GiveMeCostaRica

San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and has been since 1823. Located between luscious green mountains and peaking volcanoes, it is nestled high in the Central Valley. In terms of the city’s architecture, it is not a very colonial city, although there are several beautiful and historic churches throughout the city centre. Many of the city’s buildings have a unique and charming “Caribbean Victorian” architecture to them.

It is highly recommend first time visitors to visit the nearby town of Escazu, which is filled with nice coffee shops and decorative stores. It is also the home to the largest population of North Americans who are living in Costa Rica. This area is a bit more upscale than central San Jose or other suburbs.

Some of the beautiful sightseeing locations include the National Theater, Parque Central, the Cathedral, Plaza de la Cultura and the Gold Museum. Luckily all are centered within a four block radius of the pedestrian-only shopping walkway.