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You may be surprised to learn that for being such a prominent adventure vacation destination, Costa Rica cities (of the metropolitan variety) are relatively small and few. However, that just provides you with even more incentive to get outdoors instead of spending your entire holiday in a place that's just like home. Cities in Costa Rica are not without their charm, as you'll discover when you're admiring the architecture, surrounding greenery, and friendly locals found in locales including San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Escazu, Puntarenas, and Limon.
If you're concerned about missing opportunities to shop, dine out, and enjoy nightlife then this is the list for you. Here, Anywhere provides you with an assortment of bustling towns, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of restaurant options. In a sense, these destinations are no longer small villages — they'll offer you the chance to get out and about between your more adventurous excursions.
Destinations
Costa Rica highlights: Costa Rica Cities
Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Costa Rica
San Jose
"Chepe," as the city is referred to by locals, is the capital city of Costa Rica and a hub for modern Costa Rican culture. It's also where most visitors depart for tours of central Costa Rica's volcanoes and coffee plantations. Before you leave, take a fun-filled tour of the city's monuments and parks, and maybe sample the burgeoning craft beer scene.
Explore DestinationAlajuela & SJO Airport
Alajuela, nicknamed City of the Mangoes, is one of the most important cities in Costa Rica. It is the capital city of the providence bearing its name and is located just 11 miles northwest (17 km) of San Jose. Just outside of town is where you'll find the Juan Santamaria International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria), Costa Rica's principal airport.
Explore DestinationJaco
Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley and is one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a 2.5 mile (4 km) strip which offers world renowned surfing and more.
Explore DestinationQuepos
Quepos allows tourists to experience a once in a lifetime nature experience in Manuel Antonio National Park without leaving any of the familiar amenities behind. The close proximity of the park, located just 4.3 miles (7 km) to the south, and a wide array of services makes Quepos the perfect place to stay for those who wish to explore this enchanting area. The amenities available include everything from banks, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, bakeries, bars, a hospital, supermarket and even a post office.
Explore DestinationSanta Ana
A modish escape from the frenzied streets of San Jose 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.
Explore DestinationPuntarenas
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.
Explore DestinationCartago
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 Vasquez de Coronado. This important territory remained the capital city of Costa Rica until 1823, when the country's first elected President, Juan Mora Fernandez, decided to relocate. The President's decision was to move the nations capital from Cartago to a smaller settlement named San Jose, which has been the nation's capital ever since. Cartago is still one of the largest cities in the country and much of its ancient history can still be seen to this day.
Explore DestinationHeredia
Just 7.5 miles (12 km) northwest of the chaotic, busy streets of the capital city is the smaller, less hectic city of Heredia. Although Heredia is the smallest of Costa Rica's provinces, it is one of the most aesthetically stimulating. Similar to the neighboring city of Alajuela to the west, Heredia, affectionately referred to as 'The City of Flowers', has much to offer and is a great place to start a trip to nearby destinations.
Explore DestinationLiberia
Due to excellent facilities and its close proximity to scores of attractions, Liberia is an ideal stopover for many visitors. With the recent opening of the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, the once sleepy cowboy town of Liberia is undergoing comprehensive metamorphosis as it transitions from old colonial town to modern-day tourism hub.
Explore DestinationCañas
Cañas is a small town in Guanacaste, about an hour south of Liberia. Located off a rural stretch of the Pan American Highway, Cañas is a quiet town near an abundance of interesting natural attractions. There are places to stay the night here, as well as a few restaurants and cafes. Near the main square, you can see an unusual modern church, decorated in brightly colored mosaics. Cañas is an especially convenient stop for visitors on their way to see Palo Verde National Park or the Tenorio Volcano.
Explore DestinationSan Isidro de El General
After experiencing the passage along the Inter-Americana Highway from San Jose 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).
Explore DestinationSan Ramon
Located between the all important city of Alajuela and Puntarenas is the charming district of San Ramon, the second largest in the Alajuela Province. Situated just off the Inter-American Highway, San Ramon is surrounded by the Coffee clad hills which gaze out over the Central Valley. The mostly mountainous region produces many different crops including sugarcane, coffee and vegetables and the cattle industry still thrives.
Explore DestinationGrecia
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.
Explore DestinationNaranjo
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.
Explore DestinationEscazu
Escazú is considered by most to be one of the most posh, trendy and upscale suburb of the San José metropolitan area. Located 7.5 miles (12 km) from San José and just 3 miles (5 km) west of Sábana Park in the capital city, it is a great place to enjoy the same amenities of the larger, busier city, but with a more laid back feel. Just like Beverly Hills, CA, the city has tons of shopping, restaurants, B&B, gyms, and even golf at the exclusive Costa Rica Country Club where you'll find an 18-hole championship golf course.
Explore DestinationSarchí
The small and quaint town of Sarchí is famed throughout Costa Rica for its brightly colored, intricately constructed handicrafts. At only an hour’s drive from San José, a visit to Sarchí is the perfect daytime diversion while traveling through the beautiful Central Valley.
Explore DestinationNicoya
This town of some 25,000, including surrounding districts, plays a crucial role as the administrative center of the indigenous Chorotega heartland on the Nicoya Peninsula. Named after the Native American chief that first greeted Spanish conquistadores in 1523, Nicoya’s population is made up of mostly Chorotega descendents.
Explore DestinationCiudad Quesada
Located 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 59 miles (95 km) north of San José along the San Carlos plain, one of the most agriculturally fertile valleys in all of Costa Rica.
Explore DestinationLimon
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 percent mestizo. Although not considered a very touristy city, Puerto Limón is not without its charm.
Explore DestinationPalmar Sur
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 exotic rainforest and many endangered species. The eco adventurers and nature lovers will discover an unforgettable slice of heaven here.
Explore DestinationLiberia Airport
The Liberia Airport acts as a gateway to exploring the Nicoya Peninsule and northern regions of Costa Rica. There are a number of hotels, restaurants, rental car agencies, and shops around the airport. Staying here before or after a flight makes the travel process smooth and easy.
Explore DestinationSan Rafael de Puriscal
San Rafael de Puriscal is a rural town with sugarcane fields. It is a good destination for taking a horseback riding tour of the countryside. There are a few small hotels and restaurants in town.
Explore DestinationEsparza
Esparza sits on the Gulf of Nicoya, in the Puntarenas province. It is one of the oldest cities in Costa Rica, founded in the 16th century by the Spanish.
Explore DestinationHojancha
Visitors to Hojancha can expect beautiful scenery and a break from the noise and pollution of ordinary life. This rural town has made a strong commitment to the environment, and has won the Costa Rican government’s Ecological Blue Flag award.
Explore DestinationTres Rios de Cartago
Tres Ríos de Cartago is a small town in central Costa Rica. It is located in Costa Rica’s Valle Central (Central Valley), just 7.5 miles (12 km) from the capital city of San José.
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Anywhere Costa Rica
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Anywhere Costa Rica
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Belong Anywhere
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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
