Senior travel: San José
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
Was this useful?
Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 78 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Parque Metropolitano La SabanaStep-free: yes · about 70 minNone on the main loop.
- Museo del JadeStep-free: yes · about 75 minLift between floors.
- Museo de Arte CostarricenseStep-free: yes · about 80 minA few steps at the entrance; ramps available (check).
- Museo del Oro PrecolombinoStep-free: yes · about 90 minStairs or lift to the gallery level.
- Teatro NacionalStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 45 minA few steps at the entrance and wide interior stairs.
- Mercado CentralStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 50 minA few steps at some entrances.
- Museo Nacional de Costa RicaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minStairs between levels.
- Museo de los NiñosStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 120 minSome steps between halls.
Getting around in San José
San José is difficult on wheels. Downtown pavements are narrow and broken, kerbs are high and ramps are rare. Newer museums, malls and mid-range hotels have lifts and ramps; plan every move by car.
- Pavements:
- Narrow, uneven and blocked by poles and parked cars; the Avenida Central pedestrian street is the smoothest route.
- Getting around:
- Ride-hail cars and booked vans are the step-free option; ask for a larger vehicle. Buses are not step-free.
- Hotels:
- Larger hotels and some Barrio Amón boutique hotels have lifts and accessible rooms on request (check).
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in malls and larger museums; rare in cafés and markets.
- Crossings:
- Drivers do not always stop for pedestrians: cross at lights and with local help if possible.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Costa Rica guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Dengue and mosquitoes:
- Present, mainly in the wet season: use repellent at dusk and wear long sleeves in the evening.
- Sun:
- Strong at 1,170 m even under cloud: hat, sun cream and water.
- Food and water:
- Tap water is safe in San José; markets and sodas with quick turnover are fine.
- Vaccinations:
- Routine vaccines are recommended; yellow fever applies only if you arrive from an endemic country (check with a travel clinic before you go).
- Altitude:
- At 1,170 m most visitors notice nothing, but volcano day trips reach 2,700–3,400 m: take it easy and drink water.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.