Things to Do in San Jose
Join our tour and come along with fellow travelers as we explore the concrete jungle of San Jose (but don’t worry, there will be plenty of green as well). The tour is designed for maximum scenic views of the city. Each location will offer its unique flavor to the landscape. There will be plenty of stories and fun facts to keep kids/adults of all ages entertained and informed.
Did you know that San Jose was not originally the Capital of Costa Rica? What events brought it to be? How did old pirates in the Caribbean influence decisions of new settlers? How did Costa Rica go from a forgotten outpost of the old “New Spain” territory to the modern country that blends simple life in the country with contemporary comforts in modern cities? What the heck does Napoléon have to do with all of this? Explore the area on a guided 3 and 1/2 hour tour that will show how the past has shaped the present as we move into the future.
Some of the places we will visit:
- Teatro Nacional
- Paseo de los Estuadiantes
- Plaza de la Democracia
- Parque Nacional
- La Casa Amarilla
- Parque Morazan
We know that your time is valuable. The idea is to provide you with a fun and often interactive circuit through the city that highlights the themes and stories of old San Jose. Breathe some fresh air into your San Jose vacation and see the city with new eyes. One of the benefits of the tour is that you will be able to share many unique and interesting stories with your friends, family, and companions. Impress them with fun anecdotes about the culture and history that you may not find in any guidebooks.
Discover the secrets, history and culture of San José with your new local best friends , the San José City Striders . We are official guides certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, but more than that, we are in love with our city .
We will take you to know our capital as only a close friend would, with reliable information and with the perspective of Explore, Learn and Have Fun.
Each tour with us is an opportunity to fall in love with a small, but cosmopolitan city with a rich and interesting history .
Come and visit with us places such as the National Theater , with its vast art collection, the National Museum of Costa Rica , the Green Zone of San José , the Central Market with its more than 140 years of history , and its unique flavors. Let's visit together the oldest ice cream parlor in the city and much, much more.
Itinerary:
- National theater
- National Museum of Costa Rica
- San José Green Zone
- Central Market
- Oldest ice cream shop in the city
Without a doubt, the Best Free Tour in the city.
During the dry season we separate the tours by language, leaving Spanish in the mornings with the meeting point information that you have here and English in the afternoons, at 2:30 p.m. and with a different meeting point, at the National Theater of Costa Rica (https://maps.app.goo.gl/eU8KeR8e6f7WVw3x9)
Discover San José: A City Walking Tour Like No Other
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital. Our guided walking tours are designed to immerse you in the rich history, culture, architecture, and gastronomy of this dynamic city.
San José is a place where tradition and modernity meet, offering a fascinating mix of colonial charm and contemporary life. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, savoring local flavors, or learning about Costa Rican culture, each step will bring you closer to understanding the essence of our beloved city.
What We Offer:
- Architecture: Admire the beauty of historic buildings and modern structures that tell the story of San José’s growth.
- History: Walk through key landmarks and hear the fascinating tales of Costa Rica’s past.
- Culture & Tradition: Experience the vibrant culture and daily life that make San José a unique and lively destination.
Each tour is an invitation to experience Pura Vida—the true essence of Costa Rican life. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our walking tours provide a deeper connection to the spirit of San José.
Join us and explore the city on foot, one step at a time!
Ricardo Vander Laat Muñoz.
General Tour Guide.
San José, Costa Rica.
Discover the crystal clear waters and ruggedly beautiful landscapes of Almeria on this kayak and snorkel tour in Cabo de Gata from San José.
The Pura Vida Introductory Tour!
Tour preview: We'll discover the two sides of SJ: the quiet one and the frenetic, everyday one.
We will learn about Costa Rica’s history through incredible stories, sample some Costa Rican sweets along the way , and discover some iconic and beautiful places in SJ and learn some interesting facts about them.
On this tour, I'd like you to learn more about the city of San Jose and what it has to offer during your visit.
Join me to explore its hidden corners and enjoy every step of this walk in good company.
If the above sounds like you, join me on this adventure! 🙂
The only free tour in German in San José!
Hello everyone, pura vida!
My name is Juan, and I'm a tour guide certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. Together we'll tour the city, exploring its most famous sites, its history, and its culture. I'll also give you an introduction to Costa Rica (history, geography, places, or food).
What will we see?
- Museo Nacional (start of the tour)
- National Park
- Old Liquor Factory
- Spanish Park
- Morazán Park
- Correos
- Central Market
- Central Avenue
- Edificio Steinvorth
- Teatro Nacional (end of tour)
I'll tell you everything you need to know about this vibrant city!!
Discover the city of San José from the hand of a lover of the city.
On this tour you will learn the stories behind each building, monuments and parks. We will visit hidden corners that few people know, we will also visit the well-known lung of the city where different wild animals and beautiful flora live.
We will begin the tour at the Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia museum house , we will pass through the old customs house which was the place where in 1888 the merchandise of the country was stored and negotiated, cooking the first railway to the Atlantic.
We will visit parks such as El Nacional, Spain, Morazán and their stories , we will explain the route to the central market founded in 1880. Later, we will know the Naturban routes known as the lung of San José, ending with a tour of the various architectures such as Victorian, Eclectic and Baroque. .
As a good "TICO" I will put all my passion so that you fall in love with my city.
Pure Life Costa Rica
