Itineraries for Your Trip to San Jose
2 Days in San Jose for First Timers
While you might think San Jose, Costa Rica is your jumping-off point for rainforest visits and days lounging along the Pacific Ocean, there's so much to do and see in the capital city that it warrants its own stop. I've enjoyed my days spent taking in Costa Rican culture, from musical performances at the National Theater to visits to the Central Market to see what's in season. With two days in San Jose, you'll have plenty of time to get a taste of the food scene and see some urban nature. This 2-day San Jose itinerary for first timers has a bit of everything I love about the city.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a food tour.
You should expect heat, humidity, and a long rainy season when visiting San Jose.
To take in all of San Jose's old-world charm, start your visit this morning with a walking tour of the capital city. You can certainly do this on your own, but a guided tour will give you a local's insight and plenty of history. Explore the Plaza de la Cultura and grab a snack along the way.
After you've gotten the lay of the land, dig into San Jose's food scene with a hands-on cooking class or chocolate experience. Chocolate-making is a popular Costa Rican tradition, and you'll learn how they grow, harvest, and prepare the cocoa pods for chocolate making. Bonus: Tastings are pretty much guaranteed, and this activity is as kid-friendly as it gets.
Don't waste your first night in San Jose by heading to bed early. The city is full of spots to enjoy live music, pick up a craft beer, and even enjoy some dancing. You'll find guided bar crawls for the adults, and farm-to-table spots that are great for visitors of all ages.
Day two is when you pump up the activity and try out some of Costa Rica's more adventurous options, such as ziplining, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, and white-water rafting. It's always a good idea to plan these activities for the morning hours when you'll have the best chance for cooler temps (and plenty of time to rest afterward).
San Jose's location makes it a great option for those looking to explore the rainforest (and maybe even spot a sloth while you're there). While you won't be able to head all the way to Arenal Volcano National Park on a day trip, there are closer options, such as the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, that are worth exploring. Or, opt for an urban nature walk to learn about the animals that live in the city.
If you didn't get enough dancing on day one, book a private party bus or group nightlife tour that will get you VIP cut-the-line access to San Jose's top spots for nightlife. Some include pickup and drop-off at your hotel, so you don't have to worry about getting a cab when the night is done.
