The third edition of Vacation in Chepe 2026 invites people to enjoy a unique cultural experience in the heart of San José. This Thursday, July 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the public will be able to visit museums, theaters, galleries, and cultural centers with free admission and transportation included via a special shuttle bus route.

This edition will be the second-to-last Art City Tour of the year and is part of an initiative that, over the course of 17 years and 80 in-person editions since February 2010, has brought culture to thousands of people. According to data updated as of May 14, 2026, 152,739 people have participated in this experience.

A free experience with transportation included

The public will be able to enter all participating cultural venues free of charge and use the official shuttle buses during the tour’s operating hours, provided they have the QR code obtained through prior registration. The shuttle buses will operate on a closed loop throughout the event, allowing passengers to get on and off as many times as they wish to visit the various cultural venues.

Advance registration required; limited spots available

To participate, you must register online. This time, 3,000 spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will open on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Costa Rican time). Each participant will receive a unique QR code, which is required to access both cultural venues and transportation services. Registration is mandatory for everyone, including minors under 18 and foreign visitors.

Three Routes for Exploring San José

Participants may begin the route starting at 5:00 p.m. at the location selected during registration and may subsequently change routes at the designated transfer points.

The available routes are:

Escalante Route

  • LAB del Centro Cultural de España (CCE)
  • Museo del Jade (Jade Museum)
  • San José Cultural Center
  • Spain Cultural Center
  • Arte in arrivo

Rediscover San José

  • Banco Central Museums
  • National Theater
  • Talentum Gallery
  • Amón Solar

INS Group Route

  • Museo del Jade (Jade Museum)
  • National Museum
  • 5-Eñe
  • French Alliance
  • Banco Central Museums

Beyond access to cultural venues, the event will feature a wide-ranging program of exhibitions, tours, presentations, and special activities. Some will have specific schedules, while other venues will extend their regular hours to welcome visitors.

The organization recommends downloading the official program in advance to learn more about the activities and plan your itinerary.

A joint effort to bring culture closer to the people

This year’s edition of Vacations in Chepe is made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the INS Group, which provide the free transportation service as well as handle the production, registration logistics, and promotion of the event. Free admission to the participating venues is made possible through the efforts of each cultural institution involved.


With this new edition, Vacaciones en Chepe continues to establish itself as one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to rediscover San José, enjoy its heritage, and experience an evening filled with art, history, and culture at no cost.

Sensorial Sunsets