Dota Canton

Dota Canton is an administrative region in San José Province comprising three districts across mountainous Los Santos Zone terrain. Santa María serves as the main administrative center, while Jardín and Copey form the other two districts within the canton.

The area became an official administrative territory through a decree issued in 1925, establishing it as a distinct canton. This creation helped organize local governance for the mountain communities that had grown throughout the region.

The three districts of Santa María, Jardín, and Copey each maintain their own local customs and celebrate community gatherings throughout the year. You can see how rural mountain life shapes daily routines, from the way homes are built to how people gather in central plazas.

The canton is connected by several national routes that link its three districts, with Santa María being the main place for local services and information. The mountain setting means roads wind through steep terrain, so travel between communities requires time and careful driving.

The Savegre River marks the southern edge of the region and creates a natural boundary that runs through the valley below. The Cordillera de Talamanca mountains rising to the north and northeast include some of Costa Rica's highest peaks.

Location: San José Province

Capital city: Santa María

Elevation above the sea: 1,839 m

Shares border with: El Guarco Canton, Cartago Canton, Pérez Zeledón Canton, Tarrazú Canton, León Cortés Castro Cantón, Desamparados Canton, Paraíso Canton

Website: http://dota.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 9.58475,-83.87367

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41