Costa Rica has seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón. They are useful starting points for understanding the country, but a province can contain very different climates, communities and travel conditions.
For an exact address or property question, identify the canton and district as well. The Constitution, Articles 168 and 169, sets out the province–canton–district structure and places local administration at the municipal level. Source review: September 7, 2026.
The seven provinces and their capitals
| Province | Capital |
|---|---|
| San José | San José |
| Alajuela | Alajuela |
| Cartago | Cartago |
| Heredia | Heredia |
| Guanacaste | Liberia |
| Puntarenas | Puntarenas |
| Limón | Limón |
Use the INEC territorial lookup for administrative divisions. When comparing population figures, check the year and whether a number refers to a city, canton or entire province.
San José
The province includes the national capital and communities beyond the metropolitan area. Museums, services and urban activities are part of its appeal, while rural and mountain destinations offer a different experience. Do not treat the climate or travel time of central San José as representative of every address in the province.
Alajuela
Alajuela includes Central Valley communities and northern destinations. When searching for accommodation or services, distinguish Alajuela city from the much wider province. Plan the actual route between places rather than judging distance from the province name.
Cartago
Cartago city was Costa Rica’s capital until 1823. The province is associated with the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, volcanic landscapes and communities such as Orosi and Turrialba. The ICT Central Valley guide provides a starting point for these and nearby destinations.
Heredia
Heredia includes urban Central Valley communities and the northern Sarapiquí area. Those settings differ substantially, so confirm elevation, rainfall and access for the specific place you are considering. A short description of Heredia city will not explain all of the province.
Guanacaste
Liberia is the provincial capital. Guanacaste offers Pacific beach destinations and inland attractions; the official tourism guide highlights places including Papagayo, Coco, Flamingo, Conchal and Tamarindo.
For a longer stay, compare individual towns for services, transport, seasonal conditions and housing rather than treating “Guanacaste” as a single lifestyle. Our Playas del Coco guide is one place to begin.
Puntarenas
Puntarenas province extends through a broad stretch of the Pacific side. Puntarenas city and a southern destination such as Golfito are distinct places, even though they share a province. Use the ICT tourist map to understand the geography before setting an itinerary.
Limón
Limón is on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side. The ICT Caribbean guide introduces coastal destinations and activities. Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous heritage are important parts of the region’s cultural life; avoid assuming that every community shares the same traditions or experiences.
Provinces, tourism regions and municipalities are different
A tourism guide may group destinations into regions that do not match provincial boundaries. A postal address and a municipal permit application serve different purposes again. Record the full location when asking for directions, comparing data or dealing with a property.
Municipalities handle important local matters, but national laws and other authorities also apply. A canton name alone does not determine every construction, environmental or coastal rule. Obtain advice for the specific property and proposed activity.
Choosing where to live
Shortlist communities based on your priorities: climate, healthcare access, schools, transport, internet and budget. Visit at different times and compare current service information before signing a lease or buying.
For immigration planning wherever you choose to settle, contact CRIE.