Visitor Insights
Visiting San José Costa Rica Temple
Located in Belén near Juan Santamaría International Airport, the San José Costa Rica Temple welcomes patrons and visitors alike to its serene tropical grounds. While interior worship is reserved for church members, all guests are invited to enjoy the peaceful flower gardens and fountains.
Highlights
- Beautiful tropical gardens with native Costa Rican flora
- Luminous Blanco Guardiano marble exterior
- Peaceful reflection pathways with mountain backdrop
Things to Know
- Interior access requires a valid temple recommend
- Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays
- Distribution center available on site
Location
De la entrada principal del Hotel Marriott 1.2 km al oeste, La Ribera, Belén, Heredia, Costa Rica
Hours: Wednesday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 4:45 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Getting There: Located 1.2 km west of the Marriott Hotel entrance in La Ribera, Belén, just 10 minutes from SJO Airport via Route 1.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Respectful Attire
Visitors exploring the public exterior grounds are asked to wear reverent and modest clothing.
Airport Proximity
Its close proximity to Juan Santamaría Airport makes it convenient for international patrons arriving in Heredia.
About
The San José Costa Rica Temple stands as a sacred sanctuary of peace, covenant-making, and worship set against the lush backdrop of Heredia Province. Dedicated on June 4, 2000, by President James E. Faust, it was the 87th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide and the second built in Central America.
Rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of sacred altars and divine covenants, Latter-day Saints view the temple as a modern manifestation of biblical holy space. The building features a classic modern single-spire design clad in luminous white marble imported from Mexico.
Serving thousands of Costa Rican Saints as well as members from neighboring nations, the temple brings sacred ordinances—including eternal family sealings and individual endowments—closer to local congregations, fostering a legacy of Christian devotion across Central America.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni Statue
The gilded statue atop the spire represents the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the proclamation of the restored gospel to all nations.
Blanco Guardiano Marble
Imported Mexican white marble represents purity, holiness, and the divine light of Jesus Christ.
Single Attached Spire
The vertical single spire directs the eye skyward, symbolizing humanity's spiritual aspiration toward God.
Oxen-Supported Baptismal Font
Twelve bronze oxen supporting the baptismal font evoke King Solomon's molten sea and represent the twelve tribes of Israel.
Sealing Altars
Sacred central altars symbolize the binding of eternal family covenants through priesthood authority.
Progressive Ordinance Rooms
Movement between instruction rooms symbolizes the soul's spiritual journey from Creation to return to God.
Celestial Room
An exquisitely detailed room representing the celestial peace, purity, and glory of the kingdom of God.
Interesting Facts
The San José Costa Rica Temple was the second Latter-day Saint temple completed in Central America. (Tier A)
Its groundbreaking in 1999 occurred on the exact same day as the Copenhagen Denmark Temple groundbreaking across the Atlantic. (Tier A)
Dedicated on June 4, 2000, it shared its dedication date with the Montréal Québec Temple in Canada. (Tier A)
Construction from groundbreaking to dedication took a remarkably fast 13 months and 11 days. (Tier A)
The exterior is clad in custom Blanco Guardiano white marble imported directly from Coahuila, Mexico. (Tier B)
During its public open house in May 2000, nearly 19,000 visitors toured the interior. (Tier A)
Upon dedication, its temple district encompassed members across Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. (Tier B)
The structure stands as the 87th operating temple of the Church worldwide. (Tier A)
Common Questions
Can non-members tour the inside of the temple?
The interior is reserved for faithful Latter-day Saints, but all visitors are welcome to tour the surrounding public gardens.
What architectural style is the temple built in?
It features a Classic Modern single-spire design faced with imported Mexican white marble.
Which regions does this temple serve?
It primarily serves Church members across Costa Rica, having previously served Panama and Nicaragua.
Where is the temple located?
The temple is situated in La Ribera, Belén, in the Heredia Province of Costa Rica.
Featured Stories
A Historic First for Central America
June 2000
The dedication of the San José Costa Rica Temple marked a historic milestone for Central American Saints who previously traveled long distances to Guatemala or Mexico. Local members gathered in reverent celebration as President James E. Faust dedicated the sacred sanctuary. The temple fulfilled decades of prayers for a house of the Lord in Costa Rica.
Source: Church Newsroom
Simultaneous Global Milestones
April 1999
On April 24, 1999, groundbreaking ceremonies took place simultaneously in Belén, Costa Rica, and Copenhagen, Denmark. This unique synchronization highlighted the unprecedented global expansion of temple construction at the turn of the century. Local members in Heredia braved warm tropical weather to witness the momentous groundbreaking.
Source: Church History Department
Welcoming the Costa Rican Community
May 2000
During the eight-day open house in May 2000, nearly 19,000 visitors walked through the newly completed temple interior. Neighbors, civic leaders, and friends of other faiths expressed admiration for the serene atmosphere and high craftsmanship. The event fostered lasting goodwill and spiritual unity throughout the San José region.
Source: Church News
Timeline
Missionary Work Begins
Official Latter-day Saint missionary work begins in Costa Rica.
EventFirst Stake Organized
The San José Los Yoses Stake is organized as Costa Rica's first stake.
EventTemple Announced
President Gordon B. Hinckley announces the construction of the temple.
MilestoneGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Lynn G. Robbins presides over the groundbreaking ceremony in Belén.
component.timeline.groundbreakingPublic Open House
An eight-day public open house commences, hosting over 18,000 visitors.
EventTemple Dedication
President James E. Faust dedicates the temple in three sacred sessions.
DedicationHistory by Decade
1940s–1960s — Foundations of Faith
Missionary work officially began in Costa Rica in September 1946 when the first full-time elders arrived in San José. Early local branches formed through the 1950s, establishing a spiritual foundation that fostered steady growth across the region.
1970s–1980s — Regional Expansion
The creation of the San José Los Yoses Stake in 1977 signaled growing local leadership maturity. During this era, faithful Costa Rican Saints endured long, challenging journeys to attend distant temples in Arizona, Mexico, and Guatemala.
1990s — Announcement and Groundbreaking
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the San José Costa Rica Temple on March 17, 1999. Groundbreaking took place just one month later in Belén, ushering in an era of rapid, streamlined construction.
2000s–Present — Dedication and Service
President James E. Faust dedicated the temple on June 4, 2000. For over two decades, the temple has served as a center of covenant worship, family history, and Christian devotion for thousands of local Saints.
Architecture & Facilities
The San José Costa Rica Temple exemplifies the Classic Modern temple architecture established under President Gordon B. Hinckley. Designed by architect Álvaro Íñigo in collaboration with Church designers, the building combines geometric symmetry and a streamlined single-spire profile to harmonize with Heredia's lush landscape.
Building Materials
Exterior Cladding
Facially clad in polished Blanco Guardiano white marble quarried in Coahuila, Mexico.
Framing and Glass
Single-hung windows set within durable bronze-finished frames accented by geometric motifs.
Spire Top
A 71-foot structural spire crowned by a gilded fiberglass Angel Moroni statue.
Interior Woodwork
Custom light-toned wood trim and fine fabrics throughout ordinance rooms.
Interior Features
Baptistry
Features a central baptismal font resting on twelve cast-bronze oxen.
Instruction Rooms
Two ordinance rooms configured in a progressive layout for instruction and covenants.
Sealing Rooms
Two intimate rooms equipped with fabric-upholstered altars for eternal family marriage ceremonies.
Celestial Room
A serene room filled with crystal chandeliers, soft carpet, and light wood finishings.
Temple Grounds
Occupying 1.93 acres in La Ribera, the grounds feature manicured tropical lawns, native flowering plants, paved walkways, and peaceful reflection areas.
Additional Facilities
Includes an on-site distribution center providing scriptures and temple clothing to patrons.
Religious Significance
Rooted in the Judeo-Christian covenant tradition, Latter-day Saints regard the San José Costa Rica Temple as a literal House of the Lord where divine covenants bridge heaven and earth.
The temple serves as a sacred sanctuary for personal transformation, eternal marriage sealings, and vicarious ordinance work for ancestors.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Vicarious baptisms performed in behalf of deceased ancestors, following biblical patterns of salvation.
Endowment
A sacred instruction course where members make covenants of obedience, consecration, and Christian discipleship.
Sealing
Priesthood ceremonies that bind husband, wife, and children together for eternity.
Christian Covenant Tradition
Like biblical sanctuaries, the temple emphasizes holiness to the Lord, inner purity, and living in covenant harmony with God and neighbor.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (8)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | Church Newsroom (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-01-30 |
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-01-30 |
| Timeline & Featured Stories | Church History Department (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-01-30 |
| Architecture & Facilities | Church Architecture & Engineering Services (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-01-30 |
| Quick Facts & Construction | LDS Temples Directory (opens in a new tab) | C | 2026-01-30 |
| Religious Significance & Symbolism | Sacred Scriptures & Doctrine (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-01-30 |
| Visitor Insights & Operating Info | Costa Rica Travel Guide (opens in a new tab) | B | 2026-01-30 |
| Timeline & Dedication | Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2026-01-30 |