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2 nights, 3 days

San José 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through San José grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Distances are straight-line, so actual transit times will differ. Feel free to reorder the stops. · Updated August 15, 2026

The whole route at a glance

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors Lines are straight connections, not actual routes.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

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1

DAY 1

Around National Museum of Costa Rica · Museums & galleries·Parks & gardens

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    National Museum of Costa Rica

    Museums & galleries

    Costa Rica's National Museum, located in downtown San José, is housed in a former military barracks from the civil war era. After the army was abolished, the building became a space dedicated to the country's history and culture.

  2. After lunch
    Plaza de la Democracia

    Parks & gardens · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    A plaza in front of Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly building in San José. It's flanked by the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Jade Museum, making it easy to visit both together.

  3. Afternoon
    Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

    Museums & galleries · 0.3 km from the previous stop

    Located in San José, this museum focuses on contemporary Central American art and design. Since opening in 1994, it has also featured works by international artists, making it a favorite among art lovers.

  4. Evening
    Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

    Museums & galleries · 0.6 km from the previous stop

    Located beneath the Plaza de la Cultura in San José, this museum is owned and operated by the Central Bank of Costa Rica. It houses thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts, including gold work and pottery.

2

DAY 2

Around National Theatre of Costa Rica · Culture & venues·Temples & religious sites

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    National Theatre of Costa Rica

    Culture & venues

    Costa Rica's National Theatre, located in downtown San José. With seating for 1,140, it's a great place to enjoy a performance.

  2. After lunch
    Metropolitan Cathedral of San José

    Temples & religious sites · 0.2 km from the previous stop

    The cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of San José, Costa Rica, standing as a landmark religious building in the heart of downtown San José. It's a convenient stop while exploring the city center.

  3. Afternoon
    Melico Salazar Theatre

    Culture & venues · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    A theater in San José that regularly hosts concerts, recitals, plays, and other performances. Worth adding to your itinerary if you'd like a taste of the local performing arts scene.

  4. Evening
    San José Central Market

    Shopping & districts · 0.3 km from the previous stop

    A market in downtown San José, Costa Rica, that has occupied a full block of Avenida Central since 1880. Close to Parque Central, it's a great stop to soak up the local atmosphere while exploring the city on foot.

3

DAY 3

Around Cerro Rabo de Mico · Nature·Museums & galleries

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Cerro Rabo de Mico

    Nature

    At 2,428 meters, this is the highest peak in the Cerros de Escazú range, with trails leading up from both Escazú and Aserrí. Its name means "monkey's tail," and it's a great spot for hiking.

  2. After lunch
    Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle

    Museums & galleries · 9.4 km from the previous stop

    A natural history museum with exhibit halls covering insects, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, and more. It's a great stop in San José to learn about the natural world and its creatures.

  3. Afternoon
    Costa Rican Museum of Art

    Museums & galleries · 1.3 km from the previous stop

    An art museum in San José that opened in 1978. Its collection of more than 6,000 works offers a broad overview of Costa Rican art.

  4. Evening
    Central Valley

    Nature · 4.1 km from the previous stop

    This highland region in central Costa Rica is ringed by mountains and volcanoes. Home to the capital, San José, and most of the country's population, it offers a blend of city life and nature.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Around National Museum of Costa Rica, the anchor of day one. Staying here keeps your first day's travel shortest.

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Tours & tickets for this itinerary

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