Things to see in Costa Rica: San José
Costa Rica?s capital stands in the centre of the country at an elevation of around 1,200 metres, so enjoys a near-perfect average temperature of 21C year round. As it has the main international airport, and is the country's transport hub, you will inevitably spend a night or two here at some stage of your trip.
The downtown area is small, but there are several interesting museums and parks, plus the Barrio Amonn district, where the mansions of several former coffee barons have been restored to their original glory.
Other things to see in Costa Rica
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Arenal Volcano National Park
After lying dormant for centuries, Mt. Arenal erupted in 1968 and has been active ever since,…
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Braulio Carrillo National Park
Just a short drive north-east of San José, this national park preserves a pristine swathe…
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Cahuita National Park
This small national park on the Caribbean coast consists of tropical lowland forest, black sand…
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Corcovado National Park
For a fitting finale to any visit to Costa Rica, take the scenic flight south to the remote and…
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Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
South of Cahuita, this stretch of Caribbean coast is one of the finest in the country. …
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Marino Ballena National Park
Named after the humpback whales that arrive between December and April each year to mate, this park…
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Monteverde Cloud Forest
This and the adjacent Santa Elena Cloud Forest, which straddle the continental divide, are…
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The Gulf of Nicoya
This stunning coastal landscape includes wetland, jagged rocky islands, cliffs and mangroves.…
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Tortuguero National Park
This is a vast area of untouched rainforest on a remote stretch of Caribbean coast, where…
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Places to stay in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Observatory Lodge [High]
![San José - Arenal Volcano - Arenal Observatory Lodge [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_observatory_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This is a unique property, once a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station and located… More
Arenal Springs [High]
![San José - Arenal Volcano - Arenal Springs [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_springs_hotel_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A delightful retreat, designed to give guests the best views of the Arenal Volcano from their… More
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Country Inn [High]
![San José - Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Country Inn [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_country_inn_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A comfortable base from which to explore the volcano, whether you choose bird-watching in the… More
Arenal Manoa [High]
![San José - Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Manoa [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_manoa_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Each room at the Arenal Manoa hotel offers a panoramic view of the volcano, as does the… More
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Casa Turire [High]
![San José - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Casa Turire [High]](/image_database/75x75C/hotel_casa_turire_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Casa Turire is in the nearby Turrialba Valley, a hotel with an old world charm. There are 12… More
Rainforest Lodge [Mid]
![San José - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Rainforest Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/CRSJOWIWhite_throated_Capuchin1.jpg)
Rainforest Lodge is well-positioned for unforgettable views of the forest and mountains. It… More
Corcovado
Drake Bay Wilderness Resort [Mid]
![San José - Corcovado - Drake Bay Wilderness Resort [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/drake_bay_wilderness_resort_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This resort has 20 charming, spacious tropical cabins. Each cabin has a view of the bay,… More
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Cloud Forest Lodge [Mid]
![San José - Monteverde Cloud Forest - Cloud Forest Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/cloud_forest_lodge_costa_rica_3.jpg)
Cloud Forest Lodge is a comfortable option, surrounded by 5kms of private trails where you'll… More
El Establo [High]
![San José - Monteverde Cloud Forest - El Establo [High]](/image_database/75x75C/el_establo_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Situated on a private farm, the Cloud Forest Lodge offers a relaxing spot with a great emphasis… More
Hotel Fonda Vela [High]
![San José - Monteverde Cloud Forest - Hotel Fonda Vela [High]](/image_database/75x75C/hotel_fonda_vela_costa_rica_1.jpg)
There are nine buildings nestled in serene landscaped grounds with more than a kilometre of… More
San Jose
Grano de Oro [High]
![San José - San Jose - Grano de Oro [High]](/image_database/75x75C/hotel_grano_de_oro_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Elegant and refined, Grano de Oro is located just off San José's main street - a haven in… More
The Alta Hotel [Mid]
![San José - San Jose - The Alta Hotel [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/the_alta_hotel_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The Alta Hotel is a delightful boutique property, tastefully decorated and with wonderful views… More
Xandari Resort and Spa [High]
![San José - San Jose - Xandari Resort and Spa [High]](/image_database/75x75C/xandari_resort_and_spa_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The 22 huge private villas are on a high hilltop 20 minutes from San… More
Sarapiqui
Hacienda La Isla [Mid]
![San José - Sarapiqui - Hacienda La Isla [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/hacienda_la_isla_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A delightful property with outstanding natural features for the wildlife enthusiast. Its setting… More
Tamarindo
Jardin del Eden [Mid]
![San José - Tamarindo - Jardin del Eden [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/jardin_del_eden_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A small resort and boutique hotel on a small hill a few minutes walk from the… More
Tamarindo Diria [High]
![San José - Tamarindo - Tamarindo Diria [High]](/image_database/75x75C/tamarindo_diria_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This is a fantastic hotel located on the white sands of Tamarindo… More
The Gulf of Nicoya
La Ensenada Lodge [Mid]
![San José - The Gulf of Nicoya - La Ensenada Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/la_ensenada_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This is a unique opportunity to stay on a working ranch and wildlife refuge. It offers 25… More
Villa Caletas [High]
![San José - The Gulf of Nicoya - Villa Caletas [High]](/image_database/75x75C/vila_caletas_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Villa Caletas is a luxurious boutique hotel perched in an absolutely stunning location amidst… More
Tortuguero National Park
Mawamba Lodge [Mid]
![San José - Tortuguero National Park - Mawamba Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/mawamba_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The lodge has 54 comfortable rooms and four superior… More
Pachira Lodge [Mid]
![San José - Tortuguero National Park - Pachira Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/pachira_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The lodge has 88 comfortable rooms in wooden cabins, each with en-suite bathroom and ceiling… More
