5 days in San Jose Itinerary

A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Galeria Namu. Take a break from the city and head to Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz and River Rafting & Tubing. Change things up with these side-trips from San Jose: Poas Volcano (in Poas Volcano National Park) and Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles (in Cartago). The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, shop like a local with Multiplaza, and look for gifts at Chieton Moren.

To find photos, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, use the San Jose vacation planning app.

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major aiports are Tobías Bolaños International Airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport and Limon International Airport. In December, daily temperatures in San Jose can reach 79°F, while at night they dip to 66°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.