The name of Escazu comes from the indigenous voice ‘Iz-Kat-Zú’, which means ‘place to rest’. It was a strategic rest-stop located between Aserrí and Pacaca. In 1907 it obtained independence from Santa Ana province and in 1920 the government of Costa Rica granted San Miguel the title of “Escazú City” as the capital of Escazú Province.
The hills of Escazú are a prolongation of the central volcanic mountain range, the most important hills of the range are: Rabo de Mico (2428 m), Pico Blanco(2271 m), San Miguel (2036 msnm) and Alto del Tapezco (1960 m). The average temperature of Escazu is around 25°C (77°F) and the lowest is 14°C (52°F).
One of the most anticipated celebrations of Escazú is the ‘Dia del Boyero’, where carts, from different parts of the country that are colorfuly and cleverly hand painted, travel by oxen from the center all the way to the church of San Antonio. The carts generally carry children dressed up in traditional costumes. The cart is considered a national symbol. The great celebration includes classic Costa Rican food and traditional musical performance.
It’s rather interesting that this area was given the nickname of ‘Ciudad de las Brujas’ meaning the city of Witches; this supposedly comes out of tribute to the areas mystical history, steaped in myth and lore.
Located just 8 km West of San Jose, Escazú is part of the metropolitan area of San Jose and is the most industrialized city of Costa Rica. The current residential area occupies the 16% of its land.
Escazú is an important center of services and nocturnal life. It has some of the biggest shopping malls, clinics and hospitals and is recognized as a sought-after mecca of higher learning. Besides, the most exclusive quarters of the metropolitan area of San Jose are located here. As proof of this, you can find diplomatic missions and the residences of ambassadors from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
However, it is important to say that in spite of the modernism of this growing city, you can also appreciate, mostly in the center, small old adobe style houses and see horses on the streets, which add a rustic, colonial flavor to Escazu. I
All these reasons and characteristics make Escazu an excellent optionwhen choosing a house or a location for a business in Costa Rica.
More on Escazu:
Escazu, Ciudad de Brujas (The City of Witches)
Escazu Real Estate – Properties for Escazu
Escazu General Info – Wikipedia Article