Officially, Costa Rica is divided into seven administrative provinces, namely: Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Alajuela, Puntarenas and San Jose. In terms of territorial division, there are 5 regions of Costa Rica.
Central regions of Costa Rica encompass the central valley and the central Pacific coast. The capital of the Central American nation, San Jose, is situated in this area. This small city is surrounded by volcanic ranges, unique museums, and architectural landmarks.
Alajuela is known as a local hub for commerce, where you can purchase excellent coffee, sugar cane, fruit, and flowers.
Puntarenas, located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, was once home to one of the country's largest ports. Today, it has become a popular destination for surfers and beach enthusiasts.
The northern regions of Costa Rica encompass Guanacaste and the northern plains. One of the most renowned tourist cities in this part of the country is Liberia, often referred to as the "white city" due to its architectural structures painted in white or milk color.
Not far from the city, you'll find famous beaches that have made this region of Costa Rica internationally recognized. These beaches include Playa Hermosa, Playa Tamarindo, and others, where you can enjoy activities such as diving, windsurfing, and various water sports.
The southern regions of Costa Rica encompass southern Costa Rica and Caribbean Costa Rica. In this part of the country, it's worth visiting the vibrant city of Limon, renowned not only for its ancient museums but also for its nature reserves.
The oldest city in this region of Costa Rica is Cartago, which has held this status since the 16th century when it served as the capital of the entire state. It wasn't until 1823 that the capital was moved 24 kilometers west to San Jose. Today, Cartago is considered the largest religious center in the country.
