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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. |
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