Costa Rica Blog » Sights

Visiting Costa Rican Markets

Patrick Brunelle — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:20:46 +0000

Many of the people who visit me ask me to take them to a Costa Rican market. This is one of the few requests I actually don’t get tired of fulfilling, as I really do enjoy the out of this world experience of going to a local market. I usually hit up the market in downtown Heredia, since it’s open 7 days a week.

Living in Costa Rica has its ups and its downs, but one thing it rarely does for me is actually make me feel like I am living somewhere that is very far and different from home. Other than the odd pot hole here and there, and the change of language, I feel completely at home. All the same stores are here, such as Macdonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, and even Kentucky Fried Chicken (which is great here by the way), which makes me feel more at home. Modern malls are being built everywhere I look in Costa Rica, and the authentic Costa Rican experience is getting harder and harder to find, and this is in the Central Valley, where very few North Americans have infiltrated.

All of this is what makes visiting the local markets in Costa Rica so appealing to me. I get to feel for a brief moment that I really am on a mini adventure living out here in Costa Rica. I am reminded for a brief moment of just how far away from home I am and that makes me feel all warm inside. Not that I hate my home, cause I don’t, but I always wanted to do something different with my life, and it is these small life experiences that I was desperately searching for when I decided to leave Canada for Costa Rica.

If you want to check out some of the better markets in Costa Rica, I suggest checking out the San Jose, Heredia, Cartago and San Pedro markets.

Children’s Museum

Nelson Sanchez — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:35:27 +0000

Sitting on an isolated rise just north of downtown San Jose is one of the best examples of why Costa Rica is so different from other Latin American countries. The Children’s Museum of Costa Rica was not just the first of its kind in Central America, but its location was specifically chosen to send a message. By taking the old military prison and turning it into an interactive and educational experience for its children, Costa Rica was sending the message that the future of this tiny country was not going to be that of bloodshed and strife. Instead, its future would be the education and care of its children. Dating back to 1910, this modern museum is designed especially for the children of Costa Rica. The cultural and scientific activities that take place in its more than 50 display rooms are of great impact to the country. Located 800 meters north of the Banco Central in San José, the museum is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

INBIO Park

Nelson Sanchez — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:34:07 +0000

Created and run by the National Biodiversity Institute, INBio combines the features of a museum, educational center and nature park. Two large pavilions outline Costa Rica’s natural wonders and biodiversity, and hiking trails re-create the ecosystems of tropical rain forest, dry forest, and premontane forest. Dedicated to natural research in the country, INBIO’s achievements have won the institute several international awards. Located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, the campus features tourist facilities and a Biodiversity Park.

Heredia Stadium

Patrick Brunelle — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:09:29 +0000

Home to one of Costa Rica’s most famous clubs, Club Sport Heredia. It is also the third largest stadium that houses a soccer team in Costa Rica. The best matches to go see are when they play heated rivals Saprissa and La Liga. Things can get a little out of hand, so play it safe. If you feel things might escalate, it may be wise to head out a little early.

San Joaquin Church

Nelson Sanchez — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:06:56 +0000

This is one of my favorite churches in the country. It is also one of the most sought after churches by Costa Ricans for them to get married in. It is located in beautiful San Joaquin, about twenty minutes from the airport. I wanted to take a peak inside but it was not open at the time, so not sure making a trip to see it is worth it.

Paseo de las Flores Mall

Nelson Sanchez — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:09:57 +0000

Paseo de las Flores Mall is becoming one of the largest malls in the country. I have yet to figure out how these malls make any money at all, as they are often larger and more luxurious than the malls back home. They are often busy here, but it is quite rare to see someone with an actual shopping bag in their hands.

Some of the highlights of this particular mall is a large movie theater, a state of the art gym that was recently built, a large food court and a large array of stores to choose from.

La Sabana

Nelson Sanchez — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:55:43 +0000

La Sabana park in downtown San Jose in Costa Rica is the country’s version of Central Park in New York, albeit, a much simpler version. Many festivals are held here throughout the year, including a very popular arts festival that is held yearly. La Sabana will also be home to the new soccer stadium that has been donated by the Chinese. This will drastically transform the landscape of the park and make this one of the busiest areas in the country.

Mercado de Heredia (Heredia’s Market)

Patrick Brunelle — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:12:53 +0000

If you ever wanted a true Costa Rican experience, than a visit at the local market is what is needed. Although San Jose has the biggest one in Costa Rica, it is not the safest option. We suggest visiting the local market in downtown Heredia, located only 25 minutes from downtown San Jose. Here is where you will find the lowest prices on fruits and goods, and is usually the top choice for those who make less money.

Heredia Central Park

Patrick Brunelle — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:31:38 +0000

Heredia Park is the busiest area in all of Heredia. Most of the people who hang around in this park are students, as many schools surround this area. This park has a beautiful fountain and is a great place for families during the weekend.

Saprissa Stadium

Patrick Brunelle — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:57:02 +0000

Saprissa Stadium is named after the owner of the most famous team in Costa Rica, Saprissa. Saprissa has been by far the most successful team in the country, and has even qualified for the World club championship in Japan back in 2005, finishing third. Saprissa Stadium is also the largest stadium in the country, and is the top choice for major International acts such as Iron maiden, Ricky Martin and Shakira. Saprissa Stadium is located in Tibas, which is about 10 minutes from downtown San Jose.