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District in Pérez Zeledón canton, San José province, Costa Rica
Photo: ArquiWHAT, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
San Isidro de El General (sometimes referred to as Pérez Zeledón) is the capital and biggest city in the canton of Pérez Zeledon in South Pacific Costa Rica.
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Go rafting down one of the three rivers that surround this area, the Rio General, Rio Savegre, and Rio Guabo. Also offers homestays into the rainforest.
The home of Alexander Skutch, the famous birder, botanist and naturalist. He bought the land and named after the fiery-billed aracari. The region offers many more such birding opportunities.
Centro Biológico Las Quebradas
750 hectares protecting the watershed that supplies San Isidro's drinking water, run by the community foundation FUDEBIOL. Trails, a hanging bridge and a butterfly garden along the Quebradas River — an easy half-day trip for mid-elevation forest birding.
Home of Municipal Pérez Zeledón, nicknamed the Guerreros del Sur (Southern Warriors), who play in Costa Rica's top football division. Built in 1953 and modernized since, it seats about 3,250 on synthetic turf right in the middle of downtown.
A big, well-used public sports complex with a pool, multiple courts, a walking track and a playground. Free community zumba classes draw a crowd.
Cafétería of a small family-run hotel — hearty Costa Rican breakfasts and casados made with quality ingredients.
Neighborhood pizzeria turning out generous, family-style pizzas.
Fresh, health-focused menu — falafel wraps, smoothies and salads in a leafy garden setting; vegan-friendly.
Fresh ceviche and arroz con camarones; gluten-free options available.
On the road from Dominical, south from the SE corner of Plaza Central, opposite the football ground. Attentive and flexible staff; good value at US$50 (cash) for an upstairs room (November 2009.)
The most popular hotel for foreign travelers.
The highest-rated hotel in San Isidro on public review sites, a bit outside downtown — a comfortable option if you don't mind a short drive.
Central and walkable to the market, the cathedral and the bus terminals.
A small, well-reviewed hotel, though with far fewer reviews than the larger options in town.
Under a kilometre from the park and the market — a central option for those who want to be within walking distance of everything.
Wooden cabins with valley and river views; an on-site restaurant serves Argentinian grill, Italian and pizza.
Self-contained apartment-style units with a full kitchen, balcony and mountain views — a good fit for longer stays or families.
San Isidro d El General is located about 45 minutes from the Chirripo National Park trailhead in San Gerardo de Rivas, and 45 minutes from Dominical Beach.
Read in the guideSan Isidro d El General is small enough and far more secure than San Jose to explore on foot without much complication. Taxis line up on the streets around the central park and throughout the city.
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