Background

Parque Metropolitano La Sabana: San José's Green Heart

Escape to San José's largest urban park: a vibrant green space with sports, culture, and recreation for everyone!

4.5

Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, a 72-hectare urban park in the heart of San José, Costa Rica, offers a green escape with sports facilities, cultural attractions, and tranquil paths. Once the site of Costa Rica's first international airport, it's now a vibrant space for recreation and relaxation.

A brief summary to Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Check out the northeast corner of the park for a peaceful pond popular for birdwatching.
  • Be aware that parking can be difficult, especially on weekends.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's green spaces.
  • Visit the Costa Rican Art Museum, located within the park, to see a collection of national art.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San José, take a local bus towards La Sabana. Look for buses marked 'Sabana' or 'Parque La Sabana'. The local bus fare is typically around 600 CRC. Buses depart frequently from various terminals in San José, including Terminal Tuasa and Mercado Borbón. Disembark at the closest stop to the park; several bus stops are located around the park's perimeter, including Contiguo A Gimnasio Nacional and Terminal San José.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in San José. A taxi from downtown San José to Parque Metropolitano La Sabana typically costs between $7 and $10 USD and takes about 6 minutes. Ensure the driver turns on the meter, or negotiate a fare beforehand.

  • Walking

    Parque Metropolitano La Sabana is located west of Paseo Colón, a major thoroughfare in San José. If you are near the end of Paseo Colón, you can walk to the park. From the city center, the walk is approximately 2.5 miles.

Unlock the Best of Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, often called simply La Sabana, is the largest and most significant urban park in Costa Rica, located in the Mata Redonda district of San José. Known as the "lungs of San José", this 72-hectare park provides a refreshing green space for locals and tourists alike. Originally, the land was donated in 1783 by priest Manuel Antonio Chapuí y Torres, though it wasn't until 1977 that it was officially inaugurated as a metropolitan park. From 1940 until the early 1970s, the park served as the site of Costa Rica's first international airport. Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the park's many facilities, such as soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a running track, and a swimming pool. La Sabana is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Costa Rican Museum of Art, housed in the former airport's main building, and the National Stadium, which hosts sporting events and concerts. The park also features an artificial lake, art installations, and the Karen Olsen Park of Road Safety Education, a miniature city for teaching traffic safety. With its diverse offerings and central location, Parque Metropolitano La Sabana is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting San José.

Popular Experiences near Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

Popular Hotels near Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

Select Currency