Atenas

If you're looking to enjoy the quintessential small town Costa Rican experience during your upcoming vacation to San Jose, look no further than the town of Atenas. Located about 26 miles northwest of San Jose and 15 miles west of the Juan Santamaria International airport, Atenas is one of the Central Valley's best kept secrets. From the immaculate palm-lined central park to the many typical small town cafes, Atenas provides Costa Rica car rental travelers with a pleasant slice of tropical life.

A quick look at local history

Like most of the country, the Atenas region of Costa Rica was originally inhabited by an indigenous Indian popular. It wasn't until 1843 that an oxcart trail was created in the area in order to help transport coffee from the farms of the Central Valley to the port towns of Puntarenas and Limon. The town began to develop as this pathway became more and more traveled. While the road is now mostly populated by buses and cars, local residents and Costa Rica car rental travelers alike can still pay homage to Atenas early oxcart roots thanks to a monument on the old road to Puntarenas. The monument is a tribute to the national oxcart driver (locally referred to as "Boyero") and symbolizes the hard work of a bygone era.

What's in a name?

Costa Rica car rental travelers often wonder how a Costa Rican town came to be named in a markedly Greek manner. Well, legend has it that in 1833, Jose Rafael Gallegos Alvarado, the region's Chief of State, admired Greek Culture so much that when it came time to name the new settlement, he submitted the name "Atenas" for consideration. While there are doubts about the authenticity of this claim, many locals still swear that Alvarado is responsible for their town's unique moniker.

It's all about the agriculture

According to National Geographic magazine, Atenas is home to one of the world's best climates. In fact, Costa Rica car rental travelers will see the words "El Mejor Clima del Mundo" emblazoned on practically every bus in the area. Atenas receives this honor thanks to daily temperatures of about 80 degrees, and mild nightly temperatures in the mid 60's range. This climate helps keep the town and surrounding areas looking green and fertile all year long. On the outskirts of town, Costa Rica car rental travelers will find flourishing agricultural regions known for their animal husbandry, coffee and sugar product, and fruit orchards.

Enjoy an afternoon in the central park

The heart of Atenas has to be the central park. This peaceful spot is the perfect place for Costa Rica car rental travelers to enjoy an ice cream or coffee before carrying on with their daily routine. If you can, try and visit the park during the late afternoon. This is when flocks of green parrots descend upon the park and make their presence known! You might even catch the glimpse of the occasional toucan too! Costa Rica car rental travelers will find several cafes and restaurants lining the park, all of which serve inexpensive but delicious local cuisine. The central market is held just a block away and features great deals on everything from fresh fruit to sensible shoes.

Attraction highlights

While most Costa Rica car rental travelers see Atenas as the ideal spot for quick lunch on the way to the beach, food isn't the only thing this unique town has to offer. Costa Rica car rental travelers can also enjoy a swim at the local public swimming pool, a visit to the wildlife rescue and breeding center at Zoo Avenue, or a trip to the Escuela Centroamericana de Ganaderia, which is an agro-ecotourism and animal husbandry school in Balsa de Atenas.