San José and Central Valley Costa Rica

Visit La Sabana Metropolitan Park, San José

Located downtown, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, or Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, is the country’s largest and most important park in San José. Affectionately named “The lungs of San José” by natives, it is a must-see for anyone visiting the capitol.

Former Presidents have vowed to protect the green space which covers some 72 hectares, but it is also home to some of the country's cultural and sporting highlights. Costa Rica’s National Stadium resides here alongside football fields, swimming pools, and the National Skating Rink. It is to San José what Central Park is to Manhattan, with various lakes dotted around, families lounging on the greens during the day, and paths for bike riders to buzz by, it is an integral part of life in the city.

Another unmissable side to the park is the museums, including the Costa Rican Art Museum – one of the most significant in Costa Rica – La Salle Natural Science Museum, and the ICE Group History and Technology Museum.

Adventure to Central Valley’s Famed Volcanos 

If it’s natural phenomena you’re looking for, Central Valley has some of the country's most spectacular active volcanoes, all with their own namesake national park. Easy to reach, many day trips from San José set off to the most popular volcanoes Poás and Irazú.

Both of these towering infernos play a huge part in Central Valley’s history, with volcano Irazú being the most famous in the country, and some say the world. Active since the early 1960s, Irazú is known for unpredictable and powerful lava displays, which are perfectly safe to witness within the park.

While volcano Poás is the largest open volcano in the world measuring over a mile wide and 1,050 feet deep. A hike to the top of Poás takes around 2 hours and you’ll enjoy unique ecological sights along the nature trails as it guides you to a life-changing view of this stunning national park and treasure.

For a volcano adventure a little further afield Rio Celeste is a stunning choice for both nature and excitement.

Explore the impressive Museums in San José

Visit one or more of the many impressive San José museums where the insight into Costa Rican culture, be it ancient times or present day, is illuminating. Immerse yourself in wonderful company, including art, gems, artefacts of war, and a Children’s Museum.

Our top 3 suggestions are:

1. Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
   Exhibiting Costa Rica’s archaeology, natural history, and more, the site is a former Bellavista Military Barracks and an old fort with bullet holes still shown on the building. Best for history buffs, there’s also a Butterfly Garden that adds to the unique appeal of this museum.
2. The Gold Museum
   The largest collections of Pre-Columbian gold in all of the Americas can be found here alongside the Numismatic Museum where you can view the history of Costa Rican currency. Spotlighting the lives of the indigenous people and also how gold is transformed into objects are all highlights of this specialist museum.
3. The Museum of Costa Rican Art (Museo de Arte Costarricense)
   Located in our first recommendation of things to do in San José Costa Rica, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, this museum is a must for art lovers as it features works by renowned Costa Rican artists alongside international pieces. The building itself was also part of Costa Rica’s international airport, hence its unique architectural allure.