For those who seek a bit of culture and history, the town of Cartago, a short drive from San Jose, beckons. As the erstwhile ...

The GAM– La Gran Area Metropolitana– is the acronym for the greater metro area of San Jose. It extends as far west as Atenas and north to the volcanic mountain ranges of Cartago and Heredia provinces.

Atenas is more rural but within easy reach of San Jose and other larger towns ... Ecotourism is a major draw to this town in northwestern Costa Rica with its high elevation and cooler weather.

San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital ... Barrio Amón is popular with tourists for its centuries-old mansions and photo-worthy architecture. Barrio Escalante is equally popular for its variety ...