Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [78]
Scotiabank (Map; Carretera John F Kennedy, San Rafael) There is a 24-hour ATM, plus they can exchange cash and traveler’s checks.
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Sights & Activities
Because this is a residential area, there’s little in the way of tourist attractions – but if you’re looking for a pleasant neighborhood to browse shops and enjoy a leisurely meal, it’s ideal. The best spot for a walk are the narrow, gridded streets of Escazú Centro, which at its heart contains a small park and the Iglesia Escazú (Map; cnr Av Central & Calle Central). First built in 1799, it has been rebuilt many times since due to regular earthquakes. The exterior isn’t much to look at (a 1990s remodel left it with an awkward concrete facade), but the stone-columned interior is pleasant, with a main altar covered in ceramic tiles and capped by a gilded baroque-style altar.
For organized day tours of San José or any number of Central Valley sights, try Swiss Travel Service (Map; 2282-4898; www.swisstravelcr.com; Autopista Próspero Fernández, 300m west of Cruce de Piedades de Santa Ana).
The golf set can swing their nine-irons at Parque Valle del Sol (Map; 2282-9222, ext 218/219; www.vallesol.com; 1.7km west of HSBC Bank, Santa Ana; 6:30am-6pm Tue-Sun, 8am-6pm Mon; 18 holes with a cart US$94), in nearby Santa Ana, a residential community with a public 18-hole course.
And, if you want to sharpen your dance moves, sign up for classes at Merecumbé Escazú (Map; 2289-4774, 8884-7553; cnr Av 3 & Calle Cortés, Escazú). Click here for details.
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Festivals & Events
On the second Sunday of March, Escazú celebrates Día del Boyero, a celebration in honor of oxcart drivers. Dozens of boyeros from all over the country decorate traditional, brightly painted carts and form a colorful (if slow) parade.
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Sleeping
This is a stylish area with varied accommodations – from sleek boutique inns to homey B&Bs – the vast majority of which fall into the midrange and top-end category. Street addresses aren’t always given; refer to the map or call the hotel for directions (which are invariably complicated).
MIDRANGE
Hotel Mirador Pico Blanco (Map; 2228-1908, 2289-6197; hotelpicoblanco.com; Calle Salitrillos, San Antonio; d standard/ste US$40/50; ) A sleepy stone inn located high in the hills, Pico Blanco is perched on a ridge 3km southeast of central Escazú. The hotel has seen better days, but the 15 rooms are comfortable, with tile floors, cable TV and clean, if slightly worn, bathrooms. For the money, you won’t find more extravagant metropolitan views. There is a small onsite restaurant, which cooks up traditional meals (dishes ₡2000 to ₡4000). Credit cards accepted.
Villa Escazú (Map; 2289-7971; inezchapman29@yahoo.com; www.hotels.co.cr/vescazu.html; Escazú Centro; s/d/tr without bathroom incl breakfast US$50/60/75, 2-night minimum; ) This two-story wood chalet with a wraparound veranda is surrounded by gardens and fruit trees. Accommodations are in one of two quaint wood-paneled rooms that feature local artwork and have comfy couches and a shared bathroom. Breakfast is served on the outdoor balcony. A small, ground-floor studio apartment with a small kitchen, cable TV and a tiled bathroom is also available for rent (US$280 per week).
Park Place B&B (Map; 2228-9200; San Antonio; s/d without bathroom incl breakfast US$55/60; ) Retired dentist Barry Needman runs this small place, situated in an attractive whitewashed alpine-style house. Four simple, immaculate guest bedrooms share two bathrooms, kitchen privileges and a roomy lounge with big-screen TV. Every morning, Barry cooks an American-style breakfast for his guests. There’s no sign out front, so look for the high eaves.
Costa Verde Inn (Map; 2228-4080; www.costaverdeinn.com;