San José's Simón Bolívar Park Opens Temporarily

The park's temporary reopening is part of Amón Cultural 2026, a festival celebrating heritage in the Amón and Otoya neighborhoods. This marks the 12th edition of the festival, themed "Heritage in Today's Light," aiming to highlight the park as a vital historical and natural site. Visitors can explore the central plaza and select trails during this one-day event, with activities planned for all ages. Expect workshops, guided tours, art sessions, musical performances, and gastronomy experiences organized by the Technological Institute of Costa Rica and the Municipality of San José. This reopening is part of a larger transformation of the former Simón Bolívar Zoo, which closed in May 2024, into the Greater Metropolitan Area's first urban natural park. The project, led by multiple partners, focuses on restoring forested areas, updating botanical gardens, and repurposing enclosures for recreation and education. The total investment is estimated at $8 million. The Simón Bolívar National Zoological Park and Botanical Garden has a long history, dating back to 1884 when Swiss scientist Henry Pittier Promond founded the Jardín de Plantas y Animales. It shifted from a zoo to an urban park with the goal of completion by the end of 2026. Amón Cultural 2026 offers over 115 activities across 38 locations, creating a vibrant atmosphere with local artists, musicians, and food vendors. The festival seeks to connect people with the city's past and present, integrating nature into urban life.