Santa Ana, San José

A suburb of the capital city San Jose, Santa Ana is nestled in the foothills between Puriscal and Escazu.

This quaint little town is a balance of traditional Costa Rican culture and modern amenities.

Nicknamed “Valle del Sol” meaning “valley of the sun,” the town boasts two professional golf courses, restaurants, commerce and much more. Whether vacationing or relocating in a luxury condo here, this is the perfect place to find handcrafted pottery stores.

Each sunday morning visitors and residents can take in the Feria del Agricultor, a farmers market with fresh produce, fresh snacks and the opportunity to visit with the local merchants and growers while getting a glimpse of traditional Costa Rican life.

Rich Pottery Tradition

Costa Rica is famous for traditional pottery styles and techniques which have been passed down from generation to generation since pre-Columbian times.

More than 100 locally owned and operated pottery shops line the streets of Santa Ana. Here, artisans create a variety of ceramics and clay art.

These family-owned workshops turn out urns, coffee mugs, large greenware bowls, vases and other unique clay art items, many of which are still made on old fashioned kick wheels.

Visitors can watch the local artisans at work and even see the quarry where they get the clay they use in their shops. Ceramic enthusiasts must visit all the pottery stores located along Santa Ana.

Past Meets Present

Santa Ana is a traditional Costa Rican town with a host of modern amenities including access to the nearby modern CIMA Hospital and Medical tower.

Santa Ana is also home to the MultiPlaza, Costa Rica’s largest mall as well as several luxury hotels including the Marriott Courtyard and the Intercontinental.

The lush, green and virtually untouched emerald forests sit close by superior highways and within view of stores and suburban homes.

Visitors can enjoy a meal at some of the best Costa Rican restaurants located throughout Santa Ana.

While it can be expensive and trendy, those points are far overshadowed by the relaxed local atmosphere and the comfort of modern conveniences.

Escape the Big City Turmoil

Most of the Costa Rican population resides in the rambling capital city, San Jose, which is home to around 3 million people.

The many restaurants, hotels, museums, outdoor plazas and parks provide many opportunities for activity and entertainment, but their location in the midst of downtown San Jose is the busiest and most chaotic in the city.

Santa Ana is 15 minutes from the center of San Jose and is a popular escape from the turmoil of the city.

Though undergoing property development and modernization, the local flavor remains in the roadside stands selling traditional Costa Rican goods and in the soccer field across the street from a beautiful 1880s church in the center of town.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with temperatures and rainfall varying from place to place.

The dry season lasts from mid-December to late March/early April, and the rainy season lasts from late April/early May to December.

Temperatures in Santa Ana average between 70 and 80 degrees during the day and the mid to high 60s at night. Even in the rainy season, the mornings are usually clear with the majority of rainfall occurring in the afternoon hours.

Santa Ana’s unique blend of old-world traditions, modern conveniences, and nearly perfect climate makes it a popular destination for tourists.