Urban City in Costa Rica

San Pedro in the San Jose Province

Costa Rica is known for it's beaches, forestation and wildlife. But contrary to the popular belief, in the midst of this paradise lies a vibrant and bustling metropolis. San Pedro, which is located in San Jose province, is known for its top-notch commercial development, numerous universities and centers of higher education, and its active night life. It is one of the most urbanized and busy places in Costa Rica.

San Pedro is known in Costa Rica as the Cradle of Higher Education as it is home to the University of Costa Rica as well as other university-level centers, such as the Universidad Latina and the Universidad Americana. The canton can boast of 99% literacy, compared with 95% in Costa Rica at large. One good reason for staying here is that this is a great place to learn Spanish. With numerous language schools that even provide accommodations, these places are a great help for those who plan on working or staying for an extended period of time.

Also at the heart of the place is the Mall San Pedro, a shopping center with tattoo parlors, movie theaters, food courts, video game shops and clothing stores that all flairs with the authentic latin appeal that only Costa Rica can give. Near the mall is the Fuente de la Hispanidad, a large fountain in a major street intersection that caters to the country's cultural heritage. An important landmark in the area, the place is also adjacent to lines of intricate cave-like rock formations facade of the Mall San Pedro.

Another known feature of the San Pedro metropolitan area is Calle de la Amargura, a four block long street near the University of Costa Rica, which is the hot spot for partying. La Calle, as it is often called, is a home to many bars, restaurants, nightclubs and discos like Terra U, La Villa, Tavarua, Caccio's and Mosaikos, which are known for being very active everyday (except Sundays). Its proximity to the university and its young, economical inactive students makes this area offer food and drinks for relatively low prices.

Despite the hustle and bustle apparent, San Pedro nestles at the heart of Costa Rica's lush valleys surrounded by verdant green volcanic mountain ranges. If the downtown city gets too busy, then San Pedro's beautiful suburbs offer the perfect peaceful and quiet rest you needs to get away from the urban humdrum. It has a lot of accommodations to suit every budget ranging from luxurious hotels to reasonably priced villas or apartels. The soothing suburban air and the green succulent backdrop provides a very suitable place to go and relax.

A Latin American city boosting with culture and spirit, the climate here is near perfect with a spring-like temperature throughout the year. Located just a few miles away from San Jose, where a bus to anywhere in the country is always available, it boasts wonderful, warm and friendly people, surreal adventure that awaits and scenic environment ready to awe. Offering stunning and picturesque panoramas of nature and countryside, San Pedro is the perfect place to savor a travel to Costa Rica.