Santa Ana
A modish escape from the frenzied streets of San Jose is the alluring city of Santa Ana. Following the Próspero Fernández Expressway (Carretera Próspero Fernández) west 15 minutes from San José will take you to her convivial neighbor.
Santa Ana Best Things to Do
Sleep in before being transported to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an all-day tour at one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The excursion is designed to start later than most tours so you are rested when you experience what the Waterfall Gardens boasts as the essence of Costa Rica on a guided hike through the reserve.
7 hrs
From $97This tour takes visitors to some of San José’s most interesting cultural highlights. To get from one destination to the next you’ll walk and take local transportation.
4 hrs
From $65Area Guide
Situated just beyond trendy Escazú, this smaller, alluring suburb of San José is growing rapidly. Here is where you will find a large ex-pat population, enthralled in the local ambiance due to the modern conveniences provided and its cultural atmosphere. Local arts and crafts can be checked out at Cerámica Santa Ana, where pottery is still made on old-fashioned kick-wheels. Exploring the city, you can’t miss the glamorous bouquets of flowers and stands full of sweet onions, which are a local crop.
Santa Ana is a great place to stay as many luxurious hotels and restaurants providing tasty delights are nearby. Passing through town, you might stop by the town center and observe its church glancing out vigilantly over the community. It is even within very close proximity to the extensive Multiplaza, the largest shopping center in the country. Santa Ana’s charming appeal and close proximity to metropolitan San José give it a unique and inviting atmosphere.
A short drive north of Santa Ana will take you to the relaxing Ojo de Agua, a bathing resort which contains swimming pools and lakes formed by a natural spring. From Santa Ana, it is possible to explore anywhere in Costa Rica and most especially the Central Valley. The country’s main artery, the Inter-American Highway, cuts through the valley, conveniently close to Santa Ana allowing a quick getaway for travelers.
Feedback From Travelers
We saw quite a few tourists on certain days, but this would hardly be considered "touristy." It is a nice town (at least we thought so), within less than half an hour from downtown San Jose by public bus - which cost a fraction of the fare of a taxi or Uber.
- Santa Ana Things To Do
Santa Ana Things To Do
- Places Nearby
- Pacuare River78 km.
- La Paz Waterfall4 km.
- San Jose11 km.
- Tapanti National Park66 km.