Escazu

Escazú encompasses three towns centers, each with their own central plaza and church: San Rafael de Escazú, San Miguel de Escazú, and San Antonio de Escazú. San Rafael de Escazú—which sits at the lowest elevation and is closest to San José—is the busiest and most-visited of the three. It centers on Avenida Escazú, where you’ll find various high-end shops, condominiums, restaurants, offices, a jump-through water fountain, and several sculptures. A little farther away sits San Miguel de Escazú, while the decidedly more rural San Antonio de Escazú is located farther up the slopes. 

Most travelers who come to Escazú use the peaceful and tranquil suburb as a base for exploring Costa Rica’s Central Valley, taking day trips to Poas Volcano National Park, Braulio Carrillo National Park, and Irazu Volcano National Park. Some food tours of San José also make stops at restaurants in the area.