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San Jose is normally just a a stop over after you fly into the international airport and move on to your next destination. But this pulsating cultural capital of Costa Rica so much more than that. In it you will find: museums, theaters, delicious international restaurants, and great shopping. My advice for travelers is to make this your home base for day trips to some of the countries most popular attractions: Volcano Poas and Irazu, coffee plantation tours, nature parks and a lot more.

Can’t Miss This

….. * Museums and Gardens
….. * City parks and plazas
….. * Theaters, Churches and Downtown Landmarks
….. * Volcanoes
….. * Shop at the Central Market (Mercado Central)
….. * Take a cultural tour of a coffee plantation
….. * Hike up to the mouth of Poas and Irazu Volcanoes
….. * A full day at a nature adventure park

A Bit of History

San Jose City (better known as San Jose) is actually the second capital of Costa Rica. The original capital was Cartago until it was moved in 1835. Around the year 1737 this city was known as ‘Villa Nueva de la Boca del Monte del Valle de Abra,’ was discovered by a group of Spanish and Native American dissenters, who left the capital in search of political freedom. Then years later the same was changes after the city’s patron who was Saint Joseph.

The historic events that impacted Costa Rica’s culture and San Jose were development of the coffee exports industry, the influence of the French revolution and the country’s declaration of independence from Spain. It split the country’s political and economic powers into two: the Democrats, who wanted the country to remain a Spanish territory, and the Republicans, who wanted to centralize the power and make Costa Rica an independent country. In 1823 these two camps engaged in a super short civil war called the ‘Guerra de la Liga’ (War of the Union), which ended up  won by Republicans from San Jose and Alajuela. The result was they the capital was moved to San Jose and Costa Rica became an independent country.

Did You Know?

San Jose City is only 47 sq. kms.

San Jose is located in the Central Valley and is surrounded by large forested mountain ranges and some volcanoes. There are also green savannas, and working coffee plantations.

The main architectural influences came from the French and Belgians. That is why you will notice that most of the old structures were modeled after European buildings, incorporating ironwork, lattice-work, long corridors and bright painted exteriors into their designs.

Other Nearby Cities

….. * Alajuela
….. * Escazu
….. * Grecia
….. * Santa Ana

Photos By:

 
• Mail and Telegraph Building – reservasdecoches; Poas Volcano – radio rover and National Theater – Mohamed Morales México

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