San Jose Costa Rica

San Jose is a large city located in a valley between several volcanic mountain ranges. In January and February, the valley has very strong winds that blow. This can affect airline travel as our non-stop flight was to stop in Liberia, Costa Rica when we departed from San Jose to take on fuel.

San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and so has similar problems to any large city. We did not have any issues walking around and we stayed right downtown on the pedestrian street. The Presidente Hotel is a modern Costa Rican Hotel. With a great breakfast buffet that included eggs or omelet prepared the way you want. 

We visited the National Museum and learned about the history of Costa Rica. The museum is housed in an old fort. When you initially walk into a butterfly garden before actually seeing the historical displays. It is always an interesting experience to have a variety of butterflies hovering around.

The museum explains the challenges that Costa Rica endured before developing an export economy through the sale of coffee. Costa Rica does not have a military and they do not allow hunting of animals. Their goal is to be the first carbon-neutral country by 2023. To help achieve this goal there are large areas that support natural environments.

Between the National and Jade museums, you can find an artisan market. The market is set up with small stalls and narrow walkways. You can find a variety of tourist items from wood items, mounted butterflies to hammocks as well as shoes, backpacks etc. Remember to bargain and if on stall has an item you like the next stall will probably have the same item. 

The Jade Museum is expensive for foreigners. The museum houses a variety of artifacts from pottery to jade jewellery. The displays are modern with lots of opportunities for hands-on experiences and they use a lot of technology to help explain the displays. If you are interested in seeing the selection of jade make sure to open up the display case on the top floor. It is a good idea to take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down to the main floor.

The opposite west of the Museums and just off the pedestrian walkway by the modern square you will find the National Theatre of Costa Rica (Opera House). We took a tour of the Opera House. This structure is very similar to the Opera house in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The main floor can be raised and the seating removed to create a dance floor or dining area. There is a lot of history and architecture detail in the National Opera House. On the second floor is a ballroom and the countries Presidents private box.

If you are interested in shopping take a stroll down the promenade. This is always a great way to see what a city is like. You will find a variety of small shops with everything that a family needs.

We stayed at the Hotel Presidente on the pedestrian street. This hotel was recommended by a friend and was centrally located. The hotel has free parking for their guests. Breakfast was included in our room rate and was excellent. You could have traditional Costa Rican breakfast or they would cook you an omelette or eggs. Staff were very friendly and helpful. They will also recommend restaurants. We had an excellent meal at Tin Jo Asian Resturant near our hotel.

 

Want a great view of the city head towards the district of Escazu (suburb) of San Jose. We had the opportunity to visit Mirado Tiquicia night view of the city was fantastic. The night we went dinner featured a Costa Rican buffet that you could watch them cook and was served right from the pan. There is also an a la carte menu. The cultural dance performance was an added highlight.






















From San Jose, we rented a car and drove along highway 2 towards the south to see the Quetzal bird.  To read more check out the Central Highlands blog.