Costa Rica

San José

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The heart of Costa Rica

Costa Rica's charming capital, situated in the aptly-named Central Valley, makes a great springboard for exploring the country. Wander the city's world-class museums, lounge in its parks, or enjoy a gourmet meal. After, head out for volcanoes, national parks and lush landscapes.

Destination facts

Language

Spanish, but English is widely understood

Currency

Costa Rican Colón

Distance

5.5 hrs from Toronto and Montreal

Good to know

San Jose is driest between December and April

Best for

City escapes, nature lovers, culture

All about the architecture

Wander San Jose's sunny streets and marvel at historical buildings, like the Victorian Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, which has a butterfly garden, or the National Museum.

Volcano vibes

Take your pick and embark on a day trip to Irazú, Barva, Poás, Arenal and more as you immerse yourself in the majesty of nature from atop these geological giants.

Local flavours

Get a taste for San Jose at its realest with the help of its many local markets, like Mercado Borbón and Mercado Central, where you can delight in fresh fruits and more.

Ah, the great outdoors

Walk across hanging bridges in the canopy and ride aerial trams through the sky. If you're afraid of heights, there's plenty of options for river rafting and hot springs.