San Isidro de El General - Costa Rica

San Isidro de El General is the capital of the canton of Perez Zeledon. Many tourists that are on their way to Chirripo National Park spend the night before in San Isidro de El General.

Those who plan to conquer the highest mountain of Central America (3,819 m) should get up early and plan 3 days for the ascent and decent.

The village of San Isidro de El General is situated in a valley that is called El General. It is a wealthy region where most of the people earn a living from coffee cultivation. Canoeists and rafters can enjoy their sport on the near by rivers Chirripo and General. With the advance of the rainy season the level of difficulty on the rivers rises. Stretches of the rivers that were doable for everyone can turn into rough sections in November that are only doable by expert rafters and canoeists. The resident tour operators are familiar with these changes and will always try to offer a tour with an appropriate difficulty level to their clients.

The Fiestas Civicas are celebrated with mariachis, bullfights and stands with agricultural products at the end of January in San Isidro de El General.

Paradise for canoeists and rafters...

Another annual highlight is the Dia de Boyero (day of the oxcart driver), which is celebrated May the 15th. A parade of hand painted oxcarts, which are typical for Costa Rica, drives through the village that day.

The Parque Central and the local museum are worth a visit in San Isidro de El General. Objects and photos of the pre Columbian, the colonial times, and the more recent history are exhibited at the museum.

San Isidro de El General on the map

San Isidro de El General on the map

Facts about San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica

  • The Fiesta Civica is celebrated at the end of January in San Isidro de El General.
  • On the 15th of May the Dia de Boyero is celebrated in San Isidro de El General.

Driving times and distances

  • Distance from San Jose to San Isidro de El General: 137.1 kilometers respectively 85.1 miles.
  • Travel time from San Jose to San Isidro de El General: 3.17 hours.
  • Distance from Liberia to San Isidro de El General: 348.4 kilometers respectively 216.4 miles.
  • Travel time from Liberia to San Isidro de El General: 7.22 hours.