The city of San Jose

Costa Rica’s capital and the largest city in the country, San Jose is considered to be among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. It is at the heart of the sprawling Gran Area Metropolitana or GAM, located in the Central Valley and ringed by wonderful green mountains and valleys. This city is the seat of national government, the focal point of political and economic activity, and the major transportation hub of the country.

The GAM has currently a population is of 1 345 750 habitantes, which is about the third of the country´s population.

The city lies at a mean elevation of 1,161 m above sea level, and enjoys a stable climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 23C and precipitation of 150 mm per month.

Although founded in 1737, San José was not named capital until 1823.

The University of Costa Rica was established here in 1843, in that time with the name of University of Santo Tomás. San José also serves as the headquarters of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The city is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport, 23 km west of downtown, in the city of Alajuela.

Nowadays it's a modern city with bustling commerce, brisk expressions of art and architecture, and spurred by the country's tourism industry, it is also a significant destination for foreign visitors.

Although its style and architecture are contemporary, some buildings of strong European influence, mainly British and French, can still be found as a heritage of the economic coffee prosperity from the Turn of the Century.

Fruit stands, outdoor cafes, and stall vendors, and shoppers all crowd the sidewalks of San Jose Costa Rica. Beyond this, museums, lovely old churches and well manicured parks make San Jose a heavenly place to explore on foot. The Central Avenida is a pedestrian only street, with fountains and cobblestones for your viewing pleasure. Good cafes and art galleries are located throughout the city. San José offers many places to eat, dance, enjoy entertainment and culture and spend time socializing with other people.

San Jose, the city that stretches across Costa Rica's pastoral past and connects it to its technological and economic future.