San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is a constant hustle bustle of strollers, musicians, shops, and street vendors. Museums feature local artists, past and present. It’s the rare place where you’ll find ancient sculptures of female shamans.

Great facts about Costa Rica

• Literacy there is 96.3%, among the highest in Latin America. When Costa Ricans abolished their army in 1949, they vowed to replace it, “with an army of teachers.”
• They elected their first female president in 2010. In Latin America, female presidents are common.

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Ancient Female Shaman, Costa Rica.

Ancient Female Shaman, Costa Rica.

Ancient Female Shamans, Costa Rica.

Art courtesy of San Jose Museum of Art.

Art courtesy of San Jose Museum of Art.

Art courtesy of San Jose Museum of Art.

Art courtesy of San Jose Museum of Art.

Downtown backstreet, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Downtown street music, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Learn more about Costa Rica here and here.