While most people travel for leisure, or to try different foods, there are still countless people out there who travel to educate themselves. They do so by visiting the many historical sites of the countries they visit, and by haunting the halls of museums. This can be just as valuable to families as it is to those interested in history, culture, and anthropology as a whole.

Whether you’re considering a Costa Rica vacation package, or are simply looking for things to do while on holiday, there’s so much to see while you’re there. Rather than finding out from other people what you missed out on afterwards, we recommend doing your research and coming up with an itinerary  beforehand. Even if you’re looking at a Costa Rica vacation package, you might find that it doesn’t include everything you want to see.

Here’s a look at the historical sites of Costa Rica, and some recommendations on visiting them.

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose

The National Theater of Costa Rica, or Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, has been a source of pride for locals since 1897. It was constructed in the late 19th century, during a time when San Jose only had a population of around 19,000 people. Even today it is still considered the finest historical building in the capital, and despite it’s rough beginnings still hosts several performances each week. 

If you’re a fan of theater, it would be wise to look up what shows are on while you’re in San Jose, and remember that often you will be flying in and out of the capital, so look at performances around both dates. There are frequent musical performances, as well as dramatic performances by both local and international artists.

If you’re not a fan of theater, the Teatro Nacional still has plenty to see, with beautiful architecture both inside and out. There are statues of Calderón de la Barca and Ludwig van Beethoven out front, along with one of Frédéric Chopin by the entry walkway. Inside you can find a mural of the famous Allegory of Coffee and Bananas by Aleardo Villa, which also features on the five colón bill.

A visit to the Teatro Nacional is typically built-into most Costa Rica vacation package tours, although if it isn’t it can be easily added on to a visit considering it’s location in the capital.

Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, Cartago

Considered one of Cartago’s architectural gems, and for good reason, this Baroque-style church is a site of pilgrimage for millions of people each year. Built in 1924, it boasts an interesting story of a statue of Our Lady of the Angels which supposedly kept disappearing and returning to the site where it was found. The very same statue can be found in a gold shell inside the basilica, along with a dramatic cavernous interior that can’t be missed.

If you’re a Christian you may consider attending a mass at this wonderful church, and can look up the details of when services are held online to align with your travels. Even if you aren’t religious though, it’s hard not to appreciate the incredible architecture inspired by one of the most innate aspects of the human experience.

Monumento Nacional Guayabo, Cartago Province

The National Guayabo Monument is one of the most famous ancient ruin sites in Costa Rica, and can give insight into life prior to the Spanish colonization. The area was thought to have been populated in 1000BCE, and may have had as many as 10,000 people before it was abandoned in 1400CE.

Engineers may be particularly interested in visiting this site, as the people who lived there showed prowess in their ability to construct aqueducts, as well as a 9km long paved road. Although anyone can appreciate imagining what it was like to live at that time, in such a beautiful place surrounded by lush green rainforest. Be sure to shop around when looking at tours, and to find someone who can provide plenty of answers to any questions you may have about this mysterious site.

Ruinas Sanatorio Carlos Durán

Not as ancient as the Guayabo Monument, nor as culturally relevant as the Teatro Nacional, the Ruinas Sanatorio Carlos Duran are still a site worth seeing. Originally a sanatorium to house people suffering from tuberculosis, the facility was believed to have been equipped to relatively the same standard as a Western hospital.

While the building itself may not be of much significance, it’s existence is a pertinent reminder of what parents will do for their children. Carlos Duran was a visionary doctor and a politician whose daughter suffered from tuberculosis, on struggling to find a decent facility, he ended up making his own.

Find Your Own Way

These are just some of the many things there are to see and do in Costa Rica, and don’t let the shortness of this list fool you. There are countless walks, mountain bike tracks, beaches, and all manner of adventures and activities just waiting for you to experience.