San José

Welcome to San José

San José is Costa Rica's highland capital—a functional city that most travelers pass through en route to beaches and rainforests, yet which rewards those who linger with museums, markets, and a genuine urban Costa Rica experience. The Central Valley setting at 1,160 meters offers mild temperatures and easy access to volcanic national parks, coffee plantations, and cloud forests. While lacking the obvious charms of colonial cities, San José showcases contemporary Costa Rican culture through its restaurants, craft breweries, and arts scene. Understanding Tico culture requires time in the capital before disappearing into nature.