Sanatorio Durán, often referred to as one of the most haunted places in Costa Rica, is coagulating with paranormal activity. 🤔 Yes, coagulating. The Sanatorio Durán has a sorted and mysterious history. It was once a place of hope for many suffering from Tuberculosis. Built in the early 1900s, the hospital was isolated enough from civilization that it was ideal for treating those suffering from consumption, and the atmosphere of the location was thought to be beneficial. It has been said that the founding doctor’s main purpose for opening the hospital was to treat his own daughter, who herself had contracted Tuberculosis. Others say she contracted the disease after the hospital opened. After the hospital shut down, the building was used as an orphanage, and a prison. Creep factor 10! Finally, the building sustained structural damage from an eruption of the Irazú Volcano and was supposedly beyond repair. Subsequently, the building was abandoned...at least by the living...and still stands in its original location —perhaps with some of its original occupants. 💀 *Tip: Also visit Volcán Irazú, which is a 10 minute drive away. Perhaps bring a light coat and a picnic basket.

This place has an incredible history but I admit we went because it is the most haunted place in Costa Rica. You are allowed to roam the ruins in a natural state. It's a peaceful yet eerie place. Cheap entry fee. There are several food trucks on the way. Stop and get lunch to eat on the grounds. Maybe a spirit will visit you.

An interesting place to relax and walk. It would be nice to have a map or some description of the grounds. We walked around and some sections were labeled, but many were dilapidated and in ruins. It was interesting to see the children’s wing and walk through the gardens. There are picnic areas in the shade and well established walking areas. Parking is free but the entrance is 5,000C per person.

I know that it is the historical architectural heritage of Costa Rica by decree, but I cannot conceive that they charge 2 thousand colones for entry, just to see walls scratched by people without any culture or education, how depressing indeed!! The green areas are half salvageable and there are three areas that are completely "condemned" and closed to the public, due to unfounded ideas that there is fear and terror in that place... I think that due to the above, the entry is due mass of people, of all ages (children running and screaming inside the old buildings and adults with dogs, throwing garbage) But how much is it worth to report to the security of the place? Because I perceived, if anything, five or six people working and the influx of public exceeded a hundred.

It was renovated. The entrance is cheap. The queue was not long and there's plenty of sites where you can park. It has a lot of signs that show you the way and now you can eat there or on the surroundings. Pet friendly. Great for a one day tour. One thing I would suggest guided tours or an audio tour.

An old tuberculosis hospital which has been abandoned for about 60 years. It's an interesting window into the past. It can get somewhat chilly so taking a sweater or jacket is a good idea.

The signage and maintenance are terrible. The place is historical and they only show at the end in a house a brochure attached to a glass with the history of it. They should take better care of him!!

Honestly I wasn't impressed much, I won't include it in my "must visit" list. There are many people now, so there's no any mysterious spooky atmosphere. All you do is walking around in semi-ruined abandoned building.

If i could give 3.5 stars I would. I costs next to nothing, but it is quite the drive from San Jose. We did it en route to Puerto Viejo - so wasn't so bad. It is pretty cool to see, but as others have pointed out, it's a shame that there is no information there that explains the full story. We were there in Mid December and the main part of the building was closed. I am glad we went, but wouldn't go back and would say, if you have limited time, it might be worth passing.

What a very unique place! I would definitely consider it off the beaten path. The grounds are maintained well, the buildings are mostly in good shape (I never felt worried about my safety), it has modern bathrooms and a cafeteria. A must see!

Incredible view... very good place... an attraction that you have to know.

Bad attention, little labeling

Ruins of a former hospital/refuge for tuberculosis patients from the early 20th century. There is almost zero signs that explain the history of the place, the few that are around say simple stuff like "morgue" and nothing more. The site is in a derelict state, with portions that were open to the public now closed, poor maintenance as you can see lots of scribbles in the walls from the people that visit, some of them as recent as 2024, and some parts downright dangerous to the public. Good for a few pics and a picnic

Beautiful place recommended

Its a place that Im sure it has so much history in every single space of it. However, it is all deteriorated, no guided tour, no inner signs with historic information of each one the spaces you're visiting... With a few of enhancements like the one mentioned above, it would be much a better experience for the visitors.. !

Interesting place (mostly because of the story behind it, if you don't know what this building used to be, then it probably would seem a place as any other.) there's some obscene graffiti in some rooms, spacious parking, We have to take care of our historical places. It would be nice to have posters or signs with a little background story of the building or something to make it more entertaining and educational.

Nice place to walk around and see a historical TB sanitarium.

Very spooky, the site where many TB patients were shipped before a cure was available. It would have been nice to have more historical information provided on site. Don't forget to feed the cows.

The sorrounding area and the landscapes are nice. There is not much to see there, just the ruins. They should put some banners and material to tell the story better and make people understad. It's a pitty they haven't invested in better communication because a lot of people goes.

I was not sure I was going to like this place but once I side the pack it was an experiance that one must fill as you walk the passageways and the enfermeries, not to mention the showers and the terminal isolation rooms. I really could sence the real moments the terminal tuberculosis patients had to endure. The Duran is nestled among the most beautiful rolling hills at the base of the Irazu volcano. In the gardens you can walk among old cypress and eucalyptus trees and at the same time you may touch the friendly neighbors cows. Bring food and water or sponsor the local vendors.. Fresh strawberries are local.

This is an interesting place to visit, it won’t take too much time to visit so take that into consideration. Tickets are very cheap and parking is free.

Awesome weather, clean air,, kind of mistikal place. 100 ‰ Family and pet friendly.

If you like history and a little spookiness, than this place must be on your to do list!

This is a great place to go with friends and family! It may be scary for some though because some of the rooms do have an eerie aura to them. It is really cold so be sure to bring a jacket and some snacks.

Interesting place and admission was only 1,500 CRC regardless of your nationality 🥰🎯

We really enjoyed visiting this place. Most of the old buildings are open to the public, and explorable, which gives a great sense of the history. The area is also very beautiful, with great views of the valley below.

This was my second time at this place but many years ago was a lot better because we were able to go through the whole place and this time the best part was closed to the public