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 Museo Nacional De Costa Rica and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. 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). There's lots more to do: take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, shop like a local with Multiplaza, browse the exhibits of Galeria Namu, and stop by Chieton Moren.

To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our San Jose vacation planner.

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major aiports are Tobias Bolanos International Airport, Juan Santamaria International Airport and Limon International Airport. Expect a daytime high around 79°F in December, and nighttime lows around 66°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.