Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

The Museo del Oro Pre-Columbino (506/243-4202, fax 506/243-4220, museooro@racsa.co.cr, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tues.–Sun. and holidays, $5), in the basement beneath the plaza (the entrance is on Calle 5), is run by the state-owned Banco Central. The more than 2,000 glittering pre-Columbian gold artifacts (frogs, people, etc.) displayed weigh in at over 22,000 troy ounces. A collection of old coins is displayed in an adjoining room, in the Numismatic Museum (Museo Numismática) and Architecture Museum (Museo de Arquitectura), while a small exhibit hall features works from the bank’s art collection. A self-guided audiotape tour costs $2. Free guided tours are presented by bilingual guides Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., and on weekends at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Bring identification for the security check upon entry.