Activities

Símon Bolívar Zoo

This small zoological garden lies in the Simon Bolivar park. Here you can see numerous indigenous animals from Costa Rica, and foreign exotic species as well. This is a popular weekend destination for San Joséfinos. 

The entrance to the zoo is at Avenida 11 between Calle 7 and 9.

Open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm, weekends 9:00am – 5:00pm 

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Lankester Gardens ( Cartago )

The garden created by the Orchid-Lover Charles Lankester, today of the university of Costa Rica one cares for. 

Over 800 orchid species, numerous trees, plants and bamboos make this garden a popular goal of botanists and plant lovers. 

Open daily from 8:00am to 3:00pm approx. 

There is a good paved road and bus service to the parking lot 6 km east of Cartago (about 30 minute drive from San Jose)

Info 771-3278

Sabana Park

In this enormous park at the western end of the Paseo Colon there is a lake, many playgrounds and several rides.

Towering eucalyptus groves create lots of shade and make the park an oasis in an otherwise very noisy city. This is a pleasant place to rest from your travels, saunter along tended paths, and regard the many interesting sculptures. 

At the southwest corner of the park stands the Costa Rican art museum. 

The art museum accommodates a collection of native paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries. Constantly changing exhibitions are presented, featuring works of native artists.

The museum is opened daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm. 

Volcán Irazú

"Mountain of rumbles and tremors", this active volcano has the highest peak of the Central Volcano Range, and is the biggest volcano of Costa Rica. The original capital of Costa Rica, Cartago, is situated only 20 minutes to the east of San José. The road to the cone of the volcano, before you come to the city, takes to to the north across beautiful scenes and fantastic views, to en impressive crater. Once on the top of the misty volcano, you will be amazed by the strange, barren “Moonscape”. On your return trip, visit the ruins of the old parish church, and the splendid Los Angeles Basilica, the most sacred Catholic temple of Costa Rica.

Spyrogyra Butterfly Garden

Some 30 species of colorful butterflies fluttering around the gardens together with a large number of hummingbirds.  Guided tours provide important information about the ecology of butterflies, and moments to observe more closely these winged jewels. 

50 meters west and 150 meters to the south de la Iglesia de Ladrillo in San Francisco de Guadalupe, Tel. 222-2937. Admisión: $4.50. Open daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm.