San José – Costa Rica
San José was founded in
the colonial era, 1737, but it was really a
small quiet town until around the 1890’s
when El Teatro Nacional was built.
Today San José is a modern
as any other capital in the world. You can find
many good museums, Bars, Shopping centres, Restaurants,
hot night life and good food.
The climate is very good and it
is warm all year, with the exceptions of the
time heavy rainfalls pass as the temperature
drops while it rains.
Geographic Orientation
San José is built in a
wide valley on 1150 meters. This valley is called
“la valle central, central valley”.
The city centre uses a logical
build with calles and avenidas (street and avenues)
arranged in a grid system.
All directions use this grid system.
So a direction would give you an intersection
of a calle and avenida.
“Suburbs”
In the outskirts of San José
you find places like Guadalupe, Pavas, Desamparados,
Escazú, Zapote, San Pedro, Alajuelita
and many more places.
Known districts (or barrios) in the centre
are, Barrio Amón, Barrio Otoya, Los Yoses,
La Sabana, Rohrmoser, Escazú and many
more.
Places to go in San José
Museo de Jade
While in town take the time to
visit El Museo de Jade (The Jade museum). This
is probably the most famous museum in Costa
Rica. It has what is said to be the world biggest
in house Jade collection. They also have archaeological
artefacts and objects from different Indian
cultures.
Museo Nacional
Located in the Bellavista Fortress
(and old army headquarter), el museo nacional
displays things like jade, gold objects, furniture,
costumes, colonial and religious art.
Both English and Spanish texts
can be found on many of the objects.
Museo de Oro Precolombiano
Here you’ll find an absolutely
dazzling collection of pre-colombian gold pieces.
Well displayed and worth a visit. There is also
a display of Costa Rican art.
Other places to go
Other interesting places to visit
are, Museo de arte Costarricense, Museo de Arte
y Diseño Contemporaneo, Serpentario,
Museo de los Niños, Museo de Ciencias
Naturales, Museo de Insectos, Parque Zoologico
Simón Bolivar, Spirogyra Jardin de Mariposas,
Museo Postal, Telegrafico y Filatélico
de Costa Rica, Museo Nacional de Ferrocarril,
Mercado Central, Parque nacional, Parque España,
Parque, Central, Parque Morazan, Plaza de la
Cultura and many other places.