The Central Region
is the country's gateway, but in itself offers a wide
range of activities and attractions worth exploring.
One of the main characteristics is its pleasant climate,
since even San José, located 1.149 meters above
sea level (3.734° Ft), enjoys an average temperature
of 24 C (77° Ft). A gastronomic variety and high
level lodgings characterize this region, and let's nor
forget the bed & breakfasts and the popular "sodas"
or small local food restaurants. Five of the best museums
in the country are in the capital: the Gold, Jade, National,
Contemporary Art and Children's museums, in addition
to the maximum architectural jewel of Costa Rica: The
National Theatre, built in 1897 through a self-imposed
coffee tax and reflecting European cultural influence.
Dance
halls and discos where tropical rhythms vibrate, as
well as fashionable pubs are part of the San José's
night atmosphere. San José is also headquarters
of the country's government and political life. Cultural
activities, such as the theatre and contemporary dance,
as well as academic activities are also an integral
part of an area that boasts high standards in education
and health.
In San José's surrounding areas, typical towns
of great scenic beauty and rural landscapes offer, a glance
of the former Costa Rica, with its tile roof houses, large
solariums, domestic animals, "trapiches" and
dairies, as well as ox carts, one of the leading rural
symbols of Costa Rican. The fairs of the patron saints,
as well as San José's "Festejos Populares"
in December, are some of the traditional activities offered
to the visitor. The great scenic beauty that is the central
region of Costa Rica, a result of the Central Volcanic
Mountain range that on addition to its attractive mountains,
also includes impressive active volcanoes like the Poás
and the Irazú. This region, due to its climate
and altitude, is also the area that has the best conditions
for coffee production, for which Costa Rica is famous.
Other farming includes, vegetables, ferns, fruits and
a great variety of ornamental plant nurseries. In some
mountain sites, trout fishing is practiced and then served
in succulent plates.
Another jewel
of the region is the Basilica of Los Angeles: Costa Rica's
Cathedral and maximum religious symbol, located in the city
of Cartago, former capital of the country. More than a church,
it is a sanctuary, where the faithful, devoted to the Virgin
of Los Angeles carry out a pilgrimage every August 2nd, day
on which her appearance to a humble native of the region is
commemorated. Without a doubt, the central region means much
more than the gateway, to the country.
