Atenas

Atenas is in Costa Rica's Central Valley.

Understand

Catholic church

Atenas, about 25 km (16 mi) west of the Juan Santamaria (San José) Airport, is advertised as "El Mejor Clima del Mundo," which means "The Best Climate in the World." The elevation of Atenas, 600 m (2,000 ft) to 1,000 m (3,300 ft), is perfect for spring-like weather throughout the year. The ultimate time of year in Atenas is in the winter months of January-March, when there isn't much rain. The temperature is warm, hovering around 20 °C (68 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F), but with constant winds blowing cool breezes over the hills of Atenas. This is a favorite spot for expats from North America and Europe, as the climate is so comfortable, there is easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and the town has much less crime than in the capital, San José. The rainy season in Atenas is still pleasurable, as the weather is just as warm, with perhaps one hour of rain in the mid-afternoon.

Get around

It is easy to access the city-center by bus from anywhere in the surrounding area. There are buses that make rounds every couple hours, and you can ride the whole circuit for ₡420. Taxis are another easy and cheap option, as they line up in front of the main street in Atenas, and can take you 20 minutes away (the outskirts of Atenas) for around ₡2,500 (or US$5).

See

The center of town boasts an open bench-filled park, shaded by huge palm trees. A few blocks away, there is smaller park that contains a volleyball court and baseball field.

The town is surrounded by mountains and coffee plantations. It is located in a prosperous agricultural area which hosts a weekly farmer's market on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. There is a community health center, pharmacies, doctors, dentists, tennis court, fitness center, swimming pools, parks, banks, shops.

Do

• El Toledo Organic Coffee Tour. 
• Topiary gardens

Eat

There are a few cafés and restaurants, run by foreigners and by the Costa Rican natives, or "Ticos." Balcony Café and Kay's Gringo Café offer breakfast and lunch, and are generally filled with tourists and retirees who have relocated to Costa Rica. Several small Tico shops have cafeteria-style service, and provide a casual atmosphere for people-watching and trying local dishes.

Buy

Expats flock to the market each week, collecting their very affordable produce, meats, breads, spices, and jams, among many other foods and items.

Sleep

Apartments

Most expats and well-to-do Costa Ricans live in newly-built villas, higher up in elevation and therefore even more comfortable climatically. Rental properties are vast and more are being built, so there are many to choose from and bargain over. Expect to pay ₡300,000-500,000 (about US$600–1,000) per month for a nice 2 bed/2 bath villa in peak season (Jan–Mar), and much less through the rest of the year.