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Exploring San Jose in 7 Days

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Day 1: City Center Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafeoteca

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafeoteca, known for its artisanal coffee and pastries.
Cafeoteca is located in Barrio Escalante, a 15-minute drive from San Jose Downtown.
£10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit National Museum of Costa Rica

Explore the rich history and culture of Costa Rica at the National Museum, housed in a former army barracks.
A 10-minute walk from Cafeoteca.
£5, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal at Mercado Central, a bustling market with various food stalls.
Mercado Central is a 20-minute walk from the National Museum.
£8, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Barrio Amon

Stroll through the charming streets of Barrio Amon, known for its colonial architecture and art galleries.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from Mercado Central.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Grano de Oro

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Restaurante Grano de Oro, offering gourmet cuisine in a cozy setting.
Located in the city centre, a 15-minute walk from Barrio Amon.
£30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Wildlife

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Miel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Miel, known for its fresh juices and organic dishes.
Cafe Miel is located in San Rafael de Escazu, a 20-minute drive from the city centre.
£12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Explore the stunning waterfalls, gardens, and wildlife exhibits at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
A 1-hour drive from Cafe Miel.
£25, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Colibri Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view at Colibri Restaurant, overlooking the lush gardens of La Paz.
Located within La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
£15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Zoo Ave

Discover a variety of bird and animal species at Zoo Ave, a wildlife rescue centre and sanctuary.
A 30-minute drive from La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
£10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Park Cafe

End your day with a gourmet dinner at Park Cafe, known for its innovative cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Located in Barrio Dent, a 40-minute drive from Zoo Ave.
£40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Art and Culture

San Jose, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Alma de Cafe

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Alma de Cafe, a charming cafe with a focus on local ingredients.
Alma de Cafe is in Santa Ana, a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
£10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo

Explore contemporary art at the Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo, housed in a former distillery.
A 15-minute drive from Alma de Cafe.
£6, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Stiefel Pub

Enjoy a casual lunch at Stiefel Pub, known for its craft beers and pub grub.
Located in Barrio La California, a 10-minute drive from the museum.
£10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

Visit the iconic Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, a historic theatre with stunning architecture and guided tours.
A 5-minute drive from Stiefel Pub.
£8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Restaurante Silvestre, known for its sustainable and organic dishes.
Located in Escazu, a 20-minute drive from Teatro Nacional.
£35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Adventure Day

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Antojitos

Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at Antojitos, a local favourite for gallo pinto and coffee.
Antojitos is in Barrio Amón, a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
£7, 1 hour

10:00AM

Zip Lining at Rainforest Adventures

Experience the thrill of zip lining through the rainforest canopy at Rainforest Adventures.
A 1-hour drive from Antojitos.
£50, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Casona del Cafetal

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at La Casona del Cafetal, a colonial-style restaurant with mountain views.
Located within Rainforest Adventures.
£20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Hike at Braulio Carrillo National Park

Explore the lush rainforest and diverse wildlife on a hike through Braulio Carrillo National Park.
A 30-minute drive from Rainforest Adventures.
£5, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Tin Jo

Enjoy Asian fusion cuisine at Tin Jo, a popular restaurant in San Jose known for its vibrant dishes.
Located in Barrio La California, a 40-minute drive from Braulio Carrillo National Park.
£25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxation and Wellness

San Jose, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Yoga Session at Casa Osireion

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session at Casa Osireion, a wellness centre offering classes for all levels.
Casa Osireion is in Santa Ana, a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
£15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Spa Treatment at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, known for its natural hot springs and luxurious services.
A 2-hour drive from Casa Osireion.
£100, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Azotea Calle 7

Enjoy a healthy lunch at Azotea Calle 7, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
Located in Barrio La California, a 15-minute drive from Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa.
£20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

Spend a leisurely afternoon at Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, a large urban park perfect for picnics and relaxation.
A 10-minute drive from Azotea Calle 7.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kalú Restaurant

End your day with a gourmet dinner at Kalú Restaurant, known for its fusion cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
Located in Escazu, a 20-minute drive from Parque Metropolitano La Sabana.
£45, 2 hours
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Day 6: Day Trip to Poas Volcano

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafeoteca

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafeoteca before heading out for your day trip to Poas Volcano.
Cafeoteca is located in Barrio Escalante, a 15-minute drive from San Jose Downtown.
£10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Poas Volcano National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to Poas Volcano National Park, home to one of the world's largest active craters.
A 1.5-hour drive from Cafeoteca.
£5 (park entrance fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Hike to Botos Lagoon

Take a guided hike to Botos Lagoon, a beautiful crater lake within the park surrounded by cloud forest.
Guided tours are available at the park entrance.
£20 (guided tour), 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Doka Estate Coffee Tour

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Doka Estate Coffee Tour, a coffee plantation with stunning views of the volcano.
Located near Poas Volcano National Park.
£15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to San Jose

Head back to San Jose after a day of exploring the volcano and its surroundings.
Drive back to the city, approximately 1.5 hours from Doka Estate Coffee Tour.
£10 (estimated fuel cost), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Esquina de Buenos Aires

Enjoy Argentinean cuisine at La Esquina de Buenos Aires, a popular steakhouse in San Jose.
Located in Barrio La California, a 20-minute drive from the city centre.
£30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Shopping and Farewell

San Jose, Costa Rica

10:00AM

Breakfast at Mantras Veggie Cafe & Tea House

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Mantras Veggie Cafe & Tea House, offering vegetarian and vegan options.
Mantras Veggie Cafe is in Barrio Amón, a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
£8, 1 hour

11:30AM

Shop at Multiplaza Escazu

Explore the upscale shops and boutiques at Multiplaza Escazu, a premier shopping destination in San Jose.
A 20-minute drive from Mantras Veggie Cafe.
Variable, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Spoon Food Tours

Indulge in a culinary experience with Spoon Food Tours, offering a curated selection of local dishes and flavours.
Located in Escazu, a short drive from Multiplaza Escazu.
£25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Central Market

Explore the vibrant stalls and local crafts at Central Market, a bustling marketplace in the heart of the city.
A 15-minute drive from Escazu.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Grano de Oro

End your trip with a farewell dinner at Grano de Oro, a renowned restaurant serving gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Located in the city centre, a short drive from Central Market.
£40, 2 hours
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