San Isidro de El General
San Isidro de El General, or Perez as the ticos refer to it, is located 100 miles southeast of San Jose and is about a three hour drive through mountainous terrain rising up over 11,000 feet. This is the Inter-American Highway with the nickname “Cerro de la Muerte”, or “Road of Death”. San Isidro, with a population of more than 35,000 people, is the largest town in this central area and is the commercial center of cattle ranches, plant nurseries, and coffee farms of surrounding areas.
San Isidro is a great stopping point along your journey through Costa Rica for all your needs such as banking, shopping, auto services, internet cafés, restaurants, and hotels for a good night’s rest. The newly rebuilt central park in front of the Catholic Church downtown is a great landmark to help you get around this busy city.
If the downtown area doesn’t appeal to you, head south on the Inter-American Highway a few miles where you will find less crowded restaurants and a few shopping centers, including Monte General Mall with a movie theatre, grocery store, food court, and a playground area for the kids. At the beginning of February, the annual cattle show and fair take place across the highway from the mall.
Accommodations:
Hotel Los Crestones – Downtown budget hotel.
Hotel Diamante Real, www.hoteldiamantereal.com – A finer downtown hotel.
Hotel Del Sur, www.hoteldelsur.net – Country Club and Casino just past Monte General mall on the left.Restaurants:
Bazookas – Excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner; located on the left of the Inter-American Highway as you come into town.
Delji – Fried chicken; many locations throughout San Isidro.
Kafe’ de la Kasa – Wonderful local breakfast in a great setting; located one block west of Hotel Diamante Real.
McDonald’s – If you already miss that American taste; can’t miss those golden arches!
Mexico Lindo – Authentic Mexican food; located on the south side of the downtown central plaza.
Tags: hotels, Perez, restaurants, San Isidro de El General
February 4th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
We actually stayed at Hotel Del Sur Country Club several years ago. Although the staff was very attentive the decor could definitely use a facelift.
February 5th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
My buddies and I are preparing a backpacking trip through CR and San Isidro is one of our stops. Does anyone know if there are youth hostels in this area or cheap motels?
February 7th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Check out Talari Mountain Lodge. No frilly linens or room service. This joint is simple, comfortable, and cheap. For less then $60 you get a room and breakfast in the morning.
February 26th, 2008 at 10:55 am
We have discovered a new Argentinean restaurant, Dona Regina, located on the north side of the town center in San Isidro. This patio restaurant is hidden at the back of a strip of shops in the Centro Comercial Fallas with a very small sign out front, so finding it is a little difficult but very worthwhile. Dona Regina offers daily specials in addition to their menu of fabulous pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and pastas.
After choosing from the many delicious dishes, you will be served with fresh, warm bread and homemade pesto. Relax and enjoy the open air, watch the chef roll out breads, pizza, and pastas from scratch, or study the enormous collection of wines decorating the walls.
You will be served a generous portion of the freshest ingredients available with a pure, light blend of flavors. I recommend their lasagna with a green salad and house wine, although every dish I’ve tried has been exceptional.
Open Monday thru Saturday.
March 16th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Just saw the inquiry regarding cheap stays in San Isadora. If you’re still looking for lodging try Costa Paraiso Lodge. Its middle of the road in regards to pricing but depending on the room you can sleep up to four people. Average price is under $100 a night. They also have a great beach that is fairly private. Since you mentioned doing a backpacking trip this hotel is only a few miles from Ballena Marine National Park. Good luck on your journey. -Baron
April 6th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
My buddies and I are going on a hiking trip in June. Does anyone know what type of weather I need to prepare for? We will be staying at a Lodge in Herradura so I’m just concerned about the type of attire to wear during the day. I would also love to hear of any reviews for those who tackled this terrain.