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Free tour

Free Tour: Cultural Chronicles: Unveiling San José's Nocturnal Wonders

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English
Guru: Carlo
Registered on October 05, 2023

Hello! I'm Carlo, your local guide, thrilled to welcome you to an unforgettable tour in San José. My passion for exploring, guiding, and sharing the hidden gems of my city, I'll reveal the best-kept secrets of our vibrant community. You'll get to meet the locals and dive into our rich customs and traditions. Let me lead you on a journey filled with unforgettable moments and authentic experiences, blending history and local flavor.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Are you ready to explore the best-kept secrets of the most popular neighborhoods, La California and Barrio Escalante?

We're kicking off our tour in the iconic Parque Francia, checking out how these neighborhoods evolved into what they are today. We'll chat about their vibe, the big names who made moves here, and hit up spots like craft breweries and an old-school mint/Coin House (where they used to print cash). Get ready for some juicy tales, quirky stories, and maybe even a few laughs that only a true local could drop.

I'll take you to visit and get to know both historic sites and more than 10 establishments, where you'll have the opportunity to try local cuisine, enjoy craft beer, meet, talk, and share this unique experience with friendly locals. 

We're talking a 4 km adventure, maybe a bit over 2 hours, where you'll soak up the city's real culture and nightlife. You'll soak in the stories that shaped these 'hoods from way back, like how Barrio Escalante went from chill vibes to a foodie hotspot. Where you'll catch whiffs of mouthwatering eats and dig the historic architecture.
 

Our adventure concludes in the vibrant streets of Barrio La California, where you'll be swept away by a whirlwind of music, flavors, and unforgettable experiences.

Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Reserve your spot now and prepare to discover San José in a whole new light." 

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    WWMM+RQG Parque Francia, C. 29, San J...
    WWMM+RQG Parque Francia, C. 29, San José Province, San José, Barrio Escalante, 10101, Costa Rica
    View on map

    I will be on the west side of "Parque Francia" in the Escalante neighborhood. Right in front of a restaurant called "Garden Bistro".

  • 1
    Outside visit
    France Park
  • 2
    Outside visit
    Escalante neighborhood
  • 3
    Outside visit
    The California
  • 4
    Outside visit
    Grand Lodge (Masonic) of Costa Rica
  • 5
    Outside visit
    National Park
  • 6
    Outside visit
    Atlantic train station

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

4.27
Acceptable
(15 ratings)
By category
Professionalism
4.54
Fun
4.62
Expression
4.46
Quality
4.77
Route
4.77
Donna (2 Ratings)
Hartford

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Jul 2024
Carlos so informative funny and patient. He came to our hotel and got us then we took public transport and start the tour. Very considerate and went out of his way to make sure we made the tour. He took us to a famous spot to get food after the tour. Thank you Carlos!
Federico (4 Ratings)
San Miguel

Verified booking
Travelled alone - May 2024
Carlo fue muy atento y se tomó todo el tiempo para realizar el tour y demostrar sus conocimiento. Se nota que ama lo que hace! Súper recomendable para gente joven que quiere encontrar la cara más real de la noche de San José. Excelente Carlo
Lea Duchemin (2 Ratings)
London

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
We left the tour within the first 10 minutes. As 2 women travellers, Carlo didn't make us feel comfortable. He was late, smelled of alcohol, and made a few questionable comments he apologised for. He admitted not giving his 100% that day. We wouldn't recommend to women travellers - especially as this is a night tour. Quite a weird and unsettling experience.
Christos (1 Rating)
New York

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Mar 2024
We had the best time with Carlo. The tour was insightful and we got to experience the San Jose nightlife with a local!
Vincenzo (7 Ratings)
Casalmaggiore

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Mar 2024
Honestly nightlife tour are not my favourite, but having a free night in San José I decided to join. We had a good walk with Carlo and we talked a lot about Ticos nightlife culture and habits and also about some history of the Barrio Escalante and California. We felt very safe all the time, going with Carlo through streets and pubs that most likely i would have not been getting into on my own. While i am sure that thise barrios are very safe, they may be intimidating at night for first time travelers to Costarica, having a walk with Carlo could be a great idea to visit them abd most likely you will get back there even on your own
Show 15 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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