Escazu, Costa Rica

Escazú is a city in Costa Rica, bordering the capital San José. The city currently has over 30,000 inhabitants and covers roughly 13 square miles of land. It is situated to the south west of San José and is accessible via highway and local roads. It is elevated somewhat from the capital and many locations are prized for their scenic outlooks. Climate is moist tropical: it is not unknown to experience rainfall on a day in which San José is dry and sunny. November and December frequently bring high winds.

The name Escazú derives from the indigenous word "Izt-kat-zu", which means "resting stone". The story tells of indians traveling from Aserri (south of San Jose) to Pacaca (Near Ciudad Colon), who used to stop and rest at this location, which was about half way between the two villages. The first inhabitants were natives from the Guetaras or Huaca tribes. By 1755, villagers were ordered out of Escazú and moved to San José by force. From 1796 to 1799 the church of San Miguel was built with the cooperation of the people that had already re-established at this site. By 1801 the population of Escazú reached 1,325. On May 28, 1920, the government of Costa Rica granted Escazú the status of City, head of the Canton (County) of Escazú.

Popular legend tags Escazú as La Ciudad de las Brujas (the City of the Witches), leading to its municipal seal, a depiction of a witch on a broomstick flying over the surrounding mountains. The local football team is known as Brujas FC.

In recent years, Escazú has become a de facto expatriate enclave: a significant fraction of the foreign-born population resides in Escazú and environs. It is home to many bars and restaurants, especially those of the more chic (and expensive) variety. Rents and prices reflect this.