Escazú – a unique and upscale city in the
province of San José

Escazú is the second canton in the province of San José. It has an area of 34.6 square kilometers and has more than 34,000 inhabitants. It consists of three districts: Escazú district center, San Antonio and San Rafael.

The name Escazú,from the indigenous Itzkatzu or ‘stone of rest’, was a resting area for indigenous passengers who were going to Pacacua (then named Pacaca, then Mora and finally Colon City), which was the business center in the area during Aboriginal times.
In the so-called ancient history of Costa Rica, the region today introduced as Escazú, was an occupation of Huetar tribal groups. But in the early eighteenth century the region was inhabited by small farmers and muleteers Spaniards, who were forced to build homes for the emerging population in San José.

At the end of the 18th century (1799), Escazú began developing and erected a chapel dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel Parish. The church of San Miguel de Escazú was built with the cooperation of the people who had been relocated in the region and by 1801 the population of the Escazú raised to 1325 inhabitants. On May 28, 1920, the government of Costa Rica gave the title to the city and head of the canton of Escazú.

Today, several embassies in Costa Rica are located in the Escazú area, including the residences of ambassadors from U.S.A, Canada, Mexico, Germany, South Korea among others. As well, Escazú has had a large influx of immigrants, mainly from North America, South America and Europe.

Containing some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Costa Rica and home to a lively night life, the Escazú area is one of the most upscale cities in metropolitan San José. It is also a vibrant commercial and business centre, home to major shopping complexes, private hospitals, prestigious colleges and luxurious Costa Rica hotels.

Even though Escazú is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, it is not surprising to see adobe houses and even horses on the streets, which makes this beautiful canton a contrast of history and modernity.