Tourists in Costa Rica.

The city of San Jose lies between the fertile and lush landscape of three volcanoes, and serves as the hub that connects various parts of the country into one single network. As the largest city of the country, it is naturally filled with all the usual array of hotels, parks, restaurants and other creature comforts that greet all visitors. A logical grid system and efficient public transport system allows easy navigation of the city, with the warm friendly locals preferring to use landmarks rather than street names to find their way about. As for getting your bearings, remember that Costa Rican churches are built facing the west.

 

The best way to experience the city and its people is to travel by foot wherever possible. There is so much to see and do in the country that you won’t want to miss, so it is best to simply take your time and take in all the sights and sounds of this brilliant and vibrant city. Costa Rica is undergoing a change in its economy and culture, which has seen increases in the number of modern buildings and constructions. While there are an increasing number of shopping malls and stores around, the local and more traditional shops are still proving to be the favorite of tourists.

 

San Jose is also well known for its artistic and cultural identity. The National Museum has a vast collection of artifacts, religious art and historical items of interest detailing the country’s history since the Spanish conquest. The Gold Museum and Jade Museum hold impressive collections of artifacts and items showcasing the remarkable level of craftsmanship and artistry achieved by the native and indigenous craftsman and artisan.

 

Other sites of interest include The National Theater, which ranks as one of the most significant architectural construction of Costa Rica. Funded by proceeds contributed by elite members of the coffee export sector, the magnificent design and detailing of the building comprises of segments shipped from the workshops of Belgium and Italy. To gain an appreciation of Costa Rica’s rich diversity of native flora and fauna, the Simón Bolivar National Zoological Park and Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary complements the numerous the national parks and walking trails around all parts of the country.