San
Jose
CAPITAL:
San José ~ Population: 300.000
CLIMATE: Moderate, average
temperature 23 C
ALTITUDE: 1.160 mts. above sea
level
 San José
is the most populous province of the country . Within the
boundaries of San Jose we find portions of the Central and
Talamanca Mountain Ranges. The principal areas of development
are the surrounding areas of the city of San Jose. San Jose
bustles with all the activity of any major metropolitan city,
but a much lower pace.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Museums
Volcanoes
Sight Seeing
Night Life
Casinos
Cartago
AREA:
3.124 SQ KM
POPULATION: 350.0000
CAPITAL: Cartago , population
110.000 , 27km from San José.
CLIMATE:Temperate to moderate ,
average temperature 20 to 23 C.
ALTITUDE:1.439 mts above sea
level.
Cartago
is one of the smallest provinces , but also it is probably the
richest in colonial tradition. Cartago was the capital city of
Costa Rica until 1823. Altitudes vary from the highest peak of
Cerro de la Muerte at 3.600 meters above sea level to 90
meters above sea level at Turrialba.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Ruins of Ujarras
Orosi
Charrarra
Basilica de Los Angeles (Patron Saint of Costa Rica)
Irazu Volcano National Park
Guayabo National Monument
Alajuela
AREA:
9.753 SQ KM
POPULATION: 550.000
CAPITAL: Alajuela, population
160.000/ 22.5 km from San José
CLIMATE: Moderate to warm ,
average temperature 23 to 26 C
ALTITUDE: 925 mts above sea level
 Alajuela
is one of the most diverse and largest provinces of the
country. Within the boundaries of Alajuela we find portions of
the Central , Tilaran and Guanacaste Mountain Ranges . Another
sight not to be missed are the panoramas of the lush and
fertile plains of San Carlos. Altitudes vary from 900 to 90
meters above sea level , drastic changes in flora and fauna
are observed over relatively short distances.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Juan Santamaria Museum
La Guacima Race Track
Sarchi (oxcart factories)
Poás Volcano National Park
Carara Biological Reserve
Heredia
AREA:
2.656 SQ. KM
POPULATION: 250,000
CAPITAL Heredia, population
75.000 , 10 kms from San José.
CLIMATE Moderate , average
temperature 23 C
ALTITUDE 1.150 meters above sea
level
Heredia is also very
rich in colonial tradition . Situated on the Central Mountain
Range and extending north towards the border with Nicaragua,
Heredia is the heartland of Costa Rica’s world famous coffee
plantations.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Braulio Carrillo National
Park ~ One Day Tour
Ojo de Agua
Monte de la Cruz
Barva Volcano National Park
Puntarenas
AREA:
11.276 SQ. KM
POPULATION: 350.000
CAPITAL: Puntarenas , population
100.000 / 130 kms from San Jose
CLIMATE: Hot, average temperature
28 C
ALTITUDE: Sea level.
Puntarenas
is the largest province . The principal attractions are on the
Pacific coast itself . The islands located in the Gulf of
Nicoya are within the boundaries of this province as well as
part of the Tilaran and Talamanca Mountain Ranges. Port
Caldera , located 16 km south of the city of Puntarenas has
become the most important port of call for some of the major
cruise liners.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Jaco Beach
Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve
Caño Island Biological Reserve
Guayabo, Negritos and Los Pajaros Biological Reserve
Corcovado National Park
Limon
AREA:
9.188 SQ KM
POPULATION: 225.000
CAPITAL: Puerto Limon,
populations 70.000 / 209 kms from San Jose
CLIMATE: Hot humid, average
temperature 29 C
ALTITUDE: Sea level.
When Christopher
Columbus discovered Costa Rica in 1502 ,it was the coastline
of Limon that inspired him to name it the "Rich
Coast" Limon has become an important area for fishing
enthusiasts. (Snook and Tarpon.)
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Tortuguero National Park
Cahuita National Park
Barra de Colorado Wildlife Refuge
Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Playa Bonita
Guanacaste
AREA:
10.140 SQ. KM
POPULATION: 250.000
CAPITAL: Liberia , population
35.847 , 281 km form San Jose
CLIMATE: Warm , average
temperature 28 C
ALTITUDE: 25 mts above sea level
Guanacaste
is one of the largest but yet one of the least populated
provinces of Costa Rica. Guanacaste is primarily known for its
cattle production, is also known for its spectacular Pacific
coast beaches.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Santa Rosa National Park
Guanacaste National Park
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Palo Verde National Park
Barra Honda National Park
Guaitil (Chorotegan Indian Ceramic)
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