Escuela Metalica
Guaria Morada
Flor Nacional
San José is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. Located in the center of the country at 9°56′N 84°5′W; it is on a mountain plateau at an elevation of about 1,170 meters (3,839 feet) above sea level.
According to the 2000 census, the city had a population of 309,672 people. The latter half of the 20th century was a period of rapid growth for the city, considering that in 1950 its population was a mere 86,900. The metropolitan area of San José exceeds the canton limits and surpasses one million inhabitants.
Culture
The National Theater and the Melico Salazar offer hectic calendars of cultural activities featuring theather and dance groups and orchestra music throughout the year. Besides the nightlife in San José, there are many museums and other attractions offering alternative ways of exploring the city. One of these is the Gold Museum, which offers a rare look at various gold artifacts of the ancient Latin American civilizations. An interesting attraction for the less adventurous is the Lankester Botanical Gardens just outside of San José. There are some cafés in the downtown area, in the Central Mail building, Mall San Pedro is near the University of Costa Rica and is a hub of shopping and social activity.
Climate
San José City lies in the Torrid Zone, like the rest of the country, but its elevation gives it a mild climate. The temperature ranges between 60 to 78 degrees. The rainy season is from April to late November but cloudiness and rainfall can occur during the dry season. Relative humidity tends to range between 60% and 90%.
History
During colonial times, the main industry of the region was tobacco raising; by the mid-19th cent., the city had become the center of a coffee-producing area. It is the national distribution point for imports. San José was founded (c.1738) at the beginning of the westward expansion from Cartago; with independence from Spain (1821), it became the center of the country’s liberal element and, in 1823, the capital. It has a mixture of Spanish and North American architecture, with many houses set back to have lawns and gardens fronting the street. San José is a stop for international airlines, the hub of the highway system, and the center of the Pacific and Caribbean railroads. It has several universities.
Escuela Metalica |
Guaria Morada Flor Nacional |
Jade Museum (Museo Nacional del Jade), San Jose
This famous museum houses the world's largest collection of American jade.
Attraction type: Specialty museum
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), San Jose
A large collection of indigenous gold art.
Attraction type: Art museum
National Theater (Teatro Nacional), San Jose
Since 1897, this elegant theater has been a source of pride.
Attraction type: Historic site; Theater
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, San Jose
30 species of butterflies flutter around this magical garden.
Attraction type: Nature center
Central Park (Parque Central), San Jose
A simple square with a gazebo donated by former Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza; Park
Ruinas de Ujarras, San Jose
Attraction type: Historic village
Monte Sky, San Jose
Attraction type: Forest; Nature reserve
Templo de la Musica, San Jose
Attraction type: Monument
Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose
Attraction type: Educational site
Pueblo Antiguo (Parque Nacional de Diversiones), San Jose
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park
Parque Espana, San Jose One of the capital's most pleasant spots.
Attraction type: Park
National Park (Parque Nacional), San Jose
This tropical park is popular during the day but best avoided at night.
Attraction type: Park
National Museum (Museo Nacional), San Jose
This 19th-century building contains a well-organized exhibits on Costa Rica's history and culture.
Attraction type: History museum
Museo de Arte Costarricense, San Jose
This museum displays works by local artists.
Attraction type: Art museum
Orosi River Valley ( El Valle del Rio Orosi ), San Jose
Attraction type: Valley
Cartago, San Jose
Attraction type: Historic village
Central Market (Mercado Central), San Jose
This collection of stalls and restaurants contains the country's first ice cream vendor.
Attraction type: Flea/street market
Serpentarium, San Jose
A collection of snakes and lizards.
Attraction type: Nature center; Wildlife park; Natural history museum
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, San Jose
Attraction type: Wildlife park; Nature reserve; Hiking trail
Melia Cariari Golf Course, San Jose
This designer championship golf course on the grounds of the Melia Cariari Hotel was Central America’s first. Pro and amateur events are held here regularly.
Attraction type: Golf course
Plaza de la Cultura, San Jose
Downtown's main plaza often hosts celebrations, demonstrations, performances, etc.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza
Metropolitan Church (Catedral Metropolitana), San Jose
The interior of this 1871 church is far more interesting than the neoclassic exterior.
Attraction type: Religious site
Correos de Costa Rica, San Jose
This 1917 building stands out from its bland surroundings.
Attraction type: Government building
Volcan Poas, San Jose
Attraction type: Volcano; National park
Arte Latino, San Jose
Authentic Central American works by Costa Rican and Nicaraguan artists.
Attraction type: Art gallery
Contemporary Art and Design Museum, San Jose
Attraction type: Art museum
Museo de los Ninos, San Jose
Attraction type: Children's museum
Galeria Ocelote, San Jose
Attraction type: Art gallery
Parque Zoologico Nacional Simon Bolivar, San Jose
This modest zoo provides an introduction to some of the amazing diversity of the country.
Attraction type: Zoo
El Pueblo, San Jose
San Jose's nightlife is concentrated in this complex made to look like an old Spanish village.
Attraction type: Mall; Neighborhood; Scenic/historic walking area
Parque La Sabana, San Jose
The city's largest park.
Attraction type: Park
Deja Vu, San Jose
Strobe lights on the dance floor and raucous midnight shows on weekends draw scores of chic gay locals and tourists to this bar.
Attraction type: Gay bar
Libreria Internacional, San Jose
One of a chain of bookstores.
Attraction type: Specialty shop
INBioparque, Province of San Jose
An eco-tourist park that highlights all the different ecosystems of the country.
Attraction type: Tour; Park; Wildlife park
Museo de Formas, Espacios y Sonidos / Museum of Forms, Spaces and Sounds, Province of San Jose
Museum of Forms, Spaces and Sounds.
Attraction type: Museum
Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, Province of San Jose
Attraction type: Theater; Opera; Concert; Performance
Central Bank (Banco Central), San Jose
This modern bank building is bordered by a popular plaza.
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest
