Discovering Costa Rica

Page 9

Geographic Overview

Costa Rica, which sits in Central America,

borders the Caribbean Sea to the east, the

Pacific Ocean to the west, Nicaragua to the

north, and Panama to the south. At 51,000 sq.

km., Costa Rica is slightly smaller than West

Virginia (not including Isla del Coco). Its

coastline runs 1,290 km.

The coastal plains are separated by rugged

mountains. There are two active, major

volcanoes that rise near the capital of San

José, in the center of the country. One of the

volcanoes, Irazú, erupted destructively in 1965.

The Arenal Volcano maintains constant eruptions.

Costa Rica is divided into seven administrative divisions or provinces: Alajuela, Cartago,

Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, and San José.

San José Neighborhoods

Escazú

A traditional colonial style neighborhood with well-established stores and nightlife. Many stores

are within walking distance from most residential areas. There are cooler temperatures at the

hills and views of beautiful scenery at the top of the Central Valley.

Housing:

Single-family homes, condominiums, apartments, and town houses

Shopping:

Numerous stores, shopping centers, malls, supermarkets, dry cleaners,

furniture stores, pharmacies, and jewelry stores

Restaurants:

Many options including typical food, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese,

Oriental, American, Spanish, and International. Lots of coffee shops like Starbucks at

Escazú Avenue, pubs, and ice-cream parlors. Restaurants such as Le Monastere,

Actitud Buenos Aires, Chancay, El Novillo Alegre, La Cascada, La Divina Comida, Los

Anonos, Lorenzo´s, Restaurante Saga, Inka Grill, L`ile de France.

Schools:

Country Day School, Blue Valley School, Saint Mary School, Lighthouse

School, and West College are among the many offered

Office Complexes:

Plaza Roble, Trilogía, Meridiano, and Escazú Corporate Business

Center, to name a few

Others:

Day care centers, fitness centers, dry cleaners, pharmacies, schools, beauty

parlors, hotels, and banks