Two Nights in San José, Costa Rica
Countless friends visit the beaches or jungles of Costa Rica but seldom take advantage of checking out the capital, San Jose.
After a yoga retreat, I spent a few days wandering around, practicing my Spanish, visiting a couple museums, and touring the University of Costa Rica. During my college tour (San José: Walking Nature Tour with Sloths, Birds, and Trees), I received the ultimate reward. I witnessed a sloth climb down a tree about 5 feet away.
As always - check out the video @genxgetaway
Itinerary
- Hotel - El Grano de Oro (2 nights)
- Activities
- Museo del Arte Costariccense (Museum of Costa Rican Art)
- Universidad de Costa Rica (University of Costa Rica) - San José: Walking Nature Tour with Sloths, Birds, and Trees
- Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (Costa Rica National Museum)
Hotel
Hotel Grano de Oro provided 5 star accommodations including an amazing room (with free snacks), plush bed, rooftop terrace with hot tubs, a dining terrace, and a fabulous restaurant. The location is close to the Museo del Arte Costariccense (Museum of Costa Rican Art), just off the main road, and an about a half mile from the hustle and bustle. Benefit for me was a 5 star hotel and a great price.
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| Bedroom |
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| Rooftop terrace with hot tubs |
Museo del Arte Costariccense
Offering free admission, at least during my visit, the Museo del Arte Costariccense displays a variety of art styles from modern to a sculpture garden to sculptured murals. I was genuinely impressed with the quantity and quality of work on display. Two pieces I enjoyed thoroughly include:
Carnaval
As modern as it gets! Active artist and promotor of female painters (Quiero Pintar), Daniela Martén painted this intensely expressive piece. Her art combines elements of eroticism, nature, flower, and the tropics to offer “freedom through sexuality as a way to counteract the female oppression” (www.danielamarten.com, n/d).
El Salón Dorado
El Salón Dorado”, the room previously used by diplomats at La Sabana Airport, designed by French sculptor Louis Feron, depicts Pre-Columbian, Colonial, and Post-Colonized Costa Rica. Admittedly, I felt very posh walking through the diplomatic lounge. I spent quite a bit of time sitting and enjoying the work. The one thing that stood out....only one woman on the whole mural....so I am uncertain where all the men came from!
Universidad de Costa Rica (University of Costa Rica - UCR)
I love visiting foreign universities but this was something all together different. UCR offers a nature tour across their preserved eco-system on campus. For clarity, this is not a zoo or wildlife habitat, they have been reintroducing the natural habitat into the city campus for quite some time. Already excited by the sloths visible through the telescopes, imagine my sheer joy when a sloth slowly but surely climbed down the tree about 5 or 6 feet away!
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (Costa Rica National Museum)
The walk from the hotel to the museum took me through the busy part of the city with the stores and restaurants. The museum is not too far past the central plaza/city square.
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| City Square |
Honestly, I had absolutely no idea what to expect inside the Museo Nacional. I felt drawn into the bright, yellow castle because it was beautiful. Upon entry, I immediately knew I made an excellent choice.
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| Museo Nacional |
I walked through the butterfly garden, a vibrant landscape of aromatic plants and flowers, into an art exhibit in old jail cells. The years of graffiti from inmates provides stark contrast to the glass works displayed during my visit.
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| Glass art in jail cell |
Past the art exhibit were endless rooms dedicated to the Costa Rican history and culture. How much do you know on that topic??? For me, the answer was not much. However, I now know a most important holiday in Costa Rica is September 15, 1821, the day of their independence from Spain. If you are a history and culture lover, this museum is definitely an excellent choice for you!
Ultimately, this impromptu visit to San José, Costa Rica made me realize the city is a hidden gem. The beaches and jungles are glorious but if you are flying into the San José airport (SJO), this city visit is an easy getaway with so much to see and do.
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