Parque de la Paz

Parque de la Paz welcomes locals and travelers all year, but planning will help make the most of the visit. Mornings bring crisp air, less noise, and the best chance to watch the sunrise colors climb above the line of eucalyptus and palm trees. Weekends, especially late afternoons, draw larger crowds for free concerts and sporting events. Most pathways are paved and gentle, making the park accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Travelers arriving by bus or taxi will find several main entrances along Avenida 10. No tickets or entrance fees mean spontaneous visits are always possible, though special events may cause some sections to close off early.

• Best time to visit: Early morning for peace and birdwatching; evenings for local events; dry season (December to April) for better weather.
• How to get there: Several public bus lines stop along Avenida 10; taxis and ride-shares can drop visitors near the monument at the main gate.
• Accessibility: Wide, flat paths suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or families with bikes and scooters.
• Average visit duration: 1–2 hours for a stroll; up to half a day if picnicking, playing sports, or attending community events.

Parque de la Paz stretches for nearly three kilometers, so highlights depend on how much wandering is on the agenda. The main avenue, lined by stately ceiba trees, leads directly to a large, modern peace monument. This sculpture, ringed by mist fountains, holds deep meaning for Costa Rican history and draws both quiet reflection and selfie-seekers. Set aside time to visit the open-air amphitheater, where musicians and dancers rehearse beneath shaded archways. Children gather at the imaginative playground near the southern entrance—a space painted with murals and ringed by benches. Rolling lawns by the small lake offer picnic-perfect spots and excellent birdwatching as herons and iguanas appear between reeds. Vendors selling coconut water, fresh fruit, and empanadas give quick local flavor, especially near the busy northern edge.

• Peace Monument: Striking sculpture and water feature at the park’s heart, symbolizing the country’s abolition of its army and dedication to peace.
• Amphitheater: Free performances and rehearsals most weekends, or a chance to rest in the shade.
• Pond and picnic lawns: Calm areas for spotting water birds or spreading out a blanket; scenic spot for afternoon snacks.
• Playground murals: Local street art brightens the children’s play area, often with surprise themes for each season.
• Photo spots: Look for bridges over the stream at sunrise and wide shots of the city skyline beyond the park’s edge.
• Local flavor: Try fresh fruit drinks from vendors walking the pathways, or ask about informal weekend soccer games happening just beyond the visible fields.
• History facts: The park was built after the Costa Rican government disbanded the army in 1948—each statue and garden highlights a key historical moment.