Nestled in the Central Valley, amid steep mountains and active volcanoes, San José is a lively capital blessed with an idyllic climate.
A tour of its squares, monuments, markets and museums makes it the ideal starting point to get a feel for the country's multicultural atmosphere and an early taste of the journey ahead. Step by step, along its bustling streets and avenues, discover the city's finest landmarks: the Plaza de la Cultura, the dazzling National Theatre, the “Metropolitana” Cathedral, the “Correo” building, numerous parks and gardens adorned with busts of historical figures, and the central market with its colourful stalls of flowers, fruit and vegetables, where you can shop and sample coffee from local fincas.
From the capital, you can quickly reach three active volcanoes — Poás, Irazú and Turrialba — as well as two national parks, Tapantí and Braulio Carrillo, both ideal for observing local wildlife and flora.
