Learning More About Costa Rica’s Capital: San Jose

Learning More About Costa Rica’s Capital: San Jose

Learning More About Costa Rica’s Capital: San Jose


 

Want to learn more about the capital city of Costa Rica? Look no further. Here is a quick and simple guide on all the basic facts about San Jose, Costa Rica. Located approximately 4 to 5 hours away from Tamarindo, Costa Rica, visiting the capital can be a great overnight trip for anyone wanting to experience Costa Rican city life.



Quick Facts:



    • Population: 288,000+

    • Located in the Central Valley

    • Largest city in Costa Rica

    • 1,160 meters (3,800 feet) above sea level

    • Average rainfall: 1,971mm (77.6 in)

    • Average yearly high temperature: 26.9 °C (80.5 °F)


History


In the 1700s, San Jose was founded as a meeting place for gathering scattered locals in the area. The patron of the town’s parish was Saint Joseph, giving the city its name. San Jose did not start out with the intention of being the hub of the country or the capital. In fact, the capital city of Costa Rica used to be Cartago until 1823, two years after the country’s independence. In the 1800s, San Jose was the king of Costa Rican production, making it an ideal spot to call the capital.



Education


Overall, the country of Costa Rica has high literacy among its people, as well as high education levels in general. This is especially true in San Jose, considered the city with the highest education in all of Central America. The University of Costa Rica can be found in San Jose, as well as many other public and private education institutions.



Health


San Jose is also home to CIMA hospital. So for expats living in Costa Rica, or tourists with an emergency, San Jose will become a medical hub. This hospital is even a go-to spot for elective surgeries: cheaper costs, with profession and highly skilled staff. Surrounding CIMA hospital are high-end hotels and restaurants for your comfort.



Eating and Drinking


San Jose is a unique city. In some parts of the city, you will find small roadside sodas selling the typical food for inexpensive prices – very reminiscent of what you would see in other parts of the country. But then in other parts of the city, you will find yourself in extremely wealthy high-end restaurants from a variety of cuisines. You may find a beer for a dollar in one bar and then a glass of wine for $20 in another bar. This makes San Jose a wonderful foodie hub, a place to experience it all.



Top Things To See/Do:


Wondering what to do when you get to San Jose? Here is a list of some of the top spots in the city:
 

    • See a show at the Teatro Nacional Costa Rica (National Theater of Costa Rica)

    • Tour through the pre-Columbian gold museum or through the jade museum

    • Look at wonderful art by stopping at Museo de Arte Costarricense

    • Visit Museo Nacional (National Museum)

    • Take a walk through Parque La Sabana

    • Go shopping at your favourite stores at the Multiplaza Escazu

    • Watch an IMAX movie at the Nova Cinemas

    • Catch a soccer game at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica (National Stadium of Costa Rica)

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We are- UNHAPPILY- home safe. Would much rather be back in Tamarindo. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING you did to make our stay a joy ! We look very much forward to seeing you on our next trip to Costa Rica. PURA VIDA !

Steve Perry, Costa Rica

Laurel and Tony,
The both of you were fantastic with us throughout the property search and purchase process. As we had mentioned, two other attempts to find thorough, attentive, responsive agents to work with in Tamarindo were failures. I expect that we are more work to deal with than many others as we asked a lot of thorough and analytical questions and expected responses to all of them. You two never failed to deliver. The organization and execution of our condo shopping trip in January was excellent and the fact that you two devoted 2 full days to us, around our schedule, to get this deal done was key to our success. The selection of properties that Laurel planned out, including a few places above and below our target zone helped us to refine our interests. We truly appreciated your interest in our success. This could easily have been very stressful for us, and yet, it wasn’t. Thank you very much.
As a side note, when we walked into the Coldwell Banker office randomly with no appointment in November had we not found your office staff patient and accommodating from the start we would have simply walked on to the next agency. Your staff deserves special mention for getting us interested in the agency to begin with.
We will give you some advance notice before we make our first trip down so that we can plan to get together for lunch or dinner. We are tentatively planning on somewhere in the last 2 weeks of May, as soon as our son gets out of school for the summer.

Dan Batliner, Costa Rica

While my computer is still running here, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for your help during our stay.
When we first came to your office, we were in dire straights and in desperate need of assistance. Andrea was extremely compassionate, spoke with candor, and had a "can do attitude" that was of immense help.
In addition, Andrea has put us in contact with Steve, with whom we are working, preparing to view a little property that might be just what we are looking for at this particular time.
In addition, having gotten to know Andrea personally as well as professionally has been our great pleasure. I wanted to let you know what a tremendous asset she is to your company. She is a great treasure -- a one in a million.

Tina Parker, Costa Rica

We had so much fun at Buena Vista. Thanks for arranging that with Memo.
I also want to say many thanks for all that you have done. We have enjoyed Costa Rica and I have found you so helpful with everything and a pleasure to deal with that it was a very stress free vacation. When I do come back here hopefully you will still be doing what what you do.
Our last couple of days will be spent enjoying the sunshine and eating at great restaurants. Sincerely,

Tara, Kevin and Roy., Costa Rica
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