It might appear that travellers who decide to visit Costa Rica would be better to stay clear of tarmac roads, given the vast array of nature within reach, full of impressive forests and paradisical beaches. However, the capital is well worth a closer look, staying at one of the Barceló Hotels & Resorts in Costa Rica’s San José which provides the essential context needed to get to know the country. Its colonial past, deeply rooted in the coffee plantations that still surround the city, its museums and its lively social and cultural life are also part of the Costa Rican motto “Pura Vida” that has become internationally renowned.

The jewel of San José’s colonial architecture is the National Theatre. Built by coffee barons in 1879, it was the first in the region to have its own electricity supply and offers a variety of cultural events. Not forgetting the Post Office building and the avenues: Central - more commercial - and Segunda – which runs parallel to the former and where the Cathedral, San José Church and the Central square, are all to be found. The strategic location of Barceló Hotels & Resorts in San José in Costa Rica allows travellers to get to know the best areas from a truly modern state-of-the-art hotel.

The character of the Ticos (as Costa Ricans are known) can be felt in the streets of San José as well as at Barceló Hotels & Resorts in San José in Costa Rica. A visit to the Central Market, which is still located in original building, constructed in 1880, allows visitors to sample local dishes and soak up the joyful atmosphere of this corner of the world, or sit in any bar and drink an authentic Costa Rican coffee. A tour of Costa Rica in a single cup.

If you want to discover the most idyllic beaches in Costa Rica, don't forget to visit the rest of Barceló Hotel Group's hotels in Costa Rica.