San Jose sits a 4850 ft elevation (1172 meters) and as a result it offers a perpetual-spring climate that is ideal for transitioning into the tropical habitats that you will explore around Costa Rica. It is also the home to 4 active volcanos that can easily be visited on day trips.
The introduction of coffee to the Central Valley in the early nineteenth century fueled San José’s prosperity as the city embraced capitalism. An urban merchant class rose as the result of coffee trade, who looked to Europe as an architectural muse.
San Jose is the transportation hub of Costa Rica. While the vast majority of visitors typically spend a day or two here before departing for the beaches and national parks, the Central Valley and San Jose has a variety of offerings of interest to the traveler. Poas and Irazu Volcanoes, coffee plantation tours, canopy tours, whitewater rafting adventures and a lot more. Historical attractions in Cartago and San Jose, including churches, museums and monuments make these cities a must-see. The artisan markets are great for souvenir shopping, and the central market, with all its tropical fruits and veggies, will literally give you a taste of Costa Rica.
Popular Parks & Reserves
- Braulio Carrillo National Park
- Irazu National Park
- Juan Castro Blanco National Park
- Poas Volcano National Park
- Tapanti National Park
Museums & Gardens
- INBioparque
- Britt Coffee Plantation
- Doka Coffee Plantation
- Cartago's Church, the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles
- La Paz Waterfall and Gardens
- Lankester Botanical Gardens
- The Butterfly Farm
Volcanoes
- Barva Volcano
- Poas Volcano
- Irazu Volcano
- Turrialba Volcano