About Escazu

The Story Of Escazu Costa Rica

The name Escazu derives from the indigenous word "Izt-kat-zu", which means "resting stone". The story tells of indians traveling
from Aserrí (south of San Jose) to Pacaca (Near Ciudad Colon), who used to stop and rest at this location, which was about half way between the two villages. The first inhabitants were natives from the Guetaras or Huaca tribes. By 1755, villagers were ordered out of Escazu and moved to San Jose by force. From 1796 to 1799 the church of San Miguel was built with the cooperation of the people that had already re-established at this site. By 1801 the population of Escazu reached 1,325. On May 28, 1920, the government of Costa Rica granted Escazu the status of City, head of the Canton (County) of Escazu. In general terms, local people consider both city and county as a single political unit. The total population at present exceeds 30,000 spread over approximately 13 sq.mi of land.

There are many small villages scattered around the Canton. Some of them are mostly commercial, like San Rafael; others are centers of population but agricultural, like San Antonio; some are undergoing demographic changes, like Guachipelín. The rest of the small villages are agricultural and rustic.

There are some neighborhoods where the residents are predominantly foreigners , because this beautiful area has attracted people from North America, Europe and Asia.

Escazu is called "The City of the Witches". According to legend, all the witches of Escazu are "good witches". Several historians have looked at the tradition and suggested the reputation comes from the use of herbs and blends, prepared by the indian "witches" to cure all kind of ailments. They also dispensed mysterious love potions and magic objects to repeal the evil. With the arrival of peasants from Galicia, Spain, the marriage of the old traditions and the indian legends gave birth to the late 19th century stories and characters that can be found in today´s literature.

Escazu is presently a mix of agricultural and suburban communities, less than 5 miles west from downtown San Jose. It takes only about 25 minutes to drive to the Juan Santamaria International Airport. The climate is beautiful and mild all year round, and the tropical rainy season (locally called "winter") lasts from April to November.

Living In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is swiftly gaining popularity as an alternative place to reside for single adults and families who are looking for more out of life. The obvious natural beauty of the land, the consolidated system of protecting the land, social and political stability and growing efficiency of infrastructure and services make Costa Rica a great place to live. The 51,000 square kilometers that make up this small country have approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity. Costa Rica which is surrounded by both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans has something for everyone. From beautiful white sandy beaches to rolling hills that look like the European countryside, crystal lakes with towering volcanoes looming overhead, the natural beauty is unequivocal. For those of you tired of "keeping up with the Jones's" and looking for a little adventure Costa Rica is the place for you!

Costa Rica is strategically positioned in the heart of the Western Hemisphere and easily accessed by many international airports making travel easy. The government looks favorably to foreign investments and foreigners are treated with a mutual respect.

There are excellent schools popping up all over the country side and no longer must you live in San Jose or the Central Valley to give your child a private college prep education.

Everything is adding up to life becoming a lot simpler in Costa Rica. Get back to real values and enjoy living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Once you make the decision to live here your world will begin to open and change. We are here to help you make the smoothest transition possible.

Please browse our listings. If you are looking for something that you do not see on this site, please feel free to email us your property needs and be assured that your information will remain in the strictest of confidence.

Click Here For More Information About Costa Rica