The last two nights of my time in Costa Rica were spent in the city where it all started: San Jose. I purposely booked a relaxing stay with nice amenities so I could recoup from all the adventuring I’d done in the previous 2 weeks (best decision ever!).
It was time to sit back, relax, and take in some Netflix! Of course, the adventurer in me couldn’t sit still long. I had to get out and see a bit of San Jose. San Jose’s famous Central Market was the main attraction for me!
This 140+ old indoor market had everything I could possibly desire. I mention a few of its highlights but there’s one place in particular that had what I needed. This place had possible the most unique ice cream I’ve ever tasted made in 20 different ways. Read on to learn more as I close out my Costa Rica trip experience.
My San Jose Stay
I decided to stay in the airport city of San Jose for the last two nights of my time in Costa Rica. I wanted to relax in relative comfort after adventuring around the country for 2 weeks. It was important to me to do this since I’d be returning to work immediately upon my arrival back to Miami.
The place I booked was a studio in the iFRESES apartment building for under $75 total for 2 nights. I booked it through Airbnb and it was exactly what I needed for comfort, privacy, and proximity to the airport. There was a nice view of the city, Netflix, and a small kitchen.
I was determined to take a load off my foot, which was causing me a bit of a pain after my hike in La Fortuna. I wanted to catch up on the new season of Queer Eye. I was also eager to cook for myself a bit—more than just the scrambled egg breakfasts I’d been having at hostels almost every day.
The best part was the rooftop pool! Although the weather turned cloudy and chilly on my last two days, I still enjoyed a kombucha and sunset views from up there both nights of my stay.
Another unique part of this stay was how I was able to park Blanca—in a garage tower! I pulled onto an elevator, got out, and then the car automatically was sent up the tower and “put away.” When I wanted to retrieve it, I had to dial a pad and “call” it down. I’d never experienced such a modern way of parking before!
Exploring San Jose
Although I came to San Jose to relax, my adventurer brain couldn’t turn off completely. I figured, heck, I’m here, I might as well explore a little.
Turns out, there’s not really much to see and do in San Jose, Costa Rica. I attempted to go to the only large park I could find - La Sabana Park. The following was the best picture I could get from this park.
The whole park was really run down. Apparently, in recent years, the city has not spent money on upkeep. Even the beautiful lake that was once there had been completely drained! Google photos were a bit outdated. This is what I actually saw:
As for food, San Jose only has two recommended highlights. One is the oldest known Soda in town called Tapia - established in 1963. It’s right on the corner East of the park.
While set on cooking for myself, I was hungry for a snack. Instead of stopping at Tapia, I went for a place most people recommend not leaving San Jose without visiting: El Mercado Central, or The Central Market.
San Jose Central Market
Since 1880, Central Market in San Jose is a local and visitor favorite. There are many different indoor vendors and food stalls selling all kinds of cuisine throughout weaving alleyways.
There’s places selling fish and produce, condiments and plenty of food to-go.
They even sell all kinds of home goods including hand-made crafts and even pets like caged birds I found for sale!
Central Market reminds me of markets around Bangkok except indoors. It’s a bit rough around the edges but that’s part of the charm. I did find some nicely painted murals around the market in some areas.
The market is massive and like a maze to walk through. Walking through and getting lost is a part of the experience. I was looking for a few specific food stalls and had a hard time spotting them, so I had to ask security to help me on occasion.
The place didn’t feel touristy at all. Everyone in this market spoke Spanish and not a word of English. I managed to find things with people’s assistance and through hand signaling and my own broken Spanish.
One of the stalls I was searching for is Tala Soda. They are known for their good food.
I also found another favorite, Soda San Bosco, where I ordered a bean and cheese empanada. Sooooo good!
Next on my list was to purchase coffee from the best recommended coffee place: Cafe Central. Since I’m not a coffee drinker, this was a planned gift for a coffee-enthusiast friend back home.
Last, but not least, the main reason I came to Central Market was for La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora. This is a very unique ice cream place.
They are famous for their hand-cranked ice cream with a very unique taste. It’s served in 20 different ways and it’s made with vanilla, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and old spice.
This family-owned business has been passed down since its establishment in 1901. The current, third-generation owner was there when I sat at the counter. He let me take a photograph of him, which you can see below.
Sitting at the counter, I ordered a classic #1 and then added on #4 which are these thin wafers to dip into it.
I never tasted anything like it before. It’s icy and creamy and you really can taste all of the ingredients I listed above.
It was so good that I decided to try another variation, a #19. This is a layer of jelly topped with a layer of powered milk, condensed milk, and then topped with the famous ice cream. The combination was incredible! So good and super addictive.
So yes, I had two desserts in one sitting. But listen, it was my last day of vacation!
In Conclusion
Back at my accommodation, I enjoyed a final evening to myself, resting my foot, and eating some home cooked food. I packed my bag and took one last look at the view of San Jose and its surrounding jungle mountains.
As my plane departed Costa Rica, I felt nothing but complete satisfaction. This was truly what I would call a “perfect trip.”
Even getting sick at one point, I felt like I had the perfect amount of fun solo adventures, experiences with locals, education about indigenous communities, meetings with other travelers, beach time, animal encounters, amazing views, diving, snorkeling, hiking, and relaxation. It was everything I needed it to be, and mostly because I planned it all myself and traveled independently.
There’s nothing like a solo trip to completely reset and revitalize!
