Over the last few years San José has been enjoying something of a cultural renaissance. One of the key contributors to this blossoming art scene is the San José Art City Tour. The tour was created in 2010 to offer guests an urban experience and to rediscover and enjoy the cultural, artistic side of Costa Rica’s capital – something the city is not really known for!
Under the slogan: San José Sueña, meaning “San José Dreams,” the tour opened to over 1,500 visitors. This number is constantly increasing as guests can enjoy this free tour once every two months.
The tour runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with four bus routes covering the capital, connecting over 20 museums, galleries, restaurants and other points of interest. The process works very much like an Underground or Metro line, except access to the buses and all museums and galleries is free. The buses are on a constant loop, stopping at each location to pick up and drop off. So once you have satisfied your need for some local Costa Rican art you can take the next bus that comes along to the next point of interest, perhaps an intriguing tour of the City Cemetery or a brisk visit to a Brazilian gallery.
The next tour will take place in May and you can keep up to date with all the goings-on at www.facebook.com/ArtCityTour.
Adam Baker is an audiovisual specialist at Costa Rican Vacations, which provides customized vacation packages in Costa Rica. Write him at adambaker@goduesouth.com.
