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Escazú
CENTRAL VALLEY · AREA GUIDE

Complete Guide to Escazú

Everything you need to know before visiting Escazú, Costa Rica

About Escazú

Escazú occupies a peculiar and enviable position in Costa Rica's geography: elevated above San José's urban density yet tethered to it by a 20-minute expressway connection, close enough to the Juan Santamaría Airport to make same-day arrivals effortless, and far enough from beach traffic to offer the kind of everyday sophistication that serious travelers quietly prefer. Often called the Beverly Hills of Costa Rica, this Central Valley district has built its reputation on the quality of its restaurants, the caliber of its hospitals, and the exceptional quality of life it delivers to the discerning expat, business traveler, and medical tourist alike.

The neighborhood divides into two distinct personalities. San Rafael de Escazú, right off the expressway from San José, is modern and internationally flavored: high-rise condos, designer boutiques, Multiplaza mall (the best shopping center in the country), and a restaurant scene that would hold its own in any world capital. Within a few square blocks you'll find Peruvian cevicherías next to French bistros, Argentine parrillas, Indian restaurants with candlelit garden tables, and farm-to-table spots sourcing from cloud-forest farms an hour up the road. As you climb into the hills toward Escazú Centro and San Antonio de Escazú, the city noise drops away and something older and more Costa Rican emerges: stone churches, Saturday produce markets, traditional sodas, and jaw-dropping views of the entire Central Valley stretching east toward volcanic highlands.

For medical travelers, Escazú is the obvious base. Hospital CIMA (one of the largest JCI-accredited medical complexes in Central America) sits in the district itself. Dental clinics, cosmetic surgery practices, and specialty medical centers cluster nearby, drawing patients from North America and Europe who come for procedures at 40-70% of U.S. prices and then spend their recovery in a properly equipped rental home: a real kitchen, space to rest, and groceries pre-stocked before they arrive.

For business travelers, the logic is simple: 20 minutes from SJO airport, 15 minutes from San José's financial district, and genuinely good restaurants for client dinners. For explorers using the Central Valley as a base, Escazú launches you to Poás Volcano National Park, coffee plantation tours at Doka Estate, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and the artisan village of Sarchí without the logistics of hauling luggage from a downtown hotel. The elevation sits around 1,000 meters: cool nights, spring-like days, and none of the beach heat that comes with the Pacific coast.

Gated communities and luxury condominiums define the residential landscape. Safety is consistently rated among the best in the country. Uber and taxis are abundant. International schools, private hospitals, upscale supermarkets, and a walkable dining scene cluster in a compact enough area that you rarely need to venture far. For guests who want urban sophistication, access to everything, and a different angle on Costa Rica entirely. Escazú delivers.

Best For

  • Medical travelers coming to Hospital CIMA or nearby specialty clinics for procedures and recovery
  • Business travelers with meetings in San José or the greater Central Valley
  • Couples and families who want urban sophistication over beach-town logistics
  • Extended stays and remote workers who want reliable infrastructure and walkable dining
  • Explorers using the Central Valley as a base for volcano and coffee country day trips
  • Expat community visitors and those considering relocation to Costa Rica

Getting to Escazú

20-30 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Take the General Cañas Highway (Route 1) west from the airport toward San José, then connect to the Próspero Fernández Expressway (Route 27) and exit at San Rafael de Escazú. The drive is fast when traffic cooperates; avoid rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm weekdays) when the San José metro clogs. Private transfers from SJO run $25-40; Uber costs $12-18 depending on exact destination.

How far is Escazú from San José airport (SJO)?

Escazú is 17-19 km from Juan Santamaría International Airport: roughly 20-30 minutes when traffic cooperates. Take the General Cañas Highway west from the airport, then connect to the Próspero Fernández Expressway and exit at San Rafael de Escazú. Avoid rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm weekdays) when the metro corridor slows significantly. Private transfers from SJO run $25-40 for up to 4 passengers; Uber costs $12-18 depending on traffic and exact destination. It's the closest major upscale residential area to the airport in all of Costa Rica.

What to Expect

Costa Rica's most cosmopolitan address: upscale dining, world-class medical care, and a gateway to the Central Valley

Restaurant Scene

Escazú's culinary district rivals any in Central America: Peruvian, French, Argentine, Indian, Italian, and contemporary Costa Rican all represented at quality levels that surprise first-time visitors.

Hospital CIMA

One of Central America's largest JCI-accredited hospitals, specializing in complex procedures across cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and cosmetic surgery. The reason Escazú is the medical tourism hub of Costa Rica.

Multiplaza Escazú

The country's premier shopping mall: international designer brands, upscale restaurants including P.F. Chang's and La Fabbrica, AutoMercado supermarket, and multiple cinema screens. An entire day's entertainment under one roof.

Avenida Escazú

Modern open-air commercial district adjacent to Multiplaza with boutique restaurants, cafes, and shops in a pedestrian-friendly format. The social hub for Escazú's international community.

Central Valley Access

Day-trip hub for Poás Volcano National Park (1 hour), Doka Estate coffee tours (1.5 hours), La Paz Waterfall Gardens (1.5 hours), and artisan village of Sarchí (1.5 hours).

Gated Communities

Residential landscape defined by luxury condos and gated communities with 24/7 security, manicured grounds, and the kind of privacy that makes longer stays genuinely relaxing.

San Antonio de Escazú

Hilltop neighborhood above the commercial district with traditional Costa Rican architecture, weekly produce market, and panoramic Central Valley views. A different world 10 minutes from Multiplaza.

SJO Airport Proximity

20-30 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport: the most convenient location in all of Costa Rica for early departures, late arrivals, and multi-leg business trips.

Insider Tips

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Multiplaza Escazú has a full-service AutoMercado supermarket (upscale, imported products, excellent deli and wine section) on the ground floor; stock your rental before heading up to your property rather than hunting for a separate grocery store.

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Dinner reservations matter at the best restaurants, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when San José professionals descend on Escazú's restaurant row. Call ahead or book via OpenTable for spots like Mirador Tiquicia (hilltop views), La Divina Comida (Peruvian), and L'Ile de France (French).

💡

For the best Central Valley views, drive 10-15 minutes up the mountain to San Antonio de Escazú and eat at Mirador Tiquicia at sunset. The entire valley spread below you, traditional Costa Rican food, and a spectacle that no amount of planning can replicate.

Things to Do in Escazú

Discover the best activities and experiences during your stay

Dining & Food in Escazú

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Tours & Excursions in Escazú

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Escazú

Practical Information

Is Escazú safe?

Escazú is consistently rated one of the safest areas in Costa Rica. The majority of residential properties are in gated communities with 24/7 security, controlled access points, and private roads. The commercial areas around Multiplaza and Avenida Escazú are well-lit, busy with locals and tourists, and have a visible security presence. It's home to a large international community of diplomats, expat professionals, and international school families, which shapes the overall environment. Standard Costa Rica precautions apply (don't leave valuables visible in cars, stay aware at night), but within Escazú's residential zones you can genuinely relax.

When is the best time to visit Escazú?

Escazú sits at roughly 1,000 meters elevation in the Central Valley, which means spring-like weather nearly year-round: daytime temperatures between 18-26°C (65-80°F) with cool evenings. December through April is dry season, with clear skies and stable conditions. May through November brings afternoon rains (usually 1-3 hours in late afternoon), but mornings are reliably dry and the evenings are pleasant. Unlike the beach destinations, Escazú doesn't have a dramatic seasonal difference; the restaurants and shopping are always operational, and the day-trip destinations function year-round. This makes it an excellent choice for any month.

Where to Stay in Escazú

Browse our curated selection of condos and homes and villas in Escazú. Full concierge service, seamless check-in, and local expertise included.

Every Nest Stays property comes with 24/7 local support, pre-arrival grocery stocking, and insider recommendations from people who actually live here.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Escazú

How far is Escazú from San José airport (SJO)? +
Escazú is 17-19 km from Juan Santamaría International Airport: roughly 20-30 minutes when traffic cooperates. Take the General Cañas Highway west from the airport, then connect to the Próspero Fernández Expressway and exit at San Rafael de Escazú. Avoid rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm weekdays) when the metro corridor slows significantly. Private transfers from SJO run $25-40 for up to 4 passengers; Uber costs $12-18 depending on traffic and exact destination. It's the closest major upscale residential area to the airport in all of Costa Rica.
Is Escazú safe? +
Escazú is consistently rated one of the safest areas in Costa Rica. The majority of residential properties are in gated communities with 24/7 security, controlled access points, and private roads. The commercial areas around Multiplaza and Avenida Escazú are well-lit, busy with locals and tourists, and have a visible security presence. It's home to a large international community of diplomats, expat professionals, and international school families, which shapes the overall environment. Standard Costa Rica precautions apply (don't leave valuables visible in cars, stay aware at night), but within Escazú's residential zones you can genuinely relax.
Is Escazú good for medical tourism? +
Escazú is the medical tourism capital of Costa Rica. Hospital CIMA (one of the largest JCI-accredited hospitals in Central America) is located in the district, along with dozens of specialist dental clinics, cosmetic surgery practices, and medical centers. Patients come from North America and Europe for procedures (dental implants, cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, cardiac care) at 40-70% of U.S. prices, then recover in upscale vacation rentals rather than hotel rooms. A private home with a full kitchen, quiet space, and pre-stocked groceries is far better for surgical recovery than a hotel. Nest Stays properties in Escazú are popular specifically for this purpose.
Where should I eat in Escazú? +
Escazú has the best restaurant scene in Costa Rica's Central Valley. For traditional Costa Rican food with panoramic views, Mirador Tiquicia in the hills of San Antonio de Escazú is essential: hilltop setting, sunset views over the valley, and genuinely good local cooking. La Divina Comida does serious Peruvian with a curated wine list and stylish terrace. El Novillo Alegre is the go-to Argentine steakhouse for premium cuts. Multiplaza and Avenida Escazú have international chains (P.F. Chang's, La Fabbrica, L'Ile de France) alongside local spots. Taj Mahal serves proper Indian in a garden setting. Ask your property manager for current picks; this scene evolves, and the best local knowledge beats any published list.
What is there to do in Escazú? +
Escazú rewards those who know how to use it as a base. In town: Multiplaza for serious shopping (designer brands, AutoMercado supermarket, cinema), Avenida Escazú for cafes and boutiques, the Saturday produce market in San Antonio for local color, and restaurant-hopping across a dining scene that covers most of the world's cuisines. Day trips from Escazú are excellent: Poás Volcano National Park (1 hour), Doka Estate coffee plantation tours (1.5 hours), La Paz Waterfall Gardens (1.5 hours), Sarchí artisan village (1.5 hours), Cartago's Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles and Irazú Volcano (1.5 hours). San José museums and the National Theater are 20 minutes east.
When is the best time to visit Escazú? +
Escazú sits at roughly 1,000 meters elevation in the Central Valley, which means spring-like weather nearly year-round: daytime temperatures between 18-26°C (65-80°F) with cool evenings. December through April is dry season, with clear skies and stable conditions. May through November brings afternoon rains (usually 1-3 hours in late afternoon), but mornings are reliably dry and the evenings are pleasant. Unlike the beach destinations, Escazú doesn't have a dramatic seasonal difference; the restaurants and shopping are always operational, and the day-trip destinations function year-round. This makes it an excellent choice for any month.
How do you get around Escazú? +
A rental car gives you the most flexibility, especially for day trips to volcanoes, coffee tours, and other Central Valley destinations. Within Escazú itself, Uber is abundant, reliable, and cheap ($3-8 for most rides within the district). Traditional taxis (orange) are also plentiful. The commercial zones around Multiplaza, Avenida Escazú, and San Rafael are reasonably walkable for shopping and dining, but the hillside residential areas require wheels. Driving in Costa Rica takes adjustment; roads narrow quickly, signage is minimal, and GPS is essential. For SJO airport runs, Uber or private transfer is more convenient than managing airport parking.
Why stay in Escazú instead of a San José hotel? +
San José's downtown hotels put you in the middle of a dense, noisy, and congested city center with limited dining quality and ongoing security concerns. Escazú gives you residential quiet, genuine safety, the best restaurants in the country, a short Uber to any San José meeting, and a property that feels like home rather than a hotel room. For medical recovery, the difference between a hotel and a private home with a full kitchen and grocery delivery is significant. For business travelers who want a good dinner after work without a 45-minute commute. For anyone staying more than 3 nights, Escazú's infrastructure, dining, and livability beat downtown San José decisively.
What shopping is available in Escazú? +
Multiplaza Escazú is the finest shopping mall in Costa Rica: international designer boutiques, an AutoMercado supermarket (upscale, imported goods, excellent wine and cheese), multiple restaurant floors, and two cinema screens. Adjacent Avenida Escazú is an open-air commercial district with boutique stores, cafes, and specialty shops in a more pedestrian-friendly format. Together they cover everything from daily grocery runs to serious retail therapy. For artisan crafts and local souvenirs, the Saturday market in San Antonio de Escazú or a day trip to Sarchí (60 km northwest) gives you a different, more authentically Costa Rican shopping experience.
Is Escazú good for families? +
Escazú is one of the most family-friendly locations in Costa Rica for stays beyond the beach. The gated residential communities are genuinely safe environments where kids can move freely. International schools in the area mean the neighborhood is full of expat families who know the area well. Hospital CIMA provides peace of mind for any medical needs. The restaurant scene caters to families at every price point. Day trips to Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and interactive coffee tours work for kids of most ages. The consistent spring-like climate is more comfortable for young children than the Pacific coast's full-sun beach heat.