San José Province

San José Province is an administrative unit in the central highlands of Costa Rica that spreads across multiple climate zones from urban neighborhoods to forested slopes. The territory includes the national capital and extends in all directions, with coffee plantations, residential areas, and green valleys shaping the landscape.

This administrative unit was created in the mid-19th century when Costa Rica restructured its territory and divided it into several provinces. Since then, the area evolved from a mostly rural region into a center of dense settlement and economic activity.

The province takes its name from Saint Joseph and blends Spanish colonial architecture with modern structures across its urban centers. Numerous plazas and parks serve as gathering spaces for markets where vendors sell fresh produce and regional crafts.

Travelers can reach the province via main highways that connect from coastal areas and other parts of the country. Public transport links urban centers and smaller towns, with journeys taking anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on the destination.

The area sits at an elevation that keeps temperatures comfortable year-round and makes morning fog a frequent occurrence. Some suburbs border directly on national parks, which means wildlife occasionally wanders into residential zones.

Location: Costa Rica

Capital city: San José

Elevation above the sea: 1,654 m

Shares border with: Puntarenas Province, Alajuela Province, Cartago Province, Heredia Province, Limón Province

GPS coordinates: 9.60000,-83.95000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:02