About San Jose, Costa Rica

Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery, San Jose is situated over 3,700 feet above sea level in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. This capital city of Costa Rica is home to over 300,000 people, and boasts a pleasant temperate weather due to its relatively high elevation. San Jose, or Chepe as it is known among its locals, is the cultural hub and economic powerhouse of the nation, complemented by the sprawling national parks and idyllic beaches that Costa Rica is renowned for. Costa Rica is considered one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet and has become a defining example in eco-tourism.

Popular Destinations in San Jose

Looking for activities once your private jet arrives in San Jose? San Jose is home to many of Costa Rica’s museums, and is also ringed by some of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural habitats. Some of these key attractions include:

Museo del Oro Precolombino: The Museo del Oro Precolombino, or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, is situated in the heart of San Jose underneath the Plaza de la Cultura. Under the plaza packed with activities running the gamut of Costa Rican street life is an impressive collection of Pre-Columbian gold, including Costa Rica’s first coin, as well as many other ornaments showcasing the craftsmanship of the Pre-Columbian period.

Museo del Jade: The Museo del Jade “Marco Fidel Tristán Castro” or the Jade Museum, plays host to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian jade in the region. Founded in 1977, the Museo del Jade also showcases other artifacts dating all the way back to 500 BC, including incredible ceramic pieces with Mayan influences.

Museo Nacional: The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, or the National Museum of Costa Rica, is located in the Bellavista Fortress opposite the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica. Established in 1887 at the Universidad de Santo Tomas and located at its current site since 1950, the museum is home to numerous artifacts from the Pre-Columbian period, as well as other key artifacts in the history of Costa Rica. The museum is notable for its collection of colonial furniture, as well as an exhibit dedicated to the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Óscar Arias Sánchez, the former President of Costa Rica.

Teatro Nacional: The Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, or the National Theatre of Costa Rica, is located in central San Jose and was open to the public in 1897. Widely regarded as the most revered historical building in the city, the theater is home to many outstanding performances by the National Symphonic Orchestra, as well as other performing arts groups. The imposing neoclassical façade of the building is flanked by statues of Calderón de la Barca and Ludwig van Beethoven, while the exquisite and lavish interior is adorned by numerous paintings, including some by the Milanese artist Aleardo Villa.

Orosi Valley: Located just over 20 miles south of San Jose is the beautiful Orosi Valley, which is home to undulating hills and lush greenery. Known for the cultivation of coffee, Orosi is home to the oldest surviving Catholic Church in Costa Rica, as well as an abandoned colonial capital dating back to 1563. Orosi Valley offers some of the most stunning views available in Costa Rica, so be sure not to miss it.

Luxury Lodging in San Jose

Seeking luxury accommodations once your private jet has arrived in San Jose? San Jose is a popular destination for many worldwide tourists and has no lack of luxury lodging options. Here are some of the best hotels you can stay at in San Jose:

• Apartotel La Sabana
• Aranjuez Hotel
• Balmoral Hotel
• Barcelo San Jose Palacio
• Boutique Hotel Jade
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Corobici
• Hostel Casa Colon
• Hotel Grano de Oro San Jose
• Hotel Le Bergerac
• Hotel Presidente
• Hotel Santo Tomas
• Isla Verde Hotel
• Palma Real Hotel & Casino
• Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica
• Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel
• Radisson Hotel San Jose Costa Rica
• Rincon del Valle Hotel & Suites
• Sheraton San Jose Hotel
• Tryp Sabana Hotel by Wyndham

Airports In or Nearby San Jose For Private Jets

Interested in a private aircraft charter to San Jose, Costa Rica? This fascinating city is served by a plethora of airports which makes it very easy for you to book a private jet charter to or from San Jose. These airports include:

• Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ): This airport is named after a famous pilot in Costa Rica and it is mainly used for general aviation purposes. The airport is situated 6 miles away from downtown San Jose and lies in the district of Pavas. It features one asphalt paved runway and there are a handful of companies which operate private charter services from this airport daily.
• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): This airport serves primarily the city of San Jose and it is located close to Alajuela, approximately 12 miles from downtown San Jose. The airport is named after a national hero who died in 1856 and it features one asphalt paved runway. In 2010, this airport was used by nearly 4.3 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the country. The airport was renovated recently.
• Tortuguero Airport (TTQ): This airport serves the village of Tortuguero in Costa Rica and it currently features one asphalt paved runway. It is 72 miles away from San Jose.
• Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP): This airport is located approximately 3 miles from the city of Quepos in Costa Rica and 103 miles away from San Jose. It features one asphalt paved runway, and is mainly used for general aviation purposes.
• Guápiles Airport (GPL): Located in the Pococi Canton in Costa Rica, this airport serves the Guapiles city and it features one concrete runway. It is 40 miles away from the city of San Jose.
• Palmar Sur Airport (PMZ): This airport serves Palmar Sur in Costa Rica and it features one asphalt paved runway. Charter planes arrive at and depart from this airport on a daily basis and the airport is situated near the Osa Peninsula.
• Tambor Airport (TMU): This airport serves the city of Tambor in Costa Rica and it is the only airport in the Nicoya Peninsula. It features one asphalt paved runway and it is close to Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Playa Cocalito. It is 178 miles away from San Jose.
• Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): Also known as Liberia International Airport, this airport is located in the city of Liberia, Costa Rica. It currently features one asphalt paved runway. It is 137 miles away from San Jose.