San Jose

In the center of Costa Rica is San Jose, the beautiful capital and most important commercial, industrial, as well as cultural center of the country. The city, founded in 1736 as an area for tobacco processing and later coffee, experienced rapid growth in the 20th century, a fact that made it a dynamic metropolis in Central America.

Although San Jose retains to this day characteristics of a typical Latin American city, with obvious elements of the Spanish colonial tradition, especially in its architectural profile, it has a cosmopolitan air and a functional town planning, elements capable of making it a very interesting tourist destination, full of beautiful images and surprises.

Impressive squares dominate the urban fabric of the city, constituting a springboard for the journey of acquaintance with the city. Democracy Square (Plaza dela Democracia) is a point of reference and a meeting place for local residents and visitors, who, being in this impressive square, enjoy the view of the masterpiece building of the National Museum of Costa Rica, reminiscent in appearance, of an elaborate fortress construction.

A stone's throw away is the National Park of San Jose, a wonderful lung of greenery and recreation for all residents, with the ornate statue of heroes, (Monumento a los Héroes), impressing with its beauty.

In the central square of the city, (Plaza de Cultura), stands out the imposing building of the National Theatre, a wonderful combination of local colonial architecture, with elaborate elements of the European Belle Epoque, that highlight the monument as the emblem and at the same time a symbol of the city.

Next comes the Museum of Gold, (Museo del oro Precolombino), with the amazing gold exhibits inside it, is the most famous museum in the country and presents all the cultural treasures of Costa Rica.

Walking through Avenida Central, the main pedestrian street of San Jose, the route ends at the Central Market (Mercado Central), the most impressive blend of sounds, aromas and flavors of the city, as here beats the living pulse of the commercial and economic life of San Jose.

Particularly impressive in appearance and decoration is the cathedral, (Iglesia de Nuestra señora de la Merced), a remarkable monument of the historical heritage of Costa Rica, while in the metropolitan park, (Parque Metropolitano La Sabana), an idyllic oasis of recreation in the city center, where every visitor enjoys a walk, in an environment of absolute relaxation and tranquility, completing the tour of acquaintance with San Jose in the best possible way.