New Website, New San Jose Walking Tours

It is with great excitement I announce we have a new website. You can view new walking tours, purchase a day in san jose tour package, take advantage of our concierge service and shop for souvenirs!

Please make the most of your stay in San Jose, Costa Rica by viewing all of our new services at TOURSANJOSECOSTARICA.com 

Pura Vida,
Stacey
Owner
Barrio Bird Walking Tours

Why Take a Walking Tour of San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, Costa Rica is a stop-over for many tourists usually flying in or out of Costa Rica. And while visitors are usually most excited about the beaches and jungles of Costa Rica, they should be excited about a day of urban fun as well, and a walking tour is a great option.

Guide books do a terrible job of reviewing this city. It's not a cultural mecca like London or NYC, but it is a cultural center with many sites to see and activities to do. And the best part is you gain insight into the people and cultural ideals that built the country and persist throughout. San Jose, therefore can answer many questions you'll have along the way as you enjoy your exotic vacation.

I'm biased being the owner of Barrio Bird Walking Tours, but it is my goal to connect tourists and expats to the beauty that is in San Jose. And I want it to be affordable to all. That's why our tours start at $10. If you take a walking tour these are the advantages:

• Do not have to worry about your safety or getting lost (there are no street addresses)
• Tours are a max of 8 so you will have an intimate group, be able to hear and ask questions
• Get advice on how to spend the rest of your day
• 10% discount on lunch at some of the best restaurants downtown 
• Contribute to the revitalization of Central America's cultural hub, San Jose

So, if anything, get out of your hotel or hostel and take a knowledgeable walk around San Jose. If you live here, stop avoiding the city and learn where all the attractions are at. Can't wait to meet you!

Stacey
Owner
Barrio Bird Walking Tours
RSVP: call 8926-9867 or email BarrioBird@gmail.com

Art City Tour Tonight 8/25

This year's 4th Art City Tour will shuttle guests on free buses between 15 downtown musuems and galleries. Enjoy.


1. Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo  2. Museo Nacional  3. Jacob Karpio Galería
4.  Museos del Banco Central  5. Casa de Cultura Amón  6. Museo del Jade, Instituto Nacional de Seguros  7. Restaurante Olio  8. Fundación Teor/ética  9. Museo Teor/ética  10. Boutique Kiosko SJO  11. Restaurante Kalú  12. Galería Nacional, Museo del Niño  13. Instituto de México  14. Gráfica Génesis Espacio Escénico  15. Steinvorth **A partir de las 20:30 horas**

Getting Serious About Design in San Jose, Costa Rica

The launch of a new designers' association in Costa Rica is a very important step towards what I am calling a cultural revitalization that is going to explode exponentially over the next two years in San Jose. 

The Asociación de Diseñadores de Costa Rica, supported by the Ministry of Culture, was inaugurated last night at La Aduana, using the new tech and art facility on the east side of the building. 


The group's intent is to support designers of all kinds from Costa Rica. About 95% of designers are small business operations, and this will provide a platform for workshops, peer-to-peer information sharing, and inspiration. I hope this group will also become a force to launch costa rican designers onto the global stage. 

Video of the Real San Jose, Costa Rica

We spend most of our time trying to promote all the good cultural, architectural and historic moments happening in San Jose. But we also have walking tours to help tourists and expats alike see the real gems of San Jose. Attached is a video to give you an idea of this very unique way to see the beauty of the city. If you've been scared or annoyed by it until now, it's the perfect time to change.

San Jose, Costa Rica Walking Tour

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

A humble view of the mountains from Barrio Aranjez, San Jose the urban jungle

Downtown Architecture & Urban Planning Update

There are several new and exciting developments to report on downtown. 


Outside Complete: I wrote a few months ago about the building that is across the from La Marinita. The outside is basically complete. This building now really stands out as a must see in downtown. Plans for the building aren't firm, but a possible bar/restaurant might open on the bottom with some residential space on top. 

New Paint: The Girl's School on Ave. 4 has been undergoing much renovation and it appears a new paint job will soon be under way.  This particular corner boasts one of my favorite views in the city on a clear day. You can look down at Iglesia de la Soledad and get beautiful mountain views in all directions. 

Ugly Fence: This historic home sits on Ave. 7. Almost 100 years old, it is of Victorian influence and was built by a Spanish merchant. It's architecture represents much of what was found throughout Barrio Amon in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, a taller gate has been added with razor wire on top for security, really detracting from the original beauty of the home. We'll see what else develops at this home. 

325 New Trees!! I also previously wrote about Barrio Escalante's new Urban Plan. A first step towards completing this plan was the planting of 325 new trees throughout the neighborhood. A variety of species were added to serve as homes to birds and butterflies, provide a variety of color with different blossoms, and to hopefully create the first carbon neutral neighborhood in the country. Is there a carbon neutral neighborhood in your country?? The species of trees planted include; palo verde, árbol de fuego, cortés negro, choreque, roble sabana, guachipelín, dama, manzanita y palmera real. I can't wait to take a new stroll through this neighborhood. Maybe we'll do a plant/architecture tour!

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

Guitars, Flutes, Earth Day Rally today in San Jose, Costa Rica

Guitars: The 3rd annual guitar festival at University Veritas starts today and runs through April 25th, every night at 7 p.m. inside the Auditoria Roberto Sasso Sasso. Tickets are 4,000 c general, 3,000 c students, 5,000 c closing show. Thurs. is classical, Fri. is Flamenco & Latin Jazz, Sat. is classical and world, Sun. is Latin.


Flutes: The 6th International Festival of Flutists continues today at 5 p.m. Flutists from 7 different countries will be performing Thurs., and Fri. at 5 p.m. in the foyer of the National Theater. These shows are 1,000 c. a nice price to see a show in Costa Rica's most beloved theater. Get your ticket early. You will not be let in after the show starts.


Earth Day: For those of you who don't know. Mining in Las Crucitas, Costa Rica is about to begin. A protest event, nicely timed with Earth Day, will take place all day today. Concerts, speakers, and nature lovers will surely pack the day's agenda. This is happening in front of the Superior Courts. If you've been wanting to get more involved with environmental groups, today is probably a good day to start.

Festivals: Video, Orchids, Queens & Guitars --San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose is Queen (seriously, there is queen's fun included) of festivals this time of year. These festivals are either free or relatively low cost and fun for families, dates, or relaxing after fun at the beach. Enjoy!


Festival de Video Joven La 240. This free festival began on Sunday and runs all week showing video shorts by central american youth in the open-air theater at CENAC (old Fanal). 60 works will be shown today thru Fri. at 7 p.m. and the festival will end Saturday with an awards ceremony at El Lobo Estepario, which is a bar themed after a movie theater and one of my downtown favorites. 


National Orchid Expo. Love orchids and great urban architecture? Visit the National Orchid Expo this weekend inside the newly opened, Old Aduana this 16th - 18th. Hours are Fri. and Sat. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is 2,000 c general and 1,000 c old folks and kids--celebrate those discounts!


The Queen's Rock 'n' Roll Birthday Party. While not downtown, we can't pass up a rock n roll party for the Queen of England (and several other places) at the British Ambassador's residence, just north of Plaza Los Laureles in Escazu. All sorts of British food and drinks will be served as well as raffles for air travel and resort stays. Prizes for best costume. Sat. April 17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Proceeds to benefit local schools in need. 2,500 c is general admission at the gate, under 12 1,000 c. Looking forward to rocking purple nail polish at this one. 


Guitar Festival. The 3rd annual guitar festival at University Veritas will be this coming April 22nd - 25th every night at 7 p.m. inside the Auditoria Roberto Sasso Sasso. Tickets are 4,000 c general, 3,000 c students, 5,000 c closing show. Thurs. is classical, Fri. is Flamenco & Latin Jazz, Sat. is classical and world, Sun. is Latin. 

Videos and Horses are Today's Events in San Jose, Costa Rica

This morning you can catch the International Horse Parade. It begins in La Sabana at 11 a.m., and makes its way to Parque La Merced. My recommendation is to stand somewhere near the end and at some point make a stop into La Iglesia Merced. It was recently remodeled, of neogothical style and very unique to architecture in downtown San Jose. 


This evening at 7 p.m. you can take a look at what young central american videographers are up to at the Festival de Video Joven La 240. This festival will run all week and show the video works in the open-air theater at CENAC (old Fanal). 60 works will be shown today thru Fri. and the festival will end with an awards ceremony at El Lobo Estepario, which is a bar themed after a movie theater and one of my downtown favorites. 

April 8, Art Openings -- Great Energy in San Jose

International and Costa Rican artists were out in full force last night amongst several exhibit openings. Barrio Bird first took a look at Efraín Méndez's (Costa Rica) 'Quimera' at the French Alliance. Consisting of 8 acyrlic pieces, Mendez explores fantasy, best displayed through children's games. View until the 22nd of April. 


Second stop was to see Ralph Jarvis's (Canadian) work on display at the Sophia Wanamaker Gallery in the Costa Rica-North American Cultural Center. Jarvis's work feature a technique new to me and many others, and is any man's dream---Blow torching. Jarvis focused on nature found between Newfoundland and Costa Rica, with some Peruvian materials throughout. On display until May 3. 


Our final gallery stop was to the Jacob Karpio Gallery. The space is large and full of work from John Juric(Costa Rica) who appears to work with several media and focuses on paint, installations and murals. I really get a creepy vibe from Mr. Karpio, but he put together a great party, with great pieces from this artist. The music was outstanding and I'll be looking to see this artist's work, and the band again. And maybe overtime I'll get to know Mr. Karpio's uncreepy side. 


A great, free way to catch all of these exhibits is to come out for the next Art City Tour, Wed. April, 21. Follow GAM for details. 

Semana Santa Procession to Calvary

These are some photos from today's procession downtown. There will be more of these around the country tomorrow and Sunday as well if you are looking for an 'authentic' Costa Rican experience. 

English Speaking Theater in San Jose, Costa Rica

! Opening night is finally here!

In addition to running tours, I've also reconnected with the stage. I am playing Frances in 'No sex please, we're British'. It has been rewarding to work with a team and be accountable to a project bigger than any one of us.

It's a special opportunity to participate in English-speaking theater in Costa Rica of all places. There truly is a thriving arts community here, both local and expat. If you enjoy theater check these groups out for regular performances here in San Jose, Costa Rica. Hope to see you at one of my shows.

• No Sex Please We're British
• The Little Theater Group
• Compania Nacional de Teatro
• Teatro Popular Melico Salazar
• Complete theater listing

Moving forward in San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, Costa Rica is exciting to me. Right now in 2010 there are a number of things happening to enrich the culture and pleasantness of the city.

• Barrio Escalante Urban Plan
• More fine dining restaurants/bars such as: Bar Morazan, El Steinvorth, Arte y Gusto Cafe, Kalu, and Wok and Noodles
• Possible new regulations on noise pollution (have seen them testing decible levels, haven't read any news about what will be done with the data)

In addition, galleries are coming together on a more regular basis to bring access to the arts for free or little charge. An example of this is this Wednesday's Art City Tour.

This is just the beginning of what I believe will be a great urban revitalization over the next two years. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for regular news and event updates.

Video San Jose Walking Tour

This little parade was a surprise on tour last week. Some final fun before a new semester starts again.

Drinking in San Jose

While Costa Rica doesn't have a variety of native brews or wines to sample, there are plenty of interesting places to imbibe the cheap drink of your choice. We have put together a dive bar tour to show you the safest hole-in-the-wall bars, right in the middle of the city. Some are the oldest bars in San Jose. It doesn't get more real than this, especially with end of evening karaoke.

Make a reservation for this $10 tour today. Barriobird@gmail.com or (506) 89269867

Safety vs. Enjoyment

One reason I started this business is to give tourists a chance to relax in San Jose, Costa Rica. There are some tough spots you need to know about in order to get around without hassle.

So, taking one of our tours allows you to be more secure and not stop at every corner to look at your map and figure out where you are (there are no addresses in Costa Rica so I promise you will have to pull out a map if you walk alone), or worse yet, end up somewhere you shouldn't be.

Give us a call or email to discuss! barriobird@gmail.com or (506) 89269867.

Who we are

This is me, Stacey, at one of the numerous sites of some amazing graffiti art we see in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Introduction

Hello there, I am Stacey and this is the blog for my company Barrio Bird Walking Tours. We do $10 walking tours of San Jose, Costa Rica.

Over the years, San Jose has earned a bad reputation for tourists. I live in the city, and know that while some parts are rough around the edges, there are many beautiful sites to see.

So, I designed these walking tours to provide the tourists that have to pass through San Jose a chance to see its secret gems. We do a generic culture/history/art/architecture tour. We also do a bar tour. In addition, we can build a custom tour for you.

You can see specific tour info here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barrio-Bird-Walking-Tours/144658534609

Welcome to Barrio Bird Walking Tours
Stacey