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500px Photo ID: 107393487 - Closeup of colorful toucan bird somewhere in Mexico

Maciej Czekajewski / 500px

Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar

San José


It may seem ironic to visit a zoo in one of the most biologically rich countries in the world, but this is a popular spot with local families who pour in on weekends to peek at the animals. It’s rough around the edges – the cages are cramped and a few travelers have complained of the animals’ filthy living spaces – but for small children it can serve as a basic primer on the area's wildlife.

If you have time for a day trip, a much better option is Zoo Ave outside Alajuela.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby San José attractions

1. Spirogyra Jardín de Mariposas

0.09 MILES

Housing more than 30 species of butterfly – including the luminescent blue morpho – in plant-filled enclosures, this small butterfly garden is a great…

2. Barrio Amón

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Northwest of Plaza España lies this pleasant, historical neighborhood, home to a cluster of 19th-century cafetalero (coffee grower) mansions. Recently…

3. °Õ·¡°¿¸é/é°Õ¾±³¦²¹

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This contemporary-art museum is the brick-and-mortar gathering space for the °Õ·¡°¿¸é/é°Õ¾±³¦²¹ Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Central…

4. Casa Amarilla

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On Parque España’s northeast corner, this elegant colonial-style yellow mansion (closed to the public) houses the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The ceiba tree…

5. Parque España

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Surrounded by heavy traffic, Parque España may be small, but it becomes a riot of birdsong every day at sunset when the local avian population comes in to…

6. Edificio Metálico

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One of downtown San José's most striking buildings, this century-old two-story metal edifice on Parque España's western edge was prefabricated in Belgium,…

8. Centro Nacional de la Cultura

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Housed in the historical National Liquor Factory, this cultural center contains the museum of art and design, a video museum, a gallery and two theaters.