Parque Nacional (National Park), San Jose (must see)
The National Park of Costa Rica is a lush oasis in downtown San Jos茅, brimming with tropical trees and exotic plants. Popular with locals, the park hums with daily life as people relax with lunch, read newspapers, or watch children play amid the greenery.
A highlight of the park is the large bronze monument commemorating the 1856 battle against American mercenary William Walker, who attempted to invade Central America. Costa Rica played a leading role in the five-country conflict, a history boldly captured in this 1895 monument by French artist Louis Carrier-Belleuse, a former student of Rodin. The monument serves as a vivid reminder of Costa Rica鈥檚 proud and defiant past.
Beyond history, the park offers a pleasant retreat from the city streets. Grassy areas provide space to lounge, koi swim gracefully in a small pond, and whimsical sculptures add charm throughout. With a variety of flora, shaded benches, and serene spots to pause, the park offers a peaceful slice of nature amid the urban bustle.
A highlight of the park is the large bronze monument commemorating the 1856 battle against American mercenary William Walker, who attempted to invade Central America. Costa Rica played a leading role in the five-country conflict, a history boldly captured in this 1895 monument by French artist Louis Carrier-Belleuse, a former student of Rodin. The monument serves as a vivid reminder of Costa Rica鈥檚 proud and defiant past.
Beyond history, the park offers a pleasant retreat from the city streets. Grassy areas provide space to lounge, koi swim gracefully in a small pond, and whimsical sculptures add charm throughout. With a variety of flora, shaded benches, and serene spots to pause, the park offers a peaceful slice of nature amid the urban bustle.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Parque Nacional (National Park) on Map
Sight Name: Parque Nacional (National Park)
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica
Create Your Own Walk in San Jose
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Tour
What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Shopping and Food Walking Tour
Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital 鈥� San Jose 鈥� is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour
Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno, former president of Costa Rica, once said: 鈥淪an Jose is the heart of Costa Rica, where the pulse of the nation beats.鈥�
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country鈥檚 shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica鈥檚 main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country鈥檚 shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica鈥檚 main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose
Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...