San Carlos Canton

San Carlos Canton is an administrative district in Alajuela Province that spreads across a wide area from the San Carlos Plain extending northward to the Nicaraguan border. The canton is subdivided into thirteen districts with Ciudad Quesada serving as its main center.

The territory was formally created through Decree Number 17 on September 26, 1911, as part of Costa Rica's territorial reorganization. This administrative division helped improve governance of the country's northern regions.

The region centers on dairy farming and milk production, which shapes daily life and local traditions throughout the territory. Farms and processing facilities are visible everywhere, reflecting this economic focus.

The main town of Ciudad Quesada is connected to other settlements via National Routes 4 and 35, making travel throughout the area straightforward. These road connections allow visitors to move between the different districts with relative ease.

The territory contains Arenal Volcano, one of the country's most active volcanoes, and numerous natural hot springs scattered throughout the landscape. These geothermal waters provide warm natural pools in a mountainous setting.

Location: Alajuela Province

Capital city: Quesada

Elevation above the sea: 98 m

Shares border with: San Ramón Canton, Tilarán Canton, Guatuso Canton, Los Chiles Canton, Sarapiquí Canton, Grecia Canton, Sarchí Canton, Zarcero Canton

Website: https://munisc.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 10.61722,-84.51472

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:36