Katrina Julia
- Mar 17, 2021
- 9 min read

One Day In Escazu, Costa Rica Itinerary to Transform and Travel

Updated: Mar 23, 2021

If you haven't put Escazu, Costa Rica (near San Jose) on your list yet, it is time to now! You will love the nature and sightseeing, foodie favorites, and mixture of the old and new.

Escazu is less than 10 minutes away from San Jose, Costa Rica known for an abundance of expatriates, big city options with calmer and quieter feel, and is often referred to as "The Beverly Hills of Costa Rica. It offers nature hikes like Rio Agres or Hacienda La Chimba nearby in Santa Ana as well.

That's one of the reasons why I decided to spend not just One Day in Escazu or in Costa Rica, but about three months! I am spending three weeks in and near Escazu and San Jose, Costa Rica itself.

If you don't know where to start with your time in Escazu, Costa Rica, I am here to help you #createit! Traveling helps you transform in more ways than one when you travel to Costa Rica.

No matter what your Costa Rica adventure in and nearby Escazu is, you will love it!

While there is plenty to experience one day in Escazu, Costa Rica to transform and travel whether you come solo, with family, or with a group, you will definitely want to consider staying longer.

Follow this One Day in Escazu, Costa Rica Itinerary to Transform and Travel. It will help you make your travels transformational even it's a short trip. These are my recommendations for the top experiences for your one day in Escazu, Costa Rica.

Pura Vida!

My Airbnb in Escazu, Costa Rica: Joyeria de Emilia Rodriguez

https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/32082251

My Experiences with Escazu, Costa Rica

This is my first time in Escazu, Costa Rica. Thanks to Costa Rica and my Airbnb: Joyeria Emilia Rodriguez, it may not be my last!

This is my second time to Costa Rica since 2016 when I hosted our transformation and travel retreat in Costa Rica in Playa Del Coco. I love the Pura Vida!

Although I am staying in Costa Rica for close to three months, I love to create adventure days to share for myself and others whether you are somewhere short or long-term and want to create adventure days too. That's why I created One Day Travel guides.

Costa Rica Retreat in 2016 near Liberia in Playa Del Coco

Travel fills me up. New people, adventures, and experiences are something I love. My story includes being conceived in Bulgaria, born in Poland, and in 4 countries by the time I was 2 (including a refugee camp in Italy.

My travels in Costa Rica include a focus on nature, adventure and healthy travel experiences. If you didn't know, I lost over 55+ lbs 5+ years ago and have kept it off. In addition, I haven't drunk alcohol for over 5 years now. I feel healthier than High School. Disclaimer: Average person who uses Herbalife Global Nutrition loses 0.5 to 1 lb a week with healthy active lifestyle.

For my fourth long term stay in Costa Rica in Escazu, Costa Rica, I ended up staying at Joyeria Emilia Rodriguez via Airbnb in the private larger room which is about 10-15 minutes from San Jose, Costa Rica.

A private room stay in Joyeria Emilia Rodriguez is an incredible cultural and community experience with Emilia's enthusiasm, energy, and experiences along with a beautiful colonial home and gardens. If you prefer private homes, Emilia offers those as well.

Airbnb in Escazu near San Jose, Costa Rica

All shots are my own on Canon EOSM100, Sony A330, and/or my iPhone 12 Mini.

Fun Facts About Escazu, Costa Rica

Escazu lies at about 1,100 meters above sea level on the northeast slopes of Cerros de Escazu. It is a mixture of modern and magical. It is made up of three adjacent neighborhoods; San Antonio de Escazu, Escazu Centro, and San Rafael de Escazu. There is a growing amount of foreigners taking residence in Escazu as well.

Adding to Escazu's charm, is the hikes like Rio Agres, Fresh Markets every Saturday, the largest mall in Costa Rica - MultiPlaza, and location of being within 10 minutes to San Jose, Costa Rica.

I love visiting Escazu, Costa Rica. It's interesting to stay close to a big city, yet feel far removed. From my Airbnb, I easily walked to the Farmer's Market on Saturday's, nearby attractions like restaurants and souvenirs like Sin Domicilio Fijo, and access to hikes to waterfall at Rio Agres.

One Day in Escazu, Costa Rica

Let's explore the experiences I recommend for one day in and near Escazu, Costa Rica. Depending on when you arrive in the city, and where you stay, feel free to modify your experiences!

I'm sharing here a full 24 hours for your one day in Escazu from morning to night! I've already shared La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and have San Jose coming up! I'm giving you many reasons you will want to stay longer in Costa Rica!

Farmer's Market

If you are in Escazu on a Saturday, a great way to start your day is to stop at the Farmer's Market or Feria. It opens at 5 am and stays open until 1 pm. You may experience everything from fresh fruit juices and pupusas to getting all the fruit and vegetables you need for the week!

My first Saturday in Escazu I went at about 8 am, and had 2 fresh juices, a pupusa, and brought a Guanabana juice, bananas, pineapple, yuca, starfruit, avocados, cilantro and spinach home. I spent $12 total!

There are sanitation stations at several points in the market, and everyone wears masks (March 2021). It is located right in the center of Escazu near the church with the city blocks blocked off.

Sin Domicilio Fijo

Sin Domicilio Fijo is a beautiful colonial style building with a garden where you may go for souvenirs and food. If you are in Escazu on other days, this is a great place to stop for juice, coffee, and/or breakfast. I stopped at Sin Domicilio Fijo for an incredible juice and empanada.

If you go to the Farmer's Market first, it is an easy walk close by.

Hacienda La Chimba

For my history, adventure, and culture lovers, you will want to add Hacienda La Chimba in nearby Santa Ana to your list. It's a 20 minute or so Uber ride away.

Hacienda La Chimba offers hiking on the Mantra trails to La Mano, cultural and colonial coffee experience, zip-lining, and ropes courses. If you plan on hiking the trails, it is recommended you arrive no later than 9 am as the trails do not offer much shade.

I ended up going at 7:30 am and hiked the Mantra Trails to la Mano. In between, I had a typical Costa Rican breakfast with eggs, beans, and plantains. Afterwards, I experienced the incredible colonial and cultural coffee tour! I highly recommend adding this to your Costa Rica adventures.

Hacienda La Chimba

Depending on if you choose to do 1 or all activities, it is easy to spend a half to a full day at Hacienda La Chimba.

Waterfall Hike by Rio Agres

Right when I arrived at my Airbnb, Emilia let me know of a Waterfall Hike nearby with Dixon via their property and/or via Airbnb Experiences. Alba (another Airbnb guest) and I decided to go my second day here.

Wow! What an adventure! The experience included a path to the waterfall I never would have found on my own, climbing up and over rocks, and a beautiful waterfall at the end!

Depending on what you decide with your morning, Hacienda La Chimba, and shopping, you could add in the Waterfall Hike for the morning around 8 am or the afternoon around 2pm like I did!

Shopping in Escazu

Escazu is often referred to as The Beverly Hills of Costa Rica. For the shopping lovers, it does not disappoint. Escazu offers the largest mall in Costa Rica with the MultiPlaza, Escazu Village with options including Walmart, a smaller mall, and Energym, and Avenida Escazu for higher end restaurants and shops as well.

I visited Escazu Village and Energym several times, and Avenida Escazu once.

You may find them all easily via the Waze app, and/or via Uber.

Avenida Escazu

Eclectic Kitchen (Cocina Elektica)

Eclectic Kitchen is a perfect way to end any day in Escazu or nearby San Jose. There are numerous options for incredible food in Escazu and nearby San Jose. My Airbnb SuperHost, Emilia learned about this incredible dining experience via a previous Airbnb guest, Manuel.

This is definitely one of the top, if not THE BEST FOOD EXPERIENCE I have EVER had.

Wow. Wow. Wow. When Emilia told me and another Airbnb guest about it, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was blown away with the beautiful home, art work, and incredible food.

The experience is a mystery from start to finish with smaller tapas portions.

You don't know what food you will get. Joanna and her team do ask for food allergies and preferences. The deliciousness continues until you say stop. She cooks all types of food from Asian to Indian to Moroccan to Latin with a fusion style.

The prices are incredibly reasonable for the entire experience. I never paid more than $18 for the whole experience. Keep in mind they are subject to change.

You may find Cocina Elektica via Uber. It is very close to Avendia Escazu. Look for the green door with Dance First & Think Later sticker and entrance, and buzz the ringer. The kitchen is open daily from noon to about 8 pm.* Subject to change.

I loved the Eclectic Kitchen so much I went four times!

Eclectic Kitchen in Escazu, Costa Rica

The green door on the inside.

Beautiful murals and art everywhere

The garden at Cocina Elektica.

Eclectic Kitchen Garden in the Back

Eclectic Kitchen

Cocina Elektica

Reasons to Stay in & near Escazu, Costa Rica Longer

Depending on what is important to you, you may follow the itinerary or you may decide to add on adventures or other options in the area.

There are countless ways to enjoy your time in Escazu, Costa Rica near San Jose from nature to food to shopping experiences! Adventures in Escazu, Costa Rica may entice you to stay more than a day, not to mention exploring the rest of Costa Rica!

Eszazu, Costa Rica Travels

As you may clearly see, Escazu Costa Rica has limitless options for One Day and more!

Whether you want to be lost in wonder with hiking, spend the day shopping, or connect with culture in Costa Rica with Hacienda La Chimba and Eclectic Kitchen in Escazu, you will love it!

Have you visited Escazu before?

Is it on your bucket list?

What are some of your favorite experiences?

If you haven't, what activity here interests you the most to do in One Day in Escazu, Costa Rica?

Pura Vida!

Are you curious about Costa Rica and the Pura Vida?

One Day in La Fortuna, Costa Rica and my Top 10 Things to Do in La Fortuna!

One Day in Monteverde, Costa Rica and my Top 10 Things to Do in Monteverde!

I've got One Day and Top 10 Things to Do in and Near San Jose, Costa Rica coming up!

Not to mention our Inspiring Travel Now & in the Future Project &

Costa Rica Retreat coming in August 2021!

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