Title: Visit San Rafael: 2026 Travel Guide for San Rafael, San José | Expedia.com

[Hotels in San Rafael](https://expedia.com/San-Rafael-Hotels.d6347255.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in San Rafael](https://expedia.com/San-Rafael-Vacation-Rentals.d6347255.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Car Rentals in San Rafael](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-San-Rafael.d6347255.Car-Rental-Guide)[San Rafael Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/San-Rafael.d6347255.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# San Rafael

## Travel Guide

![Exploring the place, guided by the sound of the river, I found this tiny waterfall hiding behind some trees. Shot was taken handheld.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6347255/59ed80e2-0968-4a89-b24e-3ec1dfa0ecc7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Exploring the place, guided by the sound of the river, I found this tiny waterfall hiding behind some trees. Shot was taken handheld.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6347255/59ed80e2-0968-4a89-b24e-3ec1dfa0ecc7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Escazú, Costa Rica: Panoramic View of San José Valley](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6347255/b196406b-3168-476a-bddb-565c979b726e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![I had the opportunity to be invited to a wedding at this venue and it's a gorgeous place, with different landscapes, small rives streams and some horses too!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6347255/691c7309-ac01-40ca-ab9d-82d59979a4a6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit San Rafael

Things to do

![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh)

## 

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

[Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_6347255)

- San Rafael Hotel Deals
- Vacation Rentals in San Rafael

![El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/70000/65000/64956/4680f195_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse

Southwest side of the Panasonic Co. San Rafael Heredia

$73 nightly

$83 total

Mar 8 - Mar 9

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)

Nothing special....

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F8%2F2026&endDate=3%2F9%2F2026&selected=64956&PinnedHotelID=64956&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6347255)

![Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1380000/1378000/1377921/1a57897e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Autopista General Canas La Asunción Heredia

$103 nightly

$116 total

Mar 16 - Mar 17

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this spa hotel in La Asunción. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...

7.6/10 Good! (1,986 reviews)

The room was terrible. The amenities were in terrible condition. The pool table was atrocious. The shuttle smelled the driver had a prostitute in the back.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F16%2F2026&endDate=3%2F17%2F2026&selected=1377921&PinnedHotelID=1377921&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6347255)

![Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/930000/921900/921872/3f2af0e3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hwy 1 Airport Blvd Rio Segundo 

$167 nightly

$189 total

Mar 5 - Mar 6

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,484 reviews)

Great spot for a quick stay near the airport

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F5%2F2026&endDate=3%2F6%2F2026&selected=921872&PinnedHotelID=921872&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6347255)

[See all 1,519 properties in San Rafael](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=2%2F28%2F2026&regionId=6347255)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/40000/34100/34084/e4865290_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

East side of Costa Rica Country Club San Rafael 

Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (972 reviews)

Spacious, clean rooms and gated. Very posh!

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/San-Jose-Hotels-Apartotel-Suites-Villas-Del-Rio.h34084.Hotel-Information)

![Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9430000/9426100/9426098/5a6d5ca0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina

300 meters north ICE building San José San Jose

Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San José. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...

9/10 Wonderful! (745 reviews)

Staff were very welcoming and helpful, and the breakfast was amazing. Hotel is very clean.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/San-Jose-Hotels-Hotel-Suites-Cristina.h9426098.Hotel-Information)

![BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67560000/67550900/67550811/18ff5a1b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante

San José, Barrio Escalante. San José San José

Stay at this apartment in San José. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (243 reviews)

A little pricey but spectacular, waking distance from lots of restaurants in a safe neighborhood. Highly recommend

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/San-Jose-Hotels-The-Train-Apartments-Barrio-Escalante.h67550811.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in San Rafael](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=6347255&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

## Check San Rafael hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=2026-02-26&endDate=2026-02-27)[Feb 26 - Feb 27](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=2026-02-26&endDate=2026-02-27)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=2026-02-27&endDate=2026-02-28)[Feb 27 - Feb 28](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=2026-02-27&endDate=2026-02-28)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026)[Feb 27 - Mar 1](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026)[Mar 6 - Mar 8](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6347255&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Estadio National and La Sabana Park. San José Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/507595/a90020ae-c78c-4a6b-b4db-8e7642ad88b1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sabana Park

Explore the great outdoors at Sabana Park, a lovely green space in San José. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its fascinating museums. 

[](https://expedia.com/Sabana-Park-La-Sabana.d507595.Vacation-Attraction)

![Beautiful aerial view os the city of San Jose Costa Rica, and its main park The Sabana ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6101134/b27329da-b981-4821-9424-d629ab914aa0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Stadium of Costa Rica

Catch an event at National Stadium of Costa Rica during your trip to San José. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. 

[](https://expedia.com/National-Stadium-Of-Costa-Rica-La-Sabana.d6101134.Vacation-Attraction)

![Autódromo](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6355960/58d2e5cc-412d-4d2a-9b47-1f7546f50987.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Parque Viva

Learn about the events happening at Parque Viva during your trip to Guacima. Take in the festivals while you're in the area. 

[](https://expedia.com/Parque-Viva-San-Jose.d553248634304701374.Vacation-Attraction)

![Parque Central de San José en Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/507591/ffc02a7a-38fa-4cdc-9dc2-79fa04c60bd8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Central Park

You can find out about the history of San José with a visit to Central Park. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. 

[](https://expedia.com/Central-Park-Hospital.d507591.Vacation-Attraction)

![San Jose, Costa Rica, National Museum Building in historic city center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502506/9198f440-9feb-4a49-a1d0-9fb86f5e1bf4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Museum of Costa Rica

You can spend time studying the exhibits at National Museum of Costa Rica in San José. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area. 

[](https://expedia.com/National-Museum-Of-Costa-Rica-Catedral.d502506.Vacation-Attraction)

![Beautiful aerial view of the National theater in Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502510/18438218-b063-43f9-9baf-a725b0ecabd9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Theater

You can get tickets for a performance at National Theater during your trip to San José. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this vibrant area. 

[](https://expedia.com/National-Theater-Catedral.d502510.Vacation-Attraction)

### Things to do

![ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47970907/9858f2e7-49d1-494c-b4b0-cdc4bfb19774.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

$135

per adult

**90%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/isla-tortuga-desde-san-jose.a47970907.activity-details)

![San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/274749/72dfc7b1-7d8e-4f02-91f1-cead05282f56.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

$55

per adult

**92%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/san-jose-by-night-small-group-food-and-culture-tour-with-dinner.a274749.activity-details)

![manuel antonio national park tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1353988/9cfc7e85-2db9-46d8-92db-3d3adb2671dd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

$169

per adult

**92%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/manuel-antonio-national-park-sightseeing-and-wildlife-day-tour-from-san-jose.a1353988.activity-details)

![San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44781466/3e2ab5b5-f174-47b1-876a-19fc6532bd3f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

$28

per adult

**98%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/san-jose-central-market-bites-and-sights-walking-tour.a44781466.activity-details)

![ASSISTTOURS](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44830499/9e7c212b-c73c-457c-b4c9-7631a54b0779.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience

$180

per adult

**98%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/full-day-poas-volcano.a44830499.activity-details)

![White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San Jose](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/973849/3f2a2556-74d5-44d6-af3d-1b89c821dff2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From San Jose

$121

per adult

**100%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/white-water-rafting-pacuare-river-with-lunch-from-san-jose.a973849.activity-details)

[See all activities in San Rafael](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-San-Rafael.d6347255.Travel-Guide-Activities)

## Cities near San Rafael

![San José](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/603085/8cc5329d-3997-49fc-ac6a-b6d11b9493c8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### San José

![Beautiful aerial view of the city of San Jose with view of the Sabana Park and the Stadium.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/177814/641d55bf-5b17-4b9a-91f2-d588a97de821.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### San Antonio de Belen

![Runway airport city mountains panorama view from airplane Costa Rica.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6229136/de985a09-3eac-4947-ac31-fd149a3b1fe1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Rio Segundo

![Panoramic view of San Jose, Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6345332/2bcd1b97-a626-40ac-bada-3a582191fbfc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Ciudad Colon

- Cities near San Rafael
- Places of interest

[San José](https://expedia.com/San-Jose.dx603085)[San Antonio de Belen](https://expedia.com/San-Antonio-De-Belen.dx177814)[Rio Segundo](https://expedia.com/Rio-Segundo.dx6229136)[Ciudad Colon](https://expedia.com/Ciudad-Colon.dx6345332)[Guacima](https://expedia.com/Guacima.dx6355960)[Guachipelin](https://expedia.com/Guachipelin.dx553248635188871379)[San Rafael](https://expedia.com/San-Rafael.dx685440418492923904)[La Asunción](https://expedia.com/La-Asuncion.dx828893540592328704)[Brasil](https://expedia.com/Brasil.dx829122569184481280)[Pozos](https://expedia.com/Pozos.dx829122703869894656)[Uruca](https://expedia.com/Uruca.dx829122820802895872)

- [Sabana Park ](https://expedia.com/Sabana-Park-La-Sabana.d507595.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Poás Volcano National Park ](https://expedia.com/Poas-Volcano-National-Park-Alajuela-Province.d6101077.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Multiplaza Mall Escazu ](https://expedia.com/Multiplaza-Mall-Escazu-San-Jose.d6128290.Vacation-Attraction)
- [National Stadium of Costa Rica ](https://expedia.com/National-Stadium-Of-Costa-Rica-La-Sabana.d6101134.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Braulio Carrillo National Park ](https://expedia.com/Braulio-Carrillo-National-Park-Costa-Rica.d6101121.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Parque Viva ](https://expedia.com/Parque-Viva-San-Jose.d553248634304701374.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Avenida Escazú Shopping Center ](https://expedia.com/Avenida-Escazu-Shopping-Center-San-Jose.d553248634304708374.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center ](https://expedia.com/Terrazas-Lindora-Shopping-Center-San-Jose.d553248635965378246.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Plaza Real Cariari ](https://expedia.com/Plaza-Real-Cariari-San-Jose.d6193950.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Central Park ](https://expedia.com/Central-Park-Hospital.d507591.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Hospital Cima San José ](https://expedia.com/Hospital-Cima-San-Jose-San-Jose.d553248633958218823.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Costa Rica Convention Center ](https://expedia.com/Costa-Rica-Convention-Center-San-Jose.d553248635934140764.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Museum of Costa Rican Art ](https://expedia.com/Museum-Of-Costa-Rican-Art-La-Sabana.d6071335.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Estadio Nacional ](https://expedia.com/Estadio-Nacional-La-Sabana.d6298647.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Juan Santamaría Park ](https://expedia.com/Juan-Santamaria-Park-San-Jose.d553248621532619550.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Hacienda Alsacia ](https://expedia.com/Hacienda-Alsacia-San-Jose.d553248635976095285.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Momentum Lindora Shopping Center ](https://expedia.com/Momentum-Lindora-Shopping-Center-San-Jose.d6255470.Vacation-Attraction)
- [National Museum of Costa Rica ](https://expedia.com/National-Museum-Of-Costa-Rica-Catedral.d502506.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Mercado Central ](https://expedia.com/Mercado-Central-Merced.d502512.Vacation-Attraction)
- [National Theater ](https://expedia.com/National-Theater-Catedral.d502510.Vacation-Attraction)
- [City Mall ](https://expedia.com/City-Mall-San-Jose.d553248633958246708.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Morazan Park ](https://expedia.com/Morazan-Park-Carmen.d507589.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Poas Volcano ](https://expedia.com/Poas-Volcano-Toro-Amarillo.d637588045641596928.Vacation-Attraction)
- [University of Costa Rica ](https://expedia.com/University-Of-Costa-Rica-San-Jose.d502513.Vacation-Attraction)
- [San Pedro Mall ](https://expedia.com/San-Pedro-Mall-San-Jose.d6071343.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Ojo de Agua Spa Park ](https://expedia.com/Ojo-De-Agua-Spa-Park-San-Jose.d502500.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Church of Puriscal ](https://expedia.com/Church-Of-Puriscal-Santiago-de-Puriscal.d553248621592457079.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Casa Amarilla ](https://expedia.com/Casa-Amarilla-Carmen.d553248621532965396.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Clinica Biblica Hospital ](https://expedia.com/Clinica-Biblica-Hospital-Catedral.d674564751422951424.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Alajuela Cathedral ](https://expedia.com/Alajuela-Cathedral-Agonia.d553248621532619549.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia Hospital ](https://expedia.com/Rafael-Angel-Calderon-Guardia-Hospital-Carmen.d553248622663192114.Vacation-Attraction)