San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose has been the capital of Costa Rica and the seat of its democracy since 1823. Nestled high in the Central Valley, between green volcanic mountain ranges, the metropolitan city of about one and half million people is oriented east and west, surrounded by suburbs that cling to the gentle foothills. Unlike other Central American capitals, San Jose is not a very colonial city, altoughs the heart of the historic center features several beautiful old buildings. It didn´t become a decent-size city until relatively late in the1800s, long past the colonial era, and had a modern building boom in the 1950s and 60s. Because of its economic success from coffee exports, San Jose became the second city in the Americas to install electricity. At its heart are the National Theater, Plaza de la Cultura, Pqrque Central, the Catedral and Gold and Jade Museums, which are centered in a four-block area qith a long pedestrian-only shopping walkway bisecting the middle of the downtown.

San Jose is a very Cosmopolitan capital with many welcoming qualities. Near-perfect weather is a big attraction to visitors who call the Central Valley home. The temperature is fairly consistent between 70 and 75 ºF.

As the cultural heart of the nation, San Jose is home to several theater groups, excellent museums, parks, a national symphony, cinemas and univertsities. It is also host to nightclubs, casinos, discos and fine restuarants.