Discovering San José

Let's be honest: San José is not a beauty. The capital of Costa Rica, with its 350,000 inhabitants, is noisy, chaotic, and architecturally unappealing. Most travelers spend one night after arrival and continue the next morning — and that's perfectly fine.

But those who invest a day will find some gems: The Mercado Central is a feast for all senses, the National Museum tells the fascinating history of the country, and the Gold Museum houses pre-Columbian treasures. And the Central Valley around San José — the Valle Central — is a highlight in its own right with its volcanoes and coffee plantations.

Plan 1–2 days for San José and its surroundings. The city itself takes half a day, and the Poás and Irazú volcanoes each require a day trip.