Things To Do
in San Juan
San Juan, Costa Rica is a charming and picturesque town located in the province of San José. It is known for its lush green landscapes, vibrant local culture, and friendly people. Visitors can explore the historic architecture of the town center and enjoy delicious traditional Costa Rican cuisine in local restaurants.
Surrounded by rolling hills and coffee plantations, San Juan offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for travelers looking to experience the beauty of rural Costa Rica.
- "Pura vida" - Pure life
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¡Adiós!" - Goodbye!
- "¡Hola!" - Hello!
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the nearby national park. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the local flora and fauna.
Visit a local café for lunch and try some traditional Costa Rican dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring local artisan shops for unique souvenirs.
Head to the town square to enjoy live music and dance. Grab dinner at a popular restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Pack your beach essentials and head to the nearest coastal area. Swim, sunbathe, and relax on the sandy shores as the morning sun brightens the day.
Enjoy a beachfront lunch at a local seafood shack. You can also try water sports like paddleboarding or surfing.
Watch the sunset over the ocean with a cocktail in hand. Dine at a beachfront restaurant to end the day on a high note.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes and abundant biodiversity
- Warm climate year-round, ideal for outdoor activities
- Rich cultural heritage with vibrant festivals and traditions
- Friendly and welcoming local communities
- Growing expat community and amenities for foreigners
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Costa Rica
- Traffic congestion can be an issue in urban areas
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Health and safety concerns in some neighborhoods
- Infrastructure challenges with occasional power and water outages
Best Activities in San Juan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike through the lush cloud forest with diverse flora and fauna.
Explore the beautiful waterfalls, wildlife exhibits, and hiking trails in this nature park.
Experience great surfing conditions and beautiful beaches in this popular surfing spot.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Juan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Juan
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the active Poás Volcano and its crater, as well as opportunities for breathtaking photos of the surrounding landscapes.
Features multiple picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery, and wildlife, providing excellent photo opportunities and scenic views.
Known for its iconic conical shape and the surrounding lush forests and hot springs, offering fantastic views and photo opportunities.
Food in San Juan
San Juan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular traditional dish made with rice and beans, often served with eggs, cheese, and sour cream. Can be found at local sodas (small eateries) like Soda Tapia in San Juan.
Must-Try!
A typical Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a choice of meat, and often accompanied by a natural juice. La Cocina de Lena is a recommended spot to try this dish.
A refreshing dish made of raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro. Try the ceviche at Restaurante El Sazon Escazu for an authentic taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Juan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly organic farmers' market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat foods like empanadas and tamales.
A trendy neighborhood known for its diverse street food options, from gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas to traditional Costa Rican snacks like chifrijo (a dish of rice, beans, pork, and pico de gallo).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Juan, Costa Rica, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when in public spaces or interacting with locals.
Politeness is highly valued in Costa Rican culture. Using polite language, such as 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you), and respectful gestures, such as greeting people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, is customary.
It is important to respect and appreciate the local customs and traditions of San Juan, Costa Rica. This includes being aware of cultural practices, such as addressing elders with respect and participating in traditional celebrations and activities with an open mind and respectful attitude.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Juan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Costa Rica, but it is appreciated for good service. In San Juan, Costa Rica, tipping around 10% of the bill is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
In San Juan, Costa Rica, cash is widely used for daily transactions. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in most businesses, especially in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry local currency for smaller purchases.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Juan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with sunny weather, ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
Expect occasional rain showers, lush green landscapes, and lower accommodation prices.
San Juan at Night
Hiking in San Juan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast national park with multiple hiking trails that offer stunning views of the rainforest, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Home to one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, this park features easy to moderate trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the crater.
The highest peak in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripó offers challenging hikes with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
A scenic trail that spans from Cerro de la Muerte to Los Quetzales National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and the chance to spot the resplendent quetzal.
Featuring volcanic landscapes, this park has several hiking trails that lead to hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and waterfalls.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Juan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Juan by plane.
The main international airport serving San José and the surrounding areas, located approximately 17 miles from San Juan, Costa Rica.
Located in Liberia, this airport serves the northwest region of Costa Rica and is about 130 miles from San Juan.
A smaller international airport located in San José, around 12 miles from San Juan, primarily serving regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly composed of individuals of mestizo descent, reflecting a mix of Indigenous, European, and African ancestry.
A smaller but significant group including various indigenous communities with distinct cultural identities.
Individuals of European ancestry, generally from Spanish and other European origins.
Comprising descendants of African slaves brought to the region, particularly in coastal areas.
Including individuals from East Asian and South Asian backgrounds, though comprising a small percentage of the population.
Includes individuals from diverse backgrounds not fitting into the primary demographic categories listed above.
The Soul of San Juan
Discover the essence of San Juan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in San Juan, Costa Rica, with a passionate fan base and local clubs competing in national leagues.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and recreational leagues, with both indoor and beach volleyball enjoying considerable popularity.
Basketball has a strong presence in San Juan, especially among youth, with many community leagues and school teams actively participating.
Baseball has a significant following, particularly in youth leagues, and is considered one of the prominent sports in the region.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity, with many residents participating in road cycling and mountain biking due to the area's scenic routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in San Juan offer vegetarian and vegan menu items, with options ranging from plant-based salads and wraps to hearty veggie burgers.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can find suitable dishes such as corn-based tamales, ceviche, and rice and bean-based meals at various eateries across San Juan.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Juan with these cultural adventures.
