Welcome to our Monthly Highlights – November 2025
Following events within local communities, sharing featured places, and Costa Rica real estate!
Upcoming Concerts & Events in San Jose
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A Warm Welcome to November in the Central Valley
As the rainy season begins to fade and Costa Rica prepares for the sunny months ahead, November brings a renewed sense of energy. Early mornings are crisp, afternoons are bright, and the scent of freshly harvested coffee hangs in the air. With the start of the holiday season just around the corner, this is the perfect time to explore new activities, enjoy seasonal specialties, and learn more about our vibrant community.
Coffee Harvest Season & Trendy Coffee Shops
November marks the start of Costa Rica’s coffee harvest, which typically runs through February. During this period, farms in the Central Valley and beyond buzz with activity as workers pick ripe red cherries that will soon become the rich brews we love. The country’s high altitudes and volcanic soil produce some of the world’s best Arabica beans, and key regions like Tarrazú, Naranjo/West Valley, and the Central Valley are particularly renowned.
What to experience:
- Coffee tours – Many plantations near San José offer tours during harvest season. You can walk through rows of coffee trees, pick cherries, learn about wet and dry processing, and taste freshly roasted coffee. Tours often include insights into sustainable farming practices, local history, and opportunities to buy beans directly from the farm.
- Modern coffee culture – Beyond traditional cafés, a new wave of coffee shops showcases Costa Rica’s emerging specialty scene. A few to try:
- Cafeoteca (Barrio Escalante) – This stylish café offers 23 coffees from eight Costa Rican regions and serves delicious pastries in a light-filled space. It also houses a small boutique with goods from local designers.
- Franco (Barrio Escalante) – Sleek interiors and expertly poured latte art make this café a favorite for digital nomads and locals alike. Their rotating list of single-origin beans and cold brew flights showcases local coffee producers.
- Café Miel Garage (San Jose) – A cozy, artistic spot where baristas serve hand‑brewed pour‑overs and creative espresso drinks. Sit in the courtyard for brunch and try their honey‑infused cappuccino.
- Café St. Honoré (San Jose) – A hidden gem offering specialty coffees and hearty brunch plates; the owners often feature guest roasters from across the country.
Whether you’re visiting a plantation or sipping at a modern café, November is the ideal time to discover Costa Rica’s coffee culture.
Local Events & Cultural Highlights
- All Saints’ Day & All Souls’ Day (1–2 November) – Families visit cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones by decorating graves with flowers, candles, and mementos. It’s a quiet, reflective observance that blends Catholic tradition with local customs.
- Art City Tours & Museum Nights – San José’s popular Art City Tours typically run in November. Museums, galleries, and cultural centers open late, offering free entry, live music, and street food vendors. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore the capital’s artistic side.
- Early Christmas Markets & Black Friday – As holiday preparations begin, local artisans host craft fairs featuring handmade ornaments, jewelry, and gourmet treats. Major shopping centers like Multiplaza and Avenida Escazú also run Black Friday promotions toward the end of the month.
Art Galleries & Tours: Where to Explore This Month
November’s Art City Tour and related activities invite residents and visitors to discover San José’s vibrant arts scene. While the line‑up can vary, participating venues typically include the Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo (MADC), Museo Nacional, Museo del Jade, the Pre‑Columbian Gold Museum, and independent spaces like TEOR/éTica and the Galería Nacional in the Museo de los Niños. The Jade Museum often screens documentaries and offers free entry during the tour, while the National Theater hosts guided visits showcasing its rich history. Two circuits are commonly offered: the Costa Rican Tourism Institute’s “Rediscover San José” route and the INS Group route, each linking museums, cultural centers, and heritage sites around the city. The event this month is on the 21st of November and is called: “Noche en blanco”
If you’d like a full schedule and participating gallery list, check the official Art City Tour website or follow their social media channels. The tours are usually free but require prior registration, so signing up early will ensure your spot.
For more information, including the complete list of participating spaces and registration details, visit the official Art City Tour website at artcitytour.gamcultural.com
Home & Lifestyle: Preparing for the Dry Season
With the rainy season winding down, November is the time to prepare your home for the drier months ahead:
- Clean gutters and check roofs – Remove debris and repair any weathered seals to prevent leaks when the occasional shower does arrive.
- Refresh garden beds – Prune and fertilize before the sun intensifies. Plant drought‑tolerant ornamentals such as bougainvillea and hibiscus for colorful blooms throughout the dry season.
These small efforts will help maintain your property’s value and keep your outdoor space thriving.
Restaurant Spotlight: Sikwa – Barrio Escalante
If you’re ready for a dining experience that embodies Costa Rica’s culinary evolution, Sikwa in Los Yoses is a must‑visit. Chef Pablo Bonilla sources indigenous ingredients and features them in contemporary dishes like smoked pejibaye and tender cuts of local dry‑aged beef. Part of a growing regional dining movement, Sikwa celebrates ancestral flavors while presenting them with modern flair. The menu changes seasonally, highlighting produce and products from small farmers across the country. For reservations and the latest menu, visit their official website at sikwacostarica.com. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and growing popularity.
Featured Listing: Condo Montesol – Santa Ana
Situated within a tropical resort‑style community in Santa Ana, Condo Montesol offers an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and scenic views. Here are the highlights:
- Price & Size – Listed at USD 199,000, this corner unit measures approximately 93 m², with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
- Indoor Living – The open‑plan kitchen flows into the living and dining areas. Glass sliding doors lead to a balcony overlooking the pool, waterfalls, gardens, and mountains. Granite countertops, tempered glass shower doors, and porcelain tile floors create a sophisticated look, while the unit comes fully furnished.
- Bedrooms – The primary bedroom boasts an en‑suite bathroom, a walk‑in closet, and its own balcony with inspiring views. The secondary bedroom shares an independent full bathroom.
- Community Amenities – Residents enjoy swimming pools, landscaped gardens, walking paths, and secure gated access. The location is within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and shopping, making it a convenient choice for daily living.
If you’re interested in viewing Condo Montesol or learning about other properties in Santa Ana, feel free to reach out for more information. November is a great month a reviewing properties, any problematic water damage will be visible, days will be less wet, making it easier to travel between properties, and high season has not yet arrived.
In closing, November invites us to enjoy fragrant coffee farms, explore local events, prepare our homes for the dry season, and savor inventive dining experiences. As always, if you have questions about real estate opportunities or life in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, I’m here to help.
Warm regards,
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As always, I look forward to working with you now & in the future…
Anthony
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