Things To Do
in San Juan de Dios
San Juan de Dios is a small town located in Costa Rica's Southern Zone, known for its lush green landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and streams, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. San Juan de Dios offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and river rafting.
Visitors can also explore the local markets and enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine in the town's charming cafes and restaurants.
- "Pura vida" - Pure life
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¡Adiós!" - Goodbye!
- "¡Hola!" - Hello!
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike through the lush rainforests of the area, discovering beautiful flora and fauna. Enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by nature's tranquility.
Visit the local artisan market to shop for unique handmade souvenirs and gifts. Grab lunch at a nearby café, trying traditional Costa Rican dishes.
As the sun sets, relax at a local bar and enjoy live music with a refreshing drink. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant town square.
Begin with an exhilarating zip-lining tour that offers stunning views of the treetops. Feel the adrenaline rushing as you glide through the canopy.
After zip-lining, cool off at a nearby natural waterfall. Enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in the beauty surrounding you.
Dine at a local restaurant that features fresh seafood and regional dishes. Cap off the evening by watching the stars shine over the tranquil surroundings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains, forests, and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with vibrant local traditions.
- Pleasant climate, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
- Proximity to popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, including national parks and beaches.
- Friendly and welcoming community.
- Limited access to healthcare and educational facilities compared to larger cities.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours due to increasing population.
- Higher cost of living compared to rural areas.
- Some areas may experience issues with crime and safety.
- Infrastructure development may lag behind demand, affecting public services.
Best Activities in San Juan de Dios
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls in Braulio Carrillo National Park, which offers various trails for all skill levels.
Experience thrilling white water rafting on the Pacuare River, renowned for its scenic beauty and exciting rapids.
Visit La Selva Biological Station for a chance to see diverse bird species in their natural habitat, along with other wildlife.
Soar above the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views while zip-lining through the canopy of the rainforest.
Take a day trip to explore nearby coffee plantations and appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the Central Valley.
Discover the stunning scenery and historical sites in Orosi Valley, including ancient churches and lush gardens.
Unwind in one of the natural hot springs in the area, providing a soothing escape amid stunning rainforest surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Juan de Dios with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Juan de Dios
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque waterfall offering stunning views and great photo opportunities
A viewpoint providing spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area, perfect for capturing memorable photos
Food in San Juan de Dios
San Juan de Dios Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple dish consisting of rice and beans sautéed with onions, peppers, and spices. Look for it at local sodas and restaurants like Soda La Lupa.
Must-Try!
A traditional meal featuring rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat. La Cocina de Juana is renowned for serving a delicious Casado.
For a fresh seafood experience, try ceviche, a dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers, served at Marisquería El Muelle.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Juan de Dios better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit Feria Verde for a lively organic farmers' market, offering a diverse range of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local snacks like empanadas and tamales.
Explore Mercado Central for an authentic street food experience. Sample delicious dishes like tamales, arreglados, and various fruit smoothies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Juan de Dios, a warm greeting is important. A simple 'Hola' along with a smile is often appreciated. When meeting someone, a handshake or a light hug among friends is common.
When dining with locals, wait for the host to begin the meal before you start eating. It is polite to say 'buen provecho' to others at the table, which means 'enjoy your meal'.
Understanding and respecting local customs, such as punctuality and celebrating traditional holidays, can go a long way. Be punctual for social gatherings, and show interest in local festivities and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Juan de Dios with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan de Dios
Ensure a smooth experience
In San Juan de Dios, Costa Rica, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% at restaurants if service is not included in the bill. For other services, such as taxis or hotel staff, rounding up the fare or leaving a small amount as a token of appreciation is common.
Payment methods in San Juan de Dios include cash, typically the Costa Rican colón, and credit or debit cards, which are widely accepted in urban areas. Mobile payment options are also becoming increasingly popular. It is advisable for visitors to carry some cash for small vendors or in places where card payments may not be accepted.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Juan de Dios.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for sunny and warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.
Expect more rainfall and lush, green landscapes, with lower tourist crowds and potential for great deals on accommodations.
San Juan de Dios at Night
Hiking in San Juan de Dios
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cerro Chato is a dormant volcano located near La Fortuna, offering challenging hiking trails and stunning views of the Arenal volcano and the surrounding rainforest.
A short hike leads to this beautiful waterfall, where visitors can enjoy swimming in the pool at the base and stunning tropical scenery.
This park features well-maintained trails through rainforest and lava fields, with opportunities to see diverse wildlife and spectacular views of the Arenal volcano.
Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, the hike to Rio Celeste is famous for its stunningly blue waters and rich biodiversity.
This park offers several hiking trails that take you past waterfalls, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots, set in a diverse ecosystem.
With trails that lead through dry forest and along the coast, hikers can experience a variety of landscapes and potentially spot wildlife like howler monkeys and birds.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Juan de Dios through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Juan de Dios by plane.
The main international airport serving San José, Costa Rica, located about 19 kilometers west of San José.
An international airport located in Liberia, Costa Rica, approximately 225 kilometers northwest of San Juan de Dios.
A small international airport located in San José, Costa Rica, primarily serving domestic flights and some regional international flights.
A regional airport located in Nosara, Costa Rica, offering limited international flights and primarily serving domestic travelers.
A small airport located in Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica, providing access to the Osa Peninsula and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in San Juan de Dios, encompassing various subgroups including Costa Rican nationals and other Central American immigrants.
Includes various indigenous groups with historical ties to the region, contributing to the cultural diversity of San Juan de Dios.
Comprising individuals of European ancestry, particularly of Spanish origin, who have settled in the area.
Includes smaller populations of Asian descent, particularly from countries such as China and Japan.
Comprises various smaller minority groups, including residents of Caribbean descent and others from different ethnic backgrounds.
The Soul of San Juan de Dios
Discover the essence of San Juan de Dios through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Costa Rica, including San Juan de Dios, where local teams and leagues are prevalent.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in San Juan de Dios, with many community courts and youth programs.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and recreational leagues in the San Juan de Dios area.
Baseball has a dedicated following in Costa Rica, and local teams participate in regional competitions.
The nearby beaches attract surfers, making surfing a popular activity in beach areas close to San Juan de Dios.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan de Dios.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Costa Rican cuisine features a lot of meat, many restaurants in San Juan de Dios offer vegetarian and vegan variations of classic dishes. Look for options like plantain-based tamales and hearty vegetable stews.
Several cafes and restaurants in the area provide gluten-free alternatives, such as rice-based dishes, fresh seafood, and tropical fruit platters. Always inform the staff about your dietary needs for a customized experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Juan de Dios with these cultural adventures.