Blueprints and Boulevards: A Historical Journey Through Time in Costa Rica with Qaim

Welcome to Costa Rica, friends! Upon your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) step straight into the vibrant heart of Costa Rica. After a group transfer takes you to your hotel, check in and settle in, while getting ready to experience the city’s dynamic architectural scene. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll sample authentic Costa Rican cuisine—a reflection of the country’s rich microclimates and diverse cultural influences.

After you have some breakfast at the hotel, visit the National Theater of Costa Rica, a neoclassical masterpiece that has stood as a cultural beacon since 1897. Built during the coffee boom and funded by a special export tax, the theater’s opulent interiors and storied past reveal San José’s aspirations and artistic pride. Next, embark on a guided architecture tour through the city, where you’ll uncover an eclectic mix of colonial, neoclassical, and modernist buildings. This walk will give you an inside look at San José’s transformation and the creative spirit that pulses through its streets. At the end of the day, return to the hotel for a free night, where you’ll get to explore more of San José’s city wonders.

Once you’ve had breakfast and have checked out of your hotel, journey to Cartago, Costa Rica’s first capital, and explore the haunting Ruins of Santiago Apóstol. These unfinished church ruins, dating back to the 16th century, tell a story of resilience through centuries of earthquakes and reconstruction attempts. A walking tour will reveal Cartago’s colonial streets and religious landmarks, steeped in tradition. Then, venture to the misty highlands near Irazú Volcano for a tour of Sanatorio Durán—a former tuberculosis hospital turned orphanage and prison, now famous for its eerie atmosphere and ghost stories. After a day of exploration, arrive in Turrialba surrounded by lush valleys and volcanic vistas. Check in at your hotel and the rest of the night is up to you to design.

Today, after breakfast, step into Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian past at Guayabo National Monument, the country’s most significant archaeological site. Dating back over 3,000 years, Guayabo was once a thriving city whose people mysteriously vanished before the Spanish arrived. Wander through ancient stone roads, aqueducts, and petroglyphs, all set in a biodiversity-rich cloud forest teeming with toucans, sloths, and exotic plants. A tour will uncover the site’s mysteries and engineering marvels, where history and archaeology combine. Return to your hotel at the end of the night with sounds of Turrialba’s wildlife in your ears.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and checking out before traveling through the picturesque Orosí Valley, stopping first at the Ruins of Ujarrás—the oldest colonial church in Costa Rica, nestled among lush gardens and mountains. This peaceful site is steeped in local legends and offers a window into the country’s early colonial history. Next, visit the Cachí Dam, an impressive hydroelectric structure with breathtaking views of Lake Cachí and the surrounding coffee plantations. Once you arrive in San José, check into your hotel and reflect on your deeper appreciation for the country’s blend of natural beauty, engineering, and history. Take some time to wander through San José’s streets to seek out more of its breathtaking wonders.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading north to Heredia, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Explore the iconic Fortín de Heredia, a 19th-century Spanish-style fortress tower, and the Heredia Cathedral, built in 1796 with thick adobe walls and stunning stained glass. Visit the Casa de la Cultura, once the home of a Costa Rican president and now a vibrant cultural center hosting exhibitions and events. See Heredia’s mix of Spanish colonial, neoclassical, and modernist influences, offering a rich tapestry of Costa Rican heritage. At the end of the day, return to the hotel and spend your last night in San José in whatever way you choose to.

Wake up and eat some breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading on with your group to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Leave Costa Rica with the stories, inspiration, and creative spark gathered from Costa Rica’s architectural wonders, cultural treasures, and unforgettable landscapes. Costa Rica will see you soon - have a safe flight!