Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, San Jose

Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, San Jose (must see)

La Sabana Metroplitan Park is one of San Jose, Costa Rica’s biggest and most prominent parks. It is 72 hectares in size. It is very near all the city’s core districts, so it offers a real needed green space for this busy city. The locals often call it the “lungs of San Jose” just because of the green space here.

The park was officially opened to the public in 1977, though its origins go back two centuries. A local priest of the 1700s, named Mata Redonda actually donated the land to the city that year. It has been used by people for relaxation and sports since. It has now, then, had over 150 years to develop the location. For a while, the country had its first international airport located here, which was called the La Sabana International Airport. It has since been moved elsewhere. The park now contains the country’s National Museum and Art Museum.

For the sports enthusiast, this may be your location in town. It has several athletic fields, a shooting range, and a running and skating track. There is certainly something for everyone here.

Why You Should Visit:
Great spot to view the river and Cork Harbour

Tip:
Visit over the weekend and you'll find there are numerous sports games going on and hundreds of people just enjoying the park – great atmosphere!
Don't miss the outdoor sculpture garden as it is quite large and interesting as well.
Note: Women are advised not to go alone into the wood areas or in the evenings, around or after sunset.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Parque Metropolitano La Sabana on Map

Sight Name: Parque Metropolitano La Sabana
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica

Create Your Own Walk in San Jose

Create Your Own Walk in San Jose

Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour

San Jose Introduction Walking Tour

The history of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is that of growth and transformation. Founded in 1736 by the Spanish colonial administration (Cabildo de León) to concentrate the scattered inhabitants of the area, San Jose lacked formal city status until 1812. Surprisingly, but only two years later, the status was revoked. However, in 1820, it was reinstated, and San Jose became Costa...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour

Historical Buildings Tour

What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.

The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Shopping and Food Walking Tour

Shopping and Food Walking Tour

Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital – San Jose – is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose

17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose

Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...