Cities

Judging by its exterior, the capital city of Costa Rica, San José, is merely an ugly conglomerate of outdated commercial buildings and decrepit infrastructure—potholed streets and crumbling sidewalks that wind without reason through a mishmash of seemingly thrown together corrugated metal and plaster.  But beyond this superficial analysis, Chepe, as the city is referred to by locals, is a very cosmopolitan city that can be categorized as something in between a modern North American metropolis and the standard Central American capital.  Indeed, San José transitions from a commercial block of department stores, chic cafés, and fast-food establi

A modish escape from the frenzied streets of San José is the alluring city of Santa Ana.  Following the Próspero Fernández Expressway (Carretera Próspero Fernández) west 15 minutes from San José will take you to her convivial neighbor.

After experiencing the passage along the Inter-Americana Highway from San José to San Isidro de El General, you will either feel relieved to be in one piece or be wishing to do it again.  It is known as Cerro de la Muerte or “Mountain of Death” and is one of the highest points in the country, rising up over 11,000 ft (3300 m).

Found in an extraordinarily beautiful part of Costa Rica, Palmar Sur is situated in the Southern Pacific Region of Costa Rica. This region is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural treasures including lush exotic rainforest and many endangered species. The eco adventurers and nature lovers will discover an unforgettable slice of heaven here.

The town of Naranjo, settled in 1830, was originally known as “Los Naranjos” (the Orange Groves) due to the abundance of orange trees in the surrounding area. Although the name has been shortened and the amount of orange trees lessened, this city of 35,000 has remained an important agricultural hub for Costa Rica.

Cartago, Costa Rica's first capital, is one of the oldest communities in Costa Rica. It was home to the first enduring Spanish settlement since its foundation in 1563 by Juan Vásquez de Coronado. This important territory remained the capital city of Costa Rica until 1823, when the country’s first elected President, Juan Mora Fernández, decided to relocate. The President’s decision was to move the nation’s capital from Cartago to a smaller settlement named San José, which has been the nation’s capital ever since. Cartago is still one of the largest cities in the country and much of its ancie

Grecia is a medium sized town in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. About 27 miles (43km) northwest of the capital of San Jose, Grecia is set amidst mountains and rolling green valleys, offering great panoramas.

Puerto Limón, or simply Limón, is the heart and soul of the Caribbean coastal province of Limón. This is the region's largest city, with a population of approximately 85,000, including the surrounding districts. The inhabitants are mostly comprised of Afro-Caribbean ancestry, giving the city a completely unique appeal in a country that is over 90% mestizo. Although not considered a very touristy city, Puerto Limón is not without its charm.

Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Central Pacific Coast. The area is blessed with large amounts of sunshine and warmth. Like the name of the town Puntarenas is the Province it lays in and stretches as far south as Panama. This stretch has fantastic flora and fauna, radiant beaches, incredible eco adventure opportunities, and majestic national parks.

Located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley at the foot of the Cordillera Central (Central Mountains), the city of Ciudad Quesada is best known as a hubbub of business and agriculture. It lies 95 km north of San José along the San Carlos plain, one of the most agriculturally fertile valleys in all of Costa Rica.