San Jose Sites and Attractions

Sites and Attractions

Jade Museum / Museo de Jade

The attention to detail of the jade pieces displayed in the Jade Museum show the technical craftsmanship of the pre-Colombian people of Mesoamerica. Jade artifacts were symbols of power and traded amongst the civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Some of the pieces date back to 500 BC, and each tell its own story about the history of the area. Apart from jade there are pieces worked in ceramics, gold and stone giving the museum a thorough overview into culture aspects of pre-Columbian people.

Museum of Precolumbian Gold / Museo de Oro Precolombino

Although gold in Costa Rica was not found in such quantities of that in Mexico, this downtown museum exhibits great Pre-Columbia artifacts from all over Latin America. Organised displays help the visitors learn about gold and its role and meaning in indigenous American culture. Dating from 500 BC to 1600 AD the gold pieces are showcased under well positioned lights to highlight the intricacy and beauty of the metal. Included in the entrance price is admission to a numismatic museum which shares the vault like building and houses historical Costa Rican notes and coins.

National Theater / Teatro Nacional

Built in the late 1800's and now a national monument, the National Theater remains at the forefront of Costa Rican culture staging regular performances. The building is an architectural gem that stands out on the Plaza de Cultura in the centre of the city, to truly appreciate the theater you must step in side to take in the Italian pink marble foyer that transports you to a place reminiscent of European grandeur. There are tours of the building everyday and regular shows which are listed on a notice board out front. Once inside, make sure to relax with a coffee at the Café Britts cafeteria.

National Museum

You can find this museum within the bullet ridden walls of the Bellavista Fortress, a reminder of Costa Ricas 1948 revolution. The exhibits focus on Costa Rican archaeology, jade, gold, colonial furniture and costumes, as well as historic documents. On the patio are displayed monolithic stone spheres which were found in the Diquis region; their symbolism and construction remain a mystery. The Morph butterflies in the gardens alone make it worth a visit.

Butterfly Farms

There is a large butterfly farm at La Guacima where the price of admission includes a two hour tour with a guide who will detail the life cycle and interesting facts about the delicate creature. An early morning visit may reward you with the chance to see one emerging from its chrysalis. The farm also exports butterflies and on certain days you will witness the packaging of thousands of pupae. The farm is open from 8.30 until 17.30 though to do the tour you must be there at least by 13.00. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 Students and $7 for under 12 years or the farm can include round-trip transfers from the centre of San Jose for $10 more. They have pick-up three times daily from a number of hotels around the city, your hotel should be able to help you organise it.

A cheaper alternative but less extensive is the Spirogoya Jardin de Mariposas, in a garden setting, located 100m east and 150m south of Centro Commercial El Pueblo. Open daily 8.00 - 15.00. Admission $15.