San Rafael de Escazú, San José

San José is home to several distinct communities, each with its own character and atmosphere. A suburb known to be among the most affluent neighborhoods is San Rafael de Escazú. Rather than dealing with the noises of the bustling city, visitors head to this area to enjoy tranquility at the many upscale accommodations, high-rise condominiums and tasty restaurants. This community also overlooks the Central Valley, providing spectacular views at many locations within its borders.

Getting to San Rafael de Escazú

It is easy for visitors to make their way to this community, thanks to its highway access. In addition to its proximity to the major highways, there are also many inexpensive and efficient public transportation options for those who do not wish to drive themselves from place to place. Another reason visitors and developers alike enjoy this part of town is its convenient location to the international airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport, as well as many of the attractions in San José and the rest of Costa Rica. Its ease of access makes it even easier to stay in one of the luxurious hotels when enjoying all of the attractions of the bustling city of San José.

Things to Do

There is plenty to do in and around San Rafael de Escazú. There are several picturesque residential areas surrounded by modern development, which adds to the quaint atmosphere of the town. Within the bounds of the suburb reside shopping centers and restaurants to explore. In the more recently developed neighborhoods, visitors have the option to visit nightclubs, plazas, spas, upscale restaurants and shopping malls. Thanks to its expansive growth, this area has become a highly popular location for tourists as well as new transplants to the city.

Like many communities in Costa Rica, this suburb features its own old church and a patron saint. A visit to this area must include a trip to the main church to get an idea of the history of the area. In addition to the attractions of the capital, many visitors also take the time to explore the nearby cities of Escazú, Santa Ana and La Guácima. San Miguel is just a kilometer away, and many visitors have a hard time seeing the border between the two suburbs, as the development of each has led to a merging between the two.

Nightlife

Although this community might provide a more tranquil atmosphere, it still has plenty of restaurants, clubs and bars for which Costa Rica is famous. Many young Ticos enjoy the Costa Rica nightlife in this neighborhood. Those who prefer other types of entertainment can visit movie theaters that play international releases or have fun bowling. Alternatively, there are opportunities for visiting art galleries or dining at some of the best restaurants around. Those who wish to learn Spanish can find language schools offering night classes.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Accommodations

The attractions of San Rafael de Escazú have created an increase in choices for accommodations for visitors to the city. There are several luxury hotel and resort options, as well as quaint B&Bs and inns. Some hotels and resorts offer many amenities to enhance any visit, including panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Some also offer day trips from their residence to the nearby botanical gardens and hot springs, as well as the museums and other attractions in San José.

In addition to the many things to do and see in this area, as well as its luxurious accommodations, this suburb features an attractive climate that allows for exploration almost any time of the year. With so much to offer, it is no surprise that San Rafael de Escazú has become an increasingly popular spot for tourists, locals and new transplants alike.