Curridabat

Just east and north of Zapote lies Curridabat, home to many upper-class families and beautiful mansions. The canton's name comes courtesy of one of the area's indigenous chiefs, Conirama, who was in power when the Spanish first arrived. The city of Curridabat, the canton's first distrito, is the oldest town in the entire country.

Today, Curridabat shares Multiplaza del Este with Zapote, as the shopping center lies on the border of the two. In addition to this large commercial hotspot, another favorite shopping spot, Terramall is also located within Curridabat's boundaries. At Terramall, you'll not only find upscale shopping, but also the famous Cinepolis VIP movie theater with leather reclining seats, as well as popular dance nightclubs. Furthermore, Walmart's famous Hipermás took up residence several years ago, providing low-cost shopping for the canton's bargain-hunting residents.

Curridabat is located just a few minutes east of San Pedro de Montes de Oca, and is therefore also home to an eclectic population with varying tastes. Delicious Peruvian restaurants, Costa Rican favorite Pops Ice Cream parlor, upper-class grocery stores, and luxury car dealerships decorate the main road and city center, though more typical offerings like a beautiful iglesia (church) with noontime bell are also canton staples.