The Los Yoses Design & Arts Drift
A sophisticated stroll through the capital's design-forward creative district.
Navi Walkability Score
The Los Yoses Design & Arts Drift navigates the increasingly modern skyline of San José, specifically targeting the pulse of the city's evolving creative class El skyline de la ciudad…. This route avoids the typical tourist traps of the Gold Museum in favor of the district’s mid-century architecture and contemporary art spaces. Starting at In Arrivo Art Gallery in San Pedro, the experience leans into the experiential; their Paint and Wine nights provide a rare opportunity to engage with local artists in a UV-lit environment while drinking cold sangria. Moving toward the city center, the drift transitions from the canvas to the closet, stopping at Tienda Eñe, where the inventory serves as a masterclass in modern Costa Rican industrial design.
The logic of the route reflects the gentrification of San José’s central-eastern corridor, where former residential estates have been converted into workspaces and galleries. Klika Coffee provides a necessary mid-point breather, functioning as both a specialty roastery and an unofficial headquarters for the neighborhood’s remote workers. The path concludes at The Secret Garden, an ecological and visual reclamation project. Transforming what was once a landfill into a structured landscape, this space embodies the city's push toward sustainable urbanism
El skyline de la ciudad…. This is a walk for those who want to see how San José is rebranding itself from a gritty transit hub into a design-focused capital.
What to Expect
Expect a 3.4-mile trek that is mostly flat but yields to the erratic sidewalk conditions typical of San José. The afternoon start is strategic, timing the finish with the golden hour at The Secret Garden. Budget approximately $40–$60 per person for a mix of workshop fees, a light lunch, and a quality souvenir. While San Pedro is walkable, some stretches have heavy traffic; comfortable sneakers are non-negotiable. Booking is required at In Arrivo for evening sessions, while Klika and Eñe are standard walk-in locations.
Route Overview
4 stops · 1.6 miThe Route
In Arrivo Art Gallery
"Skip the passive viewing and book a Paint and Wine night; the UV room is a total trip and they’ll even help you outline your masterpiece while you crush some sangria."
Tienda Eñe
"Forget the 'Made in China' souvenir traps downtown; hit Eñe for locally-designed button-ups and unique jewelry that actually feels like Costa Rica."
Klika Coffee
"Secure a spot on the terrace and order the veggie bagel with a lemon pie; it’s the ultimate low-key workspace where the staff actually lets you linger."
The Secret Garden
"Park at the Peri Supermarket across the street and let the owners give you a tour of how they flipped this former landfill into a quirky, visual masterpiece."
Insider Knowledge
Skip the generic lattes at Klika and order the lemon pie paired with their seasonal cold brew; it’s the best acid-balanced pairing in the district. At Tienda Eñe, look specifically for limited-run screen-printed button-ups—these are produced in small batches and are better quality than anything found in the transit hubs. For The Secret Garden, the most seamless entry involves parking at the Peri Supermarket across the street to avoid the limited on-site street parking, and it is essential to request a tour from the owners to understand the waste-management history of the site.