It is common to either start or finish your Costa Rica vacation in San Jose. There is some misinformation out there saying San Jose is boring. That there is nothing to do or see. Quite to the contrary. I lived in San Jose for 10 years and I can tell you that there is plenty to see and plenty to do. Below are 10 cool things to do in San Jose.
Many of the things listed will require a full free day in San Jose. They are close enough to go see them and then return (a “day tour”), but they are not something you can do in, say, a couple hours time. For that, I recommend the general city tour stuff.
Cool Thing #1: Take a dance lesson at Merecumbe
Anyone can quickly see after spending a little time in Costa Rica that dancing is an integral part of the culture. Here we dance all the Latin styles, including Salsa, Meringue, Cumbia, Bachata, Bolero, etc. So, when in Rome, why not do as the Romans (or in this case Ticos) and learn a step or two? The best place to do that is Merecumbe dance studios. They are located all over the city, so wherever you might find yourself in San Jose, there is probably one close by. I recommend taking a private one to two hour lesson and you will be dancing the basics in no time.
Merecumbe web site (with studio locations)
Cool Thing #2: Go dancing at Castro’s Bar
After your dance lesson it’s time to practice. The place to do that is Castro’s Bar. Sure there are many more modern style discos, but Castro’s is the real deal. Old time Latin bar/disco with real Latin dance music and a great cultural flare. You can also learn a great deal just watching the pros. There is also a karaoke bar upstairs. Castro’s is located in Barrio Mexico, very close to the downtown area.
Cool Thing #3: Explore Valle de Orosi
I love the Orosi Valley. It is serene and picturesque and there are many places to see over there. You can take an Orosi Valley tour, or if you can get access to a car, drive there yourself. Places to see include the oldest operating church in Costa Rica, the ruins of Ujarras, the represa hydroelectrica (or damn) Cachi, and Casa del Soñador. You also must have lunch at La Casona del Cafetal. Expect to spend a full day.
La Casona del Cafetal web site
Cool Thing #4: Explore Turrialba
This is another great day trip. Like Orosi, you can find a tour, or just go. To do the latter you will need transportation. You can take a bus, or drive yourself. It is about 2 hours from San Jose central. The area itself is breathtakingly beautiful. Places to see are the volcano itself (Turrialba), CATIE University, the Rio Pejiyabe area (including lunch at Casa Turire), Hacienda Tayutic and the Guayabo National Monument (Costa Rica’s most significant archaeological site). I highly recommend lunch at a little tico restaurant by the name of El Clon (fanstastic!). This area is so rich in stuff to see and do that I could do a 10 cool things just for it.
Guayabo National Monument Photo Set
Cool Thing #5: Lunch at Chubascos
If you are already planning a trip to the Poas Volcano then a stop over for lunch at Chubascos is a great idea. It’s even a great idea to go over there just for the lunch. This has been one of my favorite restaurants for years. It is about one hour out of the city on the road to the Poas Volcano. The food and ambiance are both healthy and delicious.
Cool Thing #6: Dinner at Cacique Aserri
The best chicharones in Costa Rica, hands down! If you don’t know what chicharones are and fried pork is still on your diet, then you need to try this place. Delicious for sure, healthy, ummm, so so. But a cold Imperial and a plate of chicharones from this place sure hits my spot. On weekend nights they usually have marimba players and sometimes a mascarada, which features dancers wearing humongous caricatured masks. A real tico cultural experience.
Cool Thing #7: Dinner at Ram Luna or Tiquicia
These are two great Mirador restaurants with panoramic views of the city. Best to go at night for the view with lights. The food is also great. Tiquicia is located in Escazu and closer to the central part of the city. Ram Luna is located in Aserri, not too far from Cacique Aserri, so a little further out. Both feature tico cultural shows on certain nights.
Cool Thing #8: Go walking through Sabana Park
Sabana park is the largest park in the city. It is often described as Los Pulmones de San Jose (or, the lungs of the city). Why? Because on weekends thousands gather there to relax and take a deep breath. It is also where our new National Stadium is located, a gift from the Chinese that is truly impressive. This cool thing can be done in a couple hours, so if you have time to kill and don’t know what to do, go take a walk in the park. Try a granizado while your at it.
Cool Thing #9: Sarchi and Bajos del Toro
Another of my great escapes from the city. To get there you will need to drive through the little towns of Grecia and Sarchi. In Grecia stop and take a look at the famous metal church. And in Sarchi you will find the furniture, arts and crafts capital of the country. A good idea is to stop at the Chaverri Painted Oxcart factory to see how these artifacts of Costa Rican culture are created. The central park of downtown Sarchi features the world’s largest painted oxcart. Then you will need to virtually leave civilization and head towards Bajos. You have to drive over a very narrow mountain road with breathtaking views. You will go down into a little valley to the town of Toro Amarillo. There you can stop at Nena’s and have an excellent trucha entero (or whole-fried trout). But the place you must see is the Catarata del Toro. It is a 90 foot fall that is one of the most amazing displays of nature you will find in Costa Rica.
Cool Thing #10: Go see a volcano (and a different Central valley perspective)
The Arenal Volcano is not the only one in Costa Rica. It seems many think so. But within a short drive from San Jose you can visit three other active volcanoes. One was already mentioned above, Turrialba. The other two are Irazu (Costa Rica’s highest) and Poas (with one of the largest active craters in the world). It is recommended to always go very early in the morning, or else your view will be obstructed by clouds on most days. The countryside surrounding these volcanoes is breathtaking and you will see spectacular panoramic views of the city. Places to eat, or have a drink, abound as well. These are great avenues for exploration not too far from the city.
Now that you have read about the above 10 cool things to do in San Jose, I don’t want to hear any more complaints about boredom in the big city. Enjoy!
Post by CRG
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