The province of San Jose is the most populated of Costa Rica's seven provinces. It is the capital of Costa Rica. The major part of San Jose is blessed by a moderate climate where nothing more than a sweater or light weight jacket and an umbrella are all the protection from the elements you'll ever need.

San Jose lies between 2,296 and 4,265 feet (700 and 1,300 meters) above sea level and is under the influence of a dry season from mid-November through mid-May and a wet season during the remaining half of the year.

San Jose is a noisy place, traffic jams and congestion being the norm. Despite the crowded streets, it still has a surprising "small town" feeling and it offers a colorful insight into the life of the average urban Costa Rican. San Jose is a place with a sprinkling of excellent museums, some elegant buildings and landscaped parks. Good cafes and art galleries are located throughout the city.

San Jose is the heart of the country and it is a place with department stores, fast-food restaurants and shopping malls. There are many places and cities to visit near San Jose such as Moravia, one of the cities well known for its art and craft stores. The Simon Bolivar Zoo is located in Barrio Amon, which is one of the historical suburbs of the city. Here you will also find Sabana Park, San Pedro Mall and many more points of interest.


Come visit San Jose! You may use this vibrant city as your starting point or as a travel hub while in the country.

Recommended hotels in San Jose

            Sleep Inn Hotel                          Country Inn Suites

            Hotel Bougainvillea                    Hotel Ambassador

            Parque del Lago                         Hotel Don Carlos

            Hotel Vesuvio                            Garden Court Hotel

            Hotel Fluer de Lys                     Gran Hotel Costa Rica