Barrio Escalante

A vibrant neighborhood full of flavor, art, and local charm

Welcome to Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante, San José: The Neighborhood Guide

If you're trying to decide where to stay in San José, Costa Rica, Barrio Escalante is the answer.
It's consistently voted one of the best neighborhoods in San José for travelers, foodies,
and anyone who wants to experience the real city rather than a tourist bubble.

What Makes Barrio Escalante Special?

Barrio Escalante is a lively, walkable neighborhood just east of San José's city center.
It's known as the gastronomic hub of Costa Rica — the area around Calle 33
(nicknamed 'Paseo Gastronómico') is packed with independently owned restaurants,
craft beer bars, specialty coffee shops, and bakeries.
On weekends, the street fills with locals enjoying outdoor dining and live music.

The neighborhood is also home to a growing number of boutique hotels, hostels, galleries, and independent shops. It has a distinctly local, creative feel — far removed from the tourist-heavy zones of some other San José neighborhoods.

Is Barrio Escalante Safe?

Barrio Escalante is generally considered one of the safer neighborhoods in San José for tourists. It has a strong local presence with residents, families, and businesses active throughout the day and into the evening. The area around Paseo Gastronómico is especially lively and well-populated at night. As with any urban area, standard travel precautions apply.

Getting Around from Barrio Escalante

Airport (SJO): ~40 minutes by Uber or taxi
San José city center: 10–15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by Uber
Bus terminals (for intercity travel): 10 minutes by Uber
Nearby volcanoes (day trips): 1–2 hours depending on destination

Why Stay at Chillout Hostel in Barrio Escalante?

Chillout Hostel puts you right in the heart of this neighborhood. You'll wake up steps away from your morning coffee, a short walk from San José's best food scene, and perfectly positioned to explore the rest of Costa Rica. We offer dormitory beds from $13/night and private rooms from $35/night, plus airport transfers, tour booking, and local expertise from our bilingual team.