Agricultural Town
San Isidro de El General is the first district of the canton of Pérez Zeledón. Located approximately three and one-half hours south of the country’s capital, San Jose, San Isidro is a major city in the southern zone of Costa Rica. It also is a city in the Mountain Peaks region of Costa Rica, near Chirripo National Park and the indigenous village of Rey Curre. This city is the main transportation hub for public transportation west to the coast, north to San Jose, and south to Paso Canoas on the southern border near Panama.
Throughout the city you will find small fresh food markets with a large assortment of fruits and vegetables. There is a coffee co-op and several textile outlets in the area. San Isidro is a peaceful town and caters very little to tourism within the city itself. What that means for the traveler, is that there is a plethora of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area including the Chirripo mountains to surrounding the city. If you adventure around the city, you will find an amazing assortment of restaurants influenced by early European settlers blended with historical local cuisine. Look for the little places located off the regularly traveled roads and by-ways and you are bound to find delicious Italian, Irish, French and Portuguese cuisine. Many of the restaurants offer locally raised foods from the surrounding agricultural community including fish, beef, chicken and an endless array of fruits and vegetables.
There is plenty of local coffee and cacao to enjoy while imbibing in the local cuisine.
Outdoor Activities
San Isidro and the surrounding area offer plenty of outdoor activities. If you enjoy hiking then the Chirripo mountain range is for you. There are plenty of self guided trails and group guided tours available. You will find in the area waterfalls including Eco Chantales. While hiking along the Savagre River, you can find features including the rushing Savegre River, two waterfalls, a cave, a clearing for birdwatching, towering oaks, rock formations, and some awe inspiring views of the valley. However, swimming in the Savagre River is strongly discouraged due to strong under currents and treacherous rocks. Pets are discouraged on this hike and at some points may be prohibited. Check with the local guidelines before making your ascent. The trail is on the border of the Los Quetzales Parque Nacional, in the Reserva Forestal Los Santos.
The Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary is a favorite, with staff that is impressively knowledgeable about the native species.
San Isidro also boasts several festivals focused on local agriculture. The town hosts an agricultural fair during the first week of February at the Parque Central. Local agriculturists display their finest produce and some participate in a competition. Many sell fresh food in the streets.
Come May, San Isidro celebrates the patron saint of farmers and animals after which the city is named. There are fiestas and parades during this celebration.
Twice per week there is an indoor Farmers’ Market which the locals refer to as the feria and is one of the region’s largest markets. There are more than two hundred vendors at this event and is held at Feria del Agricultor; Av 6, at C 5, Thurs 6am–4pm, Fri 7am–noon.
Finally, at the base of the Chirripo trail is San Gerardo de Rivas. San Gerardo de Rivas caters to a steady stream of hikers intent on making the trek up the mountain. Rivas offers quaint restaurants and last-stop for hiking and backpacking items that may have been left behind.
For those who prefer a local caffeinated beverage, be sure to visit Chris and Marie at “Cafe Y Amor” organic coffee plantation for a visit and possibly a night’s stay in one of the recently established cabinas. Cafe y Amor is located in the mountains of Talamanca, Costa Rica;
Sustainable, organic and handpicked and most of all grown with intention and love. Reach out to them through Insta.