Caldera (san Jose), Costa Rica Cruise Port

San Jose is a bustling city that sits in the midst of beautiful mountains and volcanoes. This is Costa Rica’s capital city and many people remark that it seems more European than Central American. This is because Spanish settlers came to Costa Rica soon after Columbus reported its existence back to Europe. The city is also jam packed with cultural institutions, including theaters, museums and even a zoo – and many of the buildings are built in a European style. Featured below are a few of the best ways to spend your time in San Jose, Costa Rica:

• Catch a show at the Teatro Nacional, which was built in 1897. Inside you’ll find a marble lobby and paintings displayed all along the walls of the theater.
   
• Visit the Simon Bolivar Zoo to spot a lion, snakes and beautiful birds.
   
• Learn about bling at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Jade Museum. Not only will you see these beautiful gems, you’ll learn about how they were procured and processed.
   
• Visit a butterfly farm at the National Museum of Costa Rica. Not only will you see the beautiful butterflies, but you can learn a little about the history of Costa Rica.