José. Situated in the Central Valley at 1,170 m, surrounded by volcanoes. The city itself is not the most beautiful capital in Latin America, but it is an ideal transport hub: everything in Costa Rica is within 4–5 hours of San José. The main draw is to head out to the national parks, coastlines, and volcanoes.

Main Attractions

• National Theatre (Teatro Nacional) — the country's main theatre, built in 1897, Neo-Renaissance style with ceilings painted by Florentine artists.
• Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Precolombino) — underground beneath Plaza de la Cultura, with 1,600+ gold artefacts.
• Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) — the largest jade collection in the Americas, housed in an 11-storey building.
• Plaza de la Cultura — the main square of the city centre.
• Plaza de la Democracia — a square with a statue of José Figueres, who abolished the army in 1948.
• Mercado Central — the city's main market (1880), a classic Latin American bazaar.
• National Museum (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica) — housed in a former fortress, covering the country's history.
• Barrio Escalante — the city's food district, home to its best restaurants and coffee shops.
• La Sabana Park — the largest park in San José.
• Poás Volcano (Volcán Poás) — an active volcano 1.5 hours from San José, with a 1,320 m-wide crater and a turquoise lake (when not erupting).
• Irazú Volcano (Volcán Irazú) — another volcano 1.5 hours away; on a clear day both oceans are visible.
• Arenal Volcano (Volcán Arenal) — Costa Rica's most popular volcanic destination, 3 hours away, with the Tabacón thermal springs.
• Manuel Antonio (see separate page) — a beach national park 3 hours away.
• Monteverde — cloud forest 3–4 hours away, with hanging bridges.

Food and Prices

The cuisine is Costa Rican: gallo pinto (rice and beans, the staple breakfast), casado (a complete lunch plate), ceviche, picadillo, tamales, and plátanos. Lunch at a soda (local diner) $6–10; dinner at a restaurant $18–40. Costa Rican coffee is world-class (premium Arabica); an espresso costs $2–4. A litre of petrol costs $1.20; taxis (the taxímetro meter is mandatory) $5–15; Uber also operates. Prices are as of 2026.

Getting Around

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is 20 km from the centre, served by Avianca, Copa, American, Iberia, and Lufthansa. A taxi to the centre costs $25–35. Around the country, tourist shuttles connect all the main destinations ($15–50). Car hire (4×4) runs $50–80/day and is handy for independent travel (Monteverde requires a 4×4).

When to Go

December–April is the dry season, with temperatures of 17–26 °C in the valley. May–November is the green season, with rain (usually in the afternoon), lower prices, and lush vegetation. At 1,170 m, the city enjoys an "eternal spring" climate: 17–26 °C year-round, with cool nights. Surf season on the Pacific coast runs April–October.