Though San Isidro de El General is not really a city directly at the Pacific, it is by far the biggest center the Costa Pacifica has to offer. It is located in the canton Pérez Zeledón in the most Southern corner of the Province San José.
About San Isidro
This delightful city lies in the middle of the peaceful mountain range of Talamanca. Visitors benefit from just an hour car ride to the beach as well as to Costa Rica’s biggest mountain, Cerro Chirripo. Although it is rarely on top of a tourist bucket list, San Isidro attracts many expatriates and retirees year round. A stunning landscape with moderate climate and the combination of both, close beaches and mountains, make San Isidro a unique place to stay.
In addition to the beautiful scenery there is always something going on in Peréz, or as some locals call it according to the canton. Its good traffic connections and successful history as a farmer’s town has made the city center large. If you are looking for any kind of shops, restaurants or service providers, you will be sure to find it in the city center. Many tourists visiting smaller surrounding beach towns like to come here to do some shopping.
What you can’t miss
Highly recommendable for families in the area is the San Isidro del General Fiestas. It is an annual event that begins in February. This annual festival has cattle shows, agricultural and industrial exhibits, bullfights and flower exhibitions. The streets will be filled with mariachi music and carnival games for the week.
In the same period the traditional Fiesta of the Diablos takes place in Rey Curre, a few kilometers south of town. This indigenous festival celebrates the Brunka tribe’s victory over the Spanish conquistadors with colourful masks and costumes.
How to get to San Isidro
Just about three hours away from San José, San Isidro is located right on the Pan-Americana Highway. However it is only one hour away from the surfing hotspot Dominical, the popular beach town of Manuel Antonio two.
In the middle of the city is also a big bus terminal. From here you have the widest range of transportation options throughout the country and Panama.
