Potrero, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

San José is located in the central part of the country, and borders (clockwise beginning in the north) the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Limón and Puntarenas. The provincial capital is San José, which is also the national capital. The province covers an area of 4,965.9 km, and has an approximate population of 1,435,447. On August 9, 1884, San José became the third city in the world (after New York and Paris) and the first in Latin America to be illuminated by electric energy.

Climate: The province of San Jose includes areas representative of practically every climatic regime possible in Costa Rica since its territory extends from almost sea level at several points near the central Pacific coast up to the country's highest peak, Mt. Chirripó, at an elevation of 3,820 m. Additionally, a small portion of the province protrudes down the very wet eastern slopes of the Central Volcanic Cordillera in a section of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Thus, the entire range of temperatures and rainfall patterns that affect Costa Rica can be experienced somewhere in the province.

Nonetheless, the majority of the province of San Jose is blessed by a moderate climate where nothing more than a sweater or lightweight jacket and an umbrella are all the protection from the elements you'll ever need. This mild climatic region lies in an altitudinal band between 700 and 1300 meters above sea level and is under the influence of a distinct dry season from mid-November through mid-May and a corresponding wet season during the remaining half of the year - the characteristic weather pattern for essentially all of the nation's territory on the western side of the continental divide.

The province of San Jose is the heart of the country. Two-thirds of the population reside here, and it is the center of governmental and cultural affairs for the country. San Jose has a vibrant nightlife and many international restaurants to choose from. The city is less intimidating when compared to other Central American capitals, and is abundant with beautiful parks. The city is surrounded by towering green mountains which cradle the capital giving it a warm and friendly feel.