San Rafael de Guatuso facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Rafael
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District
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 San Rafael
Location in Costa Rica
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| Country |  Costa Rica |
| Province | Alajuela |
| Canton | Guatuso |
| Area | |
| • Total | 304.29 km2 (117.49 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 7,941 |
| • Density | 26.0968/km2 (67.590/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
| Postal code |
21501
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San Rafael is a special area called a district. It is part of the Guatuso canton, which is in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica.
Contents
History of San Rafael
San Rafael became an official "city" (called ciudad in Spanish) on May 4, 1970. This was made possible by a special law.
Geography and Location
San Rafael covers an area of about 304 square kilometers. It is located at an elevation of 50 meters above sea level.
This district is found near the western edge of the San Carlos Plain. This area is in northern Costa Rica. San Rafael is about 20 kilometers northeast of Lake Arenal. It is also 183 kilometers from San José, the capital city of Costa Rica.
People of San Rafael
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1892 | 87 | — | |
| 1963 | 5,991 | — | |
| 1973 | 2,810 | −53.1% | |
| 1984 | 3,689 | 31.3% | |
| 2000 | 6,611 | 79.2% | |
| 2011 | 7,941 | 20.1% | |
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Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos |
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According to the 2011 census, San Rafael had 7,941 people living there. The population has grown quite a bit over the years.
Getting Around
Roads in the District
Several important roads connect San Rafael to other places. These roads help people travel and transport goods.
National Route 4
National Route 143
National Route 733
What People Do for Work
San Rafael is often called Guatuso. It is a farming town located by the Río Frío river. Many people here work in agriculture. Raising cattle and growing rice are very important jobs in this area.
The town has useful services for its residents and visitors. You can find a gas station, banks, and a medical clinic. There are also pharmacies, restaurants, and places to stay.
Fun Places to Visit
San Rafael is close to some amazing natural attractions. These places are great for exploring Costa Rica's wildlife and nature.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is a wet area with lots of marshes and a seasonal lake. It is full of amazing wildlife. You can hire boats in San Rafael to travel up the Río Frío river to reach the refuge. It is a fantastic spot for watching birds.
Venado Caves
The Venado Caves are made of limestone. They have eight different rooms. Underground rivers created these caves over thousands of years. Inside, you might see giant spiders, bats, and fish that don't have eyes. You must go with a guide to explore the caves safely.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
This park is only 15 kilometers from San Rafael. It is famous for the "teñideros" where the Rio Celeste river changes color. It turns from clear water to a beautiful light blue! The river also has one of Costa Rica's most stunning waterfalls inside the park. The park is full of lush tropical plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy hiking for several hours to see everything.
