Itineraries for Your Trip to San Jose
3 Days in San Jose for First Timers
Any time I've been lucky enough to visit Costa Rica's vibrant capital city of San Jose, I've been mesmerized by the juxtaposition of the city's urban energy and laid-back vibes. While it is typically a jumping-off point for farther-off destinations like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio National Park, there's so much to see in San Jose that it deserves a few days of its own.
With three days in San Jose, start with a walking tour to help get your bearings and then venture out to explore the markets and restaurants on your own. You'll have time to head out of the city for some ziplining or nocturnal rainforest exploration, some of my favorite Costa Rican activities.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a trip to Central Market to see how the locals shop (and eat).
The weather in Jan Jose is comfortably warm, with cooler evenings and a rainy summer.
The best way to get a glimpse of all San Jose offers is on a city tour. This one takes you to the Central Market, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the architecturally outstanding National Theater, with history and music provided along the way.
Leave your dinner plans to the experts with this cooking and cocktail class. It starts with a visit to the market, where you'll learn about local ingredients, and ends with a 4-course farm-to-table dining experience at a private home.
Wake up on your second day in San Jose and explore the biodiversity that Costa Rica is famous for. A naturalist takes you on a walking tour of the University of Costa Rica campus, where you'll look for tropical birds, insects, plants, and even sloths.
After a busy day, you'll want a relaxing evening, and this festive dinner is the perfect option. You'll be picked up at your hotel and taken to a traditional home with a stunning city view, where you'll enjoy a Costa Rican dinner with a folk dance performance to end the evening.
Ready for a little adrenaline boost? Head to nearby Carpintera Hills, where you'll get suited up to glide through the forest via a zipline and then rappel to the forest floor. Be sure to keep your eyes open to look for sloths and colorful birds along the way.
Before you head back to the city, see what creatures come alive in the rainforest when the sun goes down. This biologist-led night tour is a great way to see nocturnal insects, frogs, snakes, and more. It's a fun way to wrap up your visit to San Jose!