San Jose Costa Rica
San Jose Province

San Jose Costa Rica, the capital city, is home to close to 30% of the entire country's population. The city is known as Chepe by the locals. Located in the Meseta Central at an elevation of 3700', the city is surrounded by mountains. Although crowded and somewhat smog filled, there are interesting landmarks worth a day trip at the end of your vacation while waiting for your flight. The center picture is the National Theater.

The downtown area includes ornate Catholic churches and numerous parks. The downtown area is a grid of numerous one way streets. Driving in the downtown area is somewhat problematic. It is easy to get lost in San Jose Costa Rica in general, and should be avoided at night entirely.

Many ornate trees and parks are scattered throughout the San Jose Costa Rica downtown area. There are four state funded schooling systems which are available at no cost to the country's citizens. The largest and oldest of the universities is the University of Costa Rica which enrolls some 36,000 students.

Mercado Central between Avenidas Central and Calles 6/8 is the most colorful shopping area in the city. Pickpockets thrive in the crowded places. Don't place valuables in backpacks slung over your back and tuck away your wallet in your front pocket. Gambling casino's and adult oriented hotels are found in the heart of the city. These are not family oriented hotels.