Country Guide » Destinations
Escazu is a suburb of San Jose, situated about 4 miles west of downtown. Despite it’s proximity to San Jose, Escazu has its own distinct character, known fondly by Ticos as the “City of Witches”. Legend says that any woman who lives in Escazu long enough becomes a witch! Escazu comes in two parts – traditional Escazu with its old blue and white painted adobe homes, ox carts and rural farming community, and the newer, brasher Escazu with its multimillion dollar homes, shopping malls and high end bars and restaurants. It’s not for nothing that Escazu is known as the “Beverly Hills” of Costa Rica, and it’s the home to many foreign dignitaries, including the US ambassador.
Escazu lies higher than San Jose and has a slightly cooler climate than the capital. The higher altitude of the Escazu Mountains (Cerros de Escazu) affords fantastic views over the city of San Jose and the Central Valley, and there are a number of great restaurants situated at these viewpoints. Hiking in the Cerros de Escazu is possible with great hikes to Pico Blanco or La Cruz with its iron cross, visible from all over San Jose.
Overall, Escazu offers a great small town vibe and gives a snapshot into Costa Rica’s colonial heart.
