The final cease on our Costa Rica trip, we spent 24 hours within the capital metropolis of San José. Researching San José earlier than our journey, we realized the essence of the town may simply be completed in a day or two and this was our real-life expertise.
After checking into our room on the Hotel Colonial and paying to park our rental automobile in paid in a single day lot we ventured out on foot by means of the downtown enterprise district within the course of the Merado Central (Central Market).
TIP: Outside of a handful of eating places and bars, San Jose shops and retailers roll down their doorways and put out their rubbish on the finish of the working day.
TIP: If you propose to drive in Costa Rica, learn this story first.
Mercado Central
Located on Avenida Central, a bustling hub of tourism and commerce, the Mercado Central is an indoor market filled with distributors in stalls promoting produce, meat, espresso, clothes, souvenirs, herbs, and eating places.
Meander by means of the slim isles, excellent for folks watching and getting a really feel for the tradition. Enjoy conventional delicacies like rice and beans or soup and plantains at one of many intimate meals counters. This is really an expertise you gained’t wish to miss.
Simón Bolívar Zoo and Botanical Garden
A stone’s throw from the downtown San José banking district, the Simón BolÍvar Zoo and Botanical Garden is an city sanctuary. Featuring crocodiles, parrots, sloths, and the world’s luckiest raccoon, a household may simply spend an hour and a half on the trail circumnavigating the reveals and enclosures.
If you go, plan to depart time for a go to to the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden positioned close by on the north aspect of the Río Torres (River Torres) that divides the 2 complimentary sights.
National Museum of Costa Rica
Many of the tales we learn steered the National Museum of Costa Rica as a approach to be taught in regards to the nation’s navy and pre-Columbian historical past. Artifacts vary from archaeological findings and artifacts to noteworthy reveals on the nation’s geology and anthropology. The courtyard, positioned within the Bellavista Fortress close to the Legislative Assembly constructing can be a great place for a picnic or a relaxation.
Book Your Stay
We deliberately booked a room on the Hotel Colonial primarily based on proximity to those downtown sights and for its genuine “old world” colonial ambiance. Our room was clear and spacious and we loved folks watching from the second-story avenue degree balcony.
Book your room utilizing the hyperlink above or discover a location in San Jose that fits your journey wants and preferences on this interactive map. Happy Trails!