Escazú

An upscale suburb blending traditional village charm with modern malls, fine dining and expat life. Visit for its restaurants, colonial church and views over the Central Valley.

Things to do

• Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel — Visit the historic colonial-era Catholic church that anchors central Escazú and hosts the town's patron saint festivities.
• Multiplaza Escazú — Browse one of Costa Rica's most upscale shopping malls, packed with international brands, cinemas and restaurants.
• Avenida Escazú — Stroll this modern open-air lifestyle complex full of fine dining, cafés and boutique shopping popular with expats.
• San Antonio de Escazú viewpoints — Drive up into the hills of San Antonio for sweeping panoramic views over the Central Valley and San José.
• Casa de las Brujas legends walk — Explore Escazú's reputation as the 'City of Witches' rooted in local folklore and traditional healers.
• Pico Blanco hike — Tackle the challenging trail up this prominent peak in the Escazú mountains for rewarding valley vistas.
• Boyeros oxcart tradition — Discover the region's famed painted oxcarts, especially during the annual Día del Boyero festival in March.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty traditional plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and your choice of meat found in local sodas.
• Gallo pinto — Costa Rica's iconic breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans served with eggs, sour cream and tortillas.
• Fine dining scene — Escazú's upscale restaurants offer everything from Peruvian ceviche to steakhouses and international cuisine.
• Café con leche and tres leches — Pair strong local coffee with the moist milk-soaked tres leches cake at a neighborhood café.
• Chicharrones with yuca — Crispy fried pork served with boiled cassava and pickled cabbage, a beloved weekend treat.
• Fresh fruit and produce at the feria — Sample seasonal tropical fruits at the local farmers market for an authentic taste of the valley.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring a car or use rideshare — Escazú is hilly and spread out, so walking between the old village and modern malls is impractical.
• Embrace the witch folklore — Locals proudly call Escazú the City of Witches, and you'll see brooms and witch imagery in local art and branding.
• Expat-friendly but Spanish helps — Many businesses cater to English-speaking expats, though a few Spanish phrases are appreciated in traditional sodas.
• Dress up for nicer venues — Escazú's upscale restaurants and clubs lean more fashionable than the rest of casual Costa Rica.

Nearby

• La Sabana Metropolitan Park — 4 km
• San José — 5 km
• Central Market — 6 km
• Jade Museum — 7 km