 | San José Off the Beaten Path | Tips 11 - 20 of 40 |  |
Popular Off the Beaten Path | Other Off the Beaten Path Tips | All Tips (40) This train station was built by the Costa Rican government to connect San Jose to the towns of Caldera , Puntarenas and their harbors. Although not in regular service the line has recently been reopened for regular tours organized by the Tico Train Tour Corp. The train uses 1940 coaches to travel through villages offering views of jungle scenery.
Address: Avenida 20 - Calle 2 Leave a Comment Phone: (506) 233-3300Website: (506) 233-3311 Other Contact: http://www.ticotraintour.com/
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While Poás and Braulio Carrillo National Parks are 25-30 kms away from San José, Manuel Antonio is a lot further than that! Located in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica (while San José is in the mountain region), this park is the smallest in the country, but owns not only a considerable amount of wild animals (alligators, brown pelicans, eagles, chachalacas and others) and vegetation, but also the most beautiful beach on Earth, where you can either bath or practice kayak (they rent the equipment in the very beach, 1500 colones per hour).
You can go to Manuel Antonio by taking the bus at La Coca Cola station in San José (around 1500 colones rountrip, 4 hours per ride) or by plane (20-30 minutes the flight). The destiny should be the little town of Quepos, where you can lodge for US$10-15 per night.
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This train station was the jumping off point for the “jungle train” which connected San Jose to Moin harbor near the town of Limón. Service has been discontinued in 1991 when an earthquake destroyed more than 50 miles (80 km.) of track on the Atlantic slopes. Currently, the 1908 Victorian-style building houses the National Train Museum which contains pictures and documents from that era. Outside there is a steam engine of the Northern Railway (as the line was called before nationalization) that was brought from Philadelphia in 1939. Open 10 am to 3 pm. Small admission.
Address: Avenida 3 - Calle 21 Leave a Comment
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This is an orchid garden run by the University of Costa Rica. Originally a private garden run by a British orchid enthusiast, it is now open to the public.
Between February and April is the best time to visit the gardens to see most orchids in bloom.
There are over 800 species of orchids in these gardens, as well as many other plants and an arboretum Leave a Comment
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Built in the 1930’s the roof is adorned by a figure of Santa Teresita. This church turned out to be an excellent landmark for my walking adventures. To the west the streets are grid-like and easy to navigate; to the west, not so much.
Address: Avenida 9 - Calle 29 Leave a Comment
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Established in 1916, San Jose’s zoo contains more than 300 animals and 150 species of plants. Operated by the National Park Service, it offers opportunity to view numerous species of native wildlife that are not all that easily seen in the wild, even after a week or two of walking trails through different national parks. Open 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Small admission.
Address: North on Calle 9 Leave a Comment
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You don’t have to go into the country to experience a butterfly garden, there’s one located centrally in San Jose. Located across the river from the zoo, you’ll have to swing around to the El Pueblo shopping centre and come in from the north. The garden consists of small waterfalls surrounded by orchids and heliconias with live butterflies and hummingbirds. The entire area is covered by a net ensuring that the butterflies will be there when you come to visit. Open 9 am-4 pm (except Monday). Medium admission.
Address: Across from El Pueblo towards downtown across from the zoo. Leave a Comment
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I was always encanted with the short pedestrian mall on Calle 17 that connects the National Park with the Organismo de Investigación Judicial, Court Administration buildings. There are few is any street vendors, palm trees line the street and interesting architecture lies to either side. Along the way, stop off at the Legislative Assembly (Avenida Central), the National Museum (Avenidas Central-2) and the Criminology Museum (Avenidas 6-8).
Address: Avenidas1-6 - Calle 17 Leave a Comment
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Located in front of the La Merced church, this park is also referred to as Parque Merced. The park is nicely treed with palms and contains a Pre-Colombian stone sphere, the statue of former president Braulio Carillo and a fountain.
Address: Avenida 2-4 - Calle 14-16, Across from the church of La Merced Leave a Comment
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Designed in 1895, this park contains the National Monument commemorating the successful battle against the American adventurer William Walker in 1856. In fact, the park has several statues dedicated to national heroes. The park was remodeled in 2001 and is now a popular place for students and strolling lovers under its tall tropical trees.
Address: % b Avenida 1-3 - Calle 15-19 Leave a Comment
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on October 3, 2006
on March 2, 2003
on August 20, 2004
