Guides

The province of Cartago has a long and rich history in Costa Rica. It was founded in 1563 and was the home to Costa Rica's national capital until 1823.  One of the most famous attractions in Cartago is the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels. Every year, Catholic Pilgrims from throughout the country will walk (sometimes taking up to a week) from their home to the church to pay respect.  Today, it is a rich blend of new and modern companies, blended with its agricultural roots. There are also national parks, volcanos and other amazing natural elements to be found and explored.  Read more

San Jose is the most populous province in Costa Rica. San Jose is also the name of Costa Rica's capital city. In fact, the airport code for Costa Rica's largest airport is SJO, however, the airport is technically in Alajuela (province and city).  San Jose is home to all major federal government agencies including their Congress and home to the President, as well as, the country's National Stadium, several private world-class health care facilities and an increasing number of high-end residential areas.  San Jose, Costa Rica, has evolved into a mix of ultra modern city, with large technology employers such as Intel, HP, Amazon increasingly moving operations to San Jose due t... Read more

The majority of its territory is situated in the country's Caribbean lowlands, though the southwestern portion houses part of an extensive mountain range known as the Cordillera de Talamanca. The province shares its northern border with Nicaragua via the Río San Juan, its western borders with the provinces of Heredia, Cartago, and Puntarenas, and its southern border with Panama via the Río Sixaola. Within the province there are six cantons, or counties, which include Pococí, Guácimo, Siquirres, Matina, Limón, and Talamanca. Each cantón has several local districts. Limón is one of the most culturally diverse of Costa Rica's provinces, housing a significant Afro-Caribbean... Read more

The Costa Rica province of Alajuela is, arguably, the most diverse province in terms of geography and development.  For example, Alajuela (the province) is home to Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code SJO) - the busiest airport in Costa Rica - located in the city of Alajuela. Alajuela, the province, is also home to Volcan Arenal - one of the most popular tourist attractions located in the north central region of the country in the cloud forests. Whereas the international airport is simply an extension of the greater-San Jose metropolitan area, the area north of there is quite rural.  One of Costa Rica's most active (and easy to visit) volcanos is Poas Vo... Read more

Costa Rica's Guanacaste province is in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, with the Pacific Ocean as its western border and Nicaragua its northern border. The city of Liberia is home to an international airport, with daily flights from cities around the world (and an increasing number annually).  Because of the airport which provides easy access to Guanacaste, the miles and miles of pristine beaches, this area developed quickly beginning in the early 2000's, and several world-class resorts have since opened.  The larger beach towns of Tamarindo and Playa de Coco are popular for tourists and property owners. Playa Negra Tamarindo Playa de Coco Read more

The province Puntarenas stretches down Costa Rica's pacific coast, and is home to some of Costa Rica's most well known cities and National Parks. Costa Rica's most popular tourist destination, Manuel Antonio National Park (and the neighboring city of Quepos) is located here. Additionally, Puntarenas is where travelers will find: Jaco: Costa Rica's best known party and most developed beachfront area Dominical: Great surfing, great shopping and great vibes Uvita: Ballena National Park (and the famous whale's tail beach)  Ojochal: Home to the area's best restaurants Reserva Playa Tortuga: Help protect and save Costa Rica's turtles during your stay Palmar Sur/Sierpe: Home ... Read more