3 nights, 4 days
San José 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)
A 4-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
Around National Museum of Costa Rica · Museums & galleries·Parks & gardens
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningNational 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.
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After lunchPlaza 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.
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AfternoonMuseum 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.
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EveningPre-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.
DAY 2
Around National Theatre of Costa Rica · Culture & venues·Temples & religious sites
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningNational 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.
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After lunchMetropolitan 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.
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AfternoonMelico 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.
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EveningSan 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.
DAY 3
Around Cerro Rabo de Mico · Nature·Museums & galleries
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningCerro 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.
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After lunchMuseo 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.
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AfternoonCosta 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.
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EveningCentral 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.
DAY 4
Around Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar · Zoos & aquariums·Culture & venues
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningParque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar
Zoos & aquariums
Costa Rica's oldest botanical garden and zoo, located in downtown San José. It also cares for injured and abandoned animals, giving it added significance.
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After lunchCosta Rican Center of Science and Culture
Culture & venues · 0.9 km from the previous stop
A cultural complex in San José, Costa Rica, housed in a former national penitentiary. It brings together a national auditorium, a children's museum, and an art gallery, offering a range of exhibits and performances.
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AfternoonParque de Diversiones
Theme parks · 5.6 km from the previous stop
An amusement park in San José that opened in 1981. Its proceeds support a children's hospital, giving the park a special significance.
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EveningFortín de Heredia
Heritage & monuments · 4.5 km from the previous stop
A tower in the heart of Heredia, Costa Rica, considered one of the city's iconic landmarks. It's a pleasant spot to stroll through the adjoining garden and plaza.
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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Hotel Posada El Museo
0.1 km · San José
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The Palm House Inn
0.2 km · San Jose
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Fleur De Lys Hotel
0.2 km · San Jose
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Hotel Trianon
0.2 km · San José
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Bella Vista
0.2 km · San José
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Hotel De La Cuesta
0.2 km · San Jose
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Tours & tickets for this itinerary
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