As she mentions on her blog, Savorsimpleblog.com, Anna Kate Aguilar is a cooking and eating enthusiast, and shares with us why living in San Jose, Costa Rica is so great, and why we should visit.
If I only had 24 hours in San Jose, Costa Rica describe what I should do.
If you are visiting San Jose, let’s start on the east side of the city and work our way to the west side. Breakfast first! Barrio Escalante, located on the eastern side of San Jose, is full of university students and restored colonial homes-turned shops and restaurants. It’s home to some of the best food in Costa Rica and for breakfast, Franco is a must. Freshly baked pastries, tropical juices, local café, and a rotating menu of things like their summer pancakes topped with strawberry compote, lemon cream, passionfruit curd, seasonal fruits, pistachios, and maple syrup will ensure your day starts off well!
Shopping
After breakfast, be sure to take a walk around the neighborhood and stop in for some souvenirs from Holalola, a local designer who creates all kinds of art and home goods inspired by Costa Rica. Next, let’s work our way west and into the heart of the city with a visit to the San Jose Central Market. A perfect location to people-watch and to get a feel for the diversity of the local culture. You can grab your second coffee of the day for less than $2.
History
Those who are interested in local history, the Jade Museum is a great place to visit. It is filled with pre-Columbian artifacts and history of Costa Rica, and the museum itself was built from Jade.
Food and Drink
For a late lunch, grab an uber and head to Santa Ana for lunch at Picnic Café. My favorite is the Bonita salad, but everything on their menu is incredible. Make sure you don’t skip the cruffins. These are filled with local flavors like arroz con leche or lime curd.
Once you are done with lunch, I suggest that you grab another uber and head north to Alajuela and the Doka Coffee Farm for an educational experience at a working coffee farm. The scenery is beautiful, the coffee is fresh, and if you are a coffee drinker, seeing the entire process makes that morning cup even more meaningful. This is also where we had our wedding reception, so it is especially meaningful to us. Just make sure to book your return uber in advance. The farm is remote and cell service isn’t the best. Of course, you can always ask for assistance from their staff.
Accommodation
Once you tour is over, head back towards the city and book a night at Villa San Ignacio. An absolute gem with the kindest staff, located about 20 minutes from the airport. It boasts stunning colonial architecture with terracotta roofs, handmade tile floors, and brightly colored iron beds. For dinner, take advantage of their restaurant for more typical local flavors. Relax in the King Suite after a full day and wake up to a stunning morning view! Enjoy a traditional breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs, cheese, and fresh fruit on the patio, surrounding by lush greenery. Enjoy a lazy morning by the pool before heading on to your next stops.
What is your favourite restaurant / cafe / eating / drinking place, there?
My absolute favorite is Picnic Deli and Café located at C. los Almendros, San Jose, Santa Ana.
If you could suggest for me to just do ONE thing in San Jose, what would it be and why?
Whether you are a coffee drinker or not, take a tour of a coffee farm. There are many, including the only Starbucks farm in the world open to the public. Coffee is such a large part of the global culture, as well as Costa Rican culture. It is a crash course on Costa Rica’s history and culture and illuminates something that for most of us, we only ever see in a café or supermarket.
What is one thing Costa Rica should be known for and why?
I believe Costa Rica should be known for the natural beauty. They take great pride in caring for their natural resources and land. Costa Rica is home to both Pacific and Caribbean beaches, mountains, and rainforests. In fact, I’m sitting outside my house writing with a view of the mountains. Although small, accounting for only 0.03% of the world’s surface, it is home to nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity. About 28% of the country is protected land housed in refuges, reserves, and national parks. Even the cities are filled with parks every few blocks. Come enjoy the beauty Costa Rica offers!
Tell me about your favourite outdoor activity in San Jose, Costa Rica.
There are plenty of outdoor activities in Costa Rica, ranging from hiking to surfing to white water rafting. Most of our lives are lived semi-outdoor. We keep our windows and doors open in our homes all the time. Every restaurant and café has a patio or open-air seating option. My favorite local outdoor activity is a walk through Parque la Sabana. It is Costa Rica’s largest park and home to the national soccer stadium. There is always lots of activity happening there and is perfect for a picnic, walk, or taking in a local soccer match.
Tell me about your favourite indoor activity?
Without a doubt, my favorite indoor activity is afternoon coffee at a local café. People sip and chat with friends for hours. It is such a part of the local culture and helps me slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Imagine I am blind. If I come to visit Costa Rica, how would you describe it to me?
Costa Rica is a laid back country, yet it is also adventurous. Everywhere you go, there is the opportunity to experience something new, but also slow down a little. It is full of textures and colors thanks to the backdrop nature gives. The bakeries and coffee shops on every corner fill the air with smells of roasting coffee and fresh baked bread and pastries. With the diverse culture, you may enjoy moresounds of birds chirping or city busses honking. It is a full sensory experience!
What makes Costa Rica stand out compared to nearby places?
The ease of traveling to and within Costa Rica makes it ideal in Central America for tourists. In 1948, Costa Rica abolished their military to focus on education and developing tourism. Since then, welcoming visitors from across the globe has become their specialty and it shows. Costa Rica is one of the most accessible countries in Central America for a variety of people. The pride the Costa Rican people take in making it a beautiful and welcoming place for all translates to an easy and enjoyable travel experience, even for the most inexperienced international traveler.
What is the best thing to do with children and why?
With kids, the best thing to do is get outside! Check out the local parks, enjoy swimming in the local beaches (just a 2-hour drive from San Jose), of my favorite option is to go visit some sloths and monkeys at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Alajuela. Costa Rica is very kid friendly and perfect for families!
What is the best thing to do as a solo traveler in San Jose, Costa Rica and why?
I love solo travel and did it quite a bit in my 20s. The best thing to do as a solo traveler is to sign up for a class or group tour. It’s a great way to meet new people and experience the diversity of Costa Rica.
What is the best thing to do as a couple and why?
As a couple, the best thing to do is go at your own pace. Looking to relax and reconnect? Visit the thermal pools (most hotels also have amazing spa services). Enjoy leisurely afternoon coffee together. Maybe learn something new on a tour. Or maybe you are the more adventurous type. Try on a new challenge together like a surf class or white water rafting down the Pacuare River. No matter what your pace, there are some incredible adult-only hotels all around the country, perfect for a relaxing or adventurous getaway.
Is there anything else I should know about why you love where you live?
I love where I live most of all because I love sharing my husband’s culture. Costa Rica feels like the best of both worlds for our intercultural family. I am American and my husband is Nicaraguan. In many ways, Costa Rica feels like it splits the difference for us culturally. Many of our own values are reflected by the local culture. We are able to raise our kids immersed in the Spanish language and live at a slower pace of life. It is a beautiful and culturally rich place to live or visit.
Would you like to share why you love where YOU live? Send an email to happylifesafari.com to be included!
