Involvement Volunteers International San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, is a city filled with culture, history, and adventure. We have several volunteer programs here and on weekends the city itself has a lot to offer. From bustling markets to stunning museums, San José is worth exploring. Here’s a detailed guide on things to do, the weather, and the best time to visit.
IVI Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
Before we dive in things to do San Jose, lets take a look at what programs you can get involved in…
English Teaching
This project provides free English language lessons to children and adults from underprivileged communities. You may be volunteering at public schools, community centres, after school programs, shelters for street children, and other educational programs for the poor.
Kindergarten Teaching
As a volunteer, you will work in childcare facilities, community centres, and schools. Work will include supporting local childcare workers in caring for the children, helping with the general running of the place, such as lunchtimes and cleaning, providing individual attention and care for the children who most need it, playing games and sports, tutoring, teaching on hygiene and inspiring the children into learning.
Animal Care
As an international volunteer, your responsibilities may include bathing and grooming the animals, providing basic obedience training, cleaning cages and kennels, feeding the animals, maintaining the project area, interacting with and hosting visitors, playing with and walking or exercising the animals, participating in medical treatments, spay/neuter programs, fundraising, outreach, and administration work, and helping with local education programs.
Community Construction
The local supervisor will teach you about how to use adobe, plaster, bamboo, cement block, drywall, and aluminium, as well as how to build, cut, mix, paint, and decorate. Volunteer work can be quite manual as this can be demanding work, so you must be prepared to put in some hard work!
Medical & Health Volunteering
You will get the chance to work in hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other healthcare facilities. You also have the chance to volunteer on week-long medical campaigns, vaccination programs, whilst learning the healthcare system in Costa Rica.
Turtle Conservation
You will work with a supervisor who will teach you how to do everything such as hatchery management, beach patrols, beach clean-up, data collection, and community education. You will help to support local biologists and researchers who are involved in overseeing the turtle nesting grounds.
Sustainable Farming
You will get hands on, in this project that will require some hard labour. You could volunteer at coffee farms, macadamia nut and permaculture farms or help to grow local tea and cacao in communal farming projects.
Beach Clean Up & Nature Reserve
There are 4 different areas you can get involved on this project: trail maintenance, beach conservation, research and education. Each of these areas has a vital role to play in keeping the environment clean and to also educating the local people on conservation issues and how to best take care of the precious ecosystem.
Top 20 Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica
1. National Theatre of Costa Rica
One of San José’s most iconic landmarks, the National Theatre, is a must-visit. Built in 1897, this grand building boasts stunning neoclassical architecture and a lavishly decorated interior with intricate frescoes and sculptures. Guided tours are available to learn about its history, or you can enjoy a live performance for an unforgettable cultural experience.
2. Mercado Central (Central Market)
For a taste of local life, visit Mercado Central, a lively market filled with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, handmade crafts, and traditional Costa Rican dishes. It’s an excellent place to try local specialties like gallo pinto (rice and beans) or casado (a typical Costa Rican meal featuring rice, beans, plantains, salad, and protein).
3. Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum)
This fascinating museum houses one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in Latin America. It provides insight into the craftsmanship, culture, and beliefs of Costa Rica’s indigenous people. The museum also includes exhibits on the country’s history and economy.
4. Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (National Museum)
Located in the historic Bellavista Fortress, the National Museum is home to exhibits on Costa Rica’s history, archaeology, and biodiversity. The museum also features a beautiful butterfly garden, adding a touch of nature to your visit.
5. Jade Museum
The Jade Museum boasts an impressive collection of jade artifacts from Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian era. It showcases the artistry and symbolism of jade, which was highly valued by ancient indigenous societies.
6. Barrio Amón
This historic neighbourhood is known for its colonial-era mansions, many of which have been converted into art galleries, cafes, and boutique hotels. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk while admiring the charming architecture.
7. Parque Nacional
Parque Nacional is a peaceful green space in the heart of San José. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll, and you’ll find several historical monuments, including a statue of Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica’s national hero.
8. La Sabana Metropolitan Park
Often referred to as the “lungs of San José,” La Sabana is the city’s largest park. It features walking and jogging paths, a lake, sports fields, and even the Costa Rican Art Museum. Locals come here to exercise, picnic, and enjoy outdoor activities.
9. Plaza de la Cultura
This bustling plaza is a popular meeting spot surrounded by major landmarks, including the National Theatre and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Street performers and vendors add to its lively atmosphere.
10. Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
For a touch of nature within the city, visit the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden. It’s a tranquil spot where visitors can observe various butterfly species up close and learn about their life cycle.
11. Avenida Central
San José’s main pedestrian street, Avenida Central, is lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It’s a great place to people-watch, shop for souvenirs, and experience the city’s daily hustle and bustle.
12. Universidad de Costa Rica
Take a stroll through the University of Costa Rica’s campus in the San Pedro district. It’s a vibrant area with bookstores, cafes, and student-friendly spots to explore.
13. Try Local Coffee
Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, and San José has plenty of cozy cafes where you can savour a fresh cup. Visit a coffee shop like Café del Barista or Caféoteca to experience high-quality Costa Rican coffee.
14. Take a Day Trip to Irazú Volcano
Irazú Volcano, the tallest volcano in Costa Rica, is just a short drive from San José. The crater offers breathtaking views, and on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the summit.
15. Explore Cartago and the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
A day trip to the historic city of Cartago is well worth it. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles is a beautiful church and an important pilgrimage site for Costa Ricans.
16. Visit the Orosi Valley
A short drive from San José, the Orosi Valley is known for its lush landscapes, coffee plantations, and the picturesque colonial-era Orosi Church. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.
17. Tour a Coffee Plantation
Coffee is a major part of Costa Rica’s culture, and touring a plantation is a great way to learn about the coffee-making process. Britt Coffee Tour and Doka Estate are two popular options near San José.
18. Take a Chocolate-Making Tour
Costa Rica is also known for its chocolate, and there are several chocolate tours where you can learn about the process from bean to bar while tasting delicious organic chocolates.
19. Check Out San José’s Nightlife
San José has a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues. El Steinvorth, Jazz Café, and Antik are popular spots for enjoying drinks and entertainment.
20. Experience a Traditional Costa Rican Dinner
End your day with a delicious meal at a traditional Costa Rican restaurant. Restaurante Grano de Oro and Restaurante Tiquicia are great places to try authentic local dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Weather in San José
San José has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, ranging from 15°C (59°F) at night to 28°C (82°F) during the day. The city’s elevation (about 1,170 meters or 3,839 feet) keeps it cooler than coastal areas.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San José is during the dry season (December to April), when you’ll have sunny weather and clear skies. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer fewer tourists and don’t mind some rain, the green season (May to November) is a great time to visit. The landscapes are lush, and accommodations tend to be more affordable.
Whether you’re interested in culture, history, food, or nature, San José has something for everyone. Come and volunteer in this dynamic city!
