Places to Explore

• Alajuela

  Because of its proximity to the international airport (5-10 minutes away) many travelers spend their first or last night in or near Alajuela, but the beauty of the surrounding countryside persuades some... (more)

• Cartago

  Although earthquakes have destroyed most of its structures from the colonial era, Cartago still has some attractive restored buildings, most of them erected after the devastating 1910 earthquake. The city... (more)

• Escazú

  Costa Rica's wealthiest community and the Central Valley's most prestigious address, Escazú nevertheless mixes glamour with tradition, BMWs with oxcarts, Louis Vuitton with burlap produce sacks... (more)

• Heredia

  The lively city of Heredia, capital of the important coffee province of the same name, contains some of the country's best-preserved colonial structures along with a contrasting, youthful buzz provided... (more)

• The Orosi Valley

  If you have a day to spend near San José, this idyllic valley makes a classic day trip, passing through coffee plantations shaded by poro trees, seas of chayote-squash vines, and small towns backed... (more)

• San Antonio de Belén

  San Antonio de Belén has little to offer visitors but its rural charm and proximity to the international airport. The latter led developers to build several of the San José area's biggest... (more)

• Santa Ana

  Santa Ana's tranquil town center, with its rugged stone church, has changed little through the years, even if metro development, with the accompanying condos and shopping malls spreads out in all directions... (more)

• Santo Domingo

  Between Heredia and San José, the pretty town of Santo Domingo de Heredia, established in the early 19th century, has wide streets and fine examples of traditional, tile-roof houses, and a monumental... (more)

• Turrialba

  The relatively well-to-do agricultural center of Turrialba is a pleasant town, with a youthful vibe from the nearby university, a colorful open-air market, and a tree-shaded central park filled with an... (more)

• Volcán Irazú