San Isidro de El General

Introducing San Isidro de El General

San Isidro de El General (population 45, 000), 136km south of San José, is the ‘big city’ as far as southern Costa Rica is concerned. Built right on the Interamericana, it is always bustling, as travelers and truck drivers whiz through on their way to or from the capital. The town has sprouted up along this route, with motels, gas stations, supermarkets and even a McDonald’s vying for drivers’ attention.

The heart of San Isidro, however, is south of here, in the narrow streets that are clustered around Parque Central. Normally a meeting place for townsfolk, the park was blocked off at the time of research; rumor has it that San Isidro will be enjoying a brand new landscaped park by the end of 2006. An uncharacteristic but impressive cathedral lords over the eastern end of this square. Travelers are well cared for, with plenty of banks, Internet access and good lodging facilities.

Most travelers who stop in San Isidro are making their way east to Parque Nacional Chirripó or south to Dominical. But the immediate outskirts also offers breathtaking mountain scenery, prime birding opportunities and plenty of day-trip excursions.

Locals sometimes refer to San Isidro as Pérez (the county is Pérez Zeledón). Though labeled on the map, streets are poorly signed and everyone uses landmarks to orient themselves.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009