Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.
The seven provinces of Costa Rica are:
San José – This is the capital province and contains the city of San José, which is the largest city in Costa Rica. It also includes many other important cities such as Escazú, Alajuela, and Heredia.
Alajuela – This province is located in the northwest of the country and is known for its fertile farmland and coffee plantations. It contains the city of Alajuela, as well as the popular tourist destinations of La Fortuna and Monteverde.
Cartago – This province is located in the central part of the country and is known for its historical importance. It contains the city of Cartago, which was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823.
Heredia – This province is located in the north-central part of the country and is known for its coffee plantations and beautiful landscapes. It contains the city of Heredia, as well as the popular tourist destination of Barva.
Guanacaste – This province is located in the northwest of the country and is known for its beautiful beaches and national parks. It contains the popular tourist destinations of Tamarindo and Papagayo.
Puntarenas – This province is located in the west of the country and is known for its beautiful beaches and national parks. It contains the popular tourist destinations of Manuel Antonio and Jacó.
Limón – This province is located in the east of the country and is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and beautiful beaches. It contains the city of Limón, as well as the popular tourist destinations of Puerto Viejo and Cahuita.
Each province is further divided into cantons, of which there are 81 in total.
The cantons are further divided into districts, of which there are 473 in total. The districts are the smallest administrative divisions in Costa Rica and are usually made up of several towns and villages.
Understanding these administrative divisions is important for anyone planning to travel to or do business in Costa Rica.
San Jose Province
San Jose is a province located in the central region of Costa Rica. The province’s capital, also named San Jose, is the largest city in the country and the political and cultural center of Costa Rica.
San Jose province has a diverse landscape that ranges from the high mountains of the Central Valley to the tropical forests of the Osa Peninsula. The region is home to several important natural landmarks, such as the Poas Volcano National Park, and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Worth to visit also the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose.
San Jose province is also an important economic hub for Costa Rica, with a thriving business sector and a well-educated workforce. The region is home to many universities, research centers, and high-tech companies, making it a center for innovation and development.
San Jose province offers a wide variety of attractions, including colonial architecture, museums, art galleries, theaters, and parks.
Alajuela Province
Alajuela Province is located in the northwest region of Costa Rica and is the second-largest province in the country.
The province’s capital city, also named Alajuela, is the second-largest city in Costa Rica and is known for its lively atmosphere, charming architecture, and friendly people. The city is also home to the country’s main international airport, Juan Santamaria International Airport, which serves as a gateway to Costa Rica’s many natural and cultural attractions.
Alajuela Province boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from the volcanic peaks of the Central Valley to the lush rainforests of the Northern Lowlands. The region is home to several important national parks, including Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Alajuela Province is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural events. The province is home to many traditional festivals and celebrations, including the famous Palmares Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Cartago Province
This province was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823 and is home to many historic landmarks and religious sites.
Heredia Province
This province is known for its picturesque landscapes and is home to the popular tourist destination of Monteverde.
Guanacaste Province
This province is located on the Pacific coast and is known for its beaches and national parks.
Puntarenas Province
This province covers much of the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica and includes the popular tourist destinations of Manuel Antonio National Park and Jacó.
Limon Province
This province is located on the Caribbean coast and is home to several national parks, including Tortuguero National Park, known for its sea turtle nesting sites.
