Heredia, which is on the outskirts of San Jose is located in the Central Valley, a fertile upland basin 3,773 ft. above sea level in the heart of Costa Rica. The valley itself is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the largest of which is Irazu. On the hillsides and volcanoes surrounding San Jose you will find quaint little villages, rolling pastures, small farms, and vast coffee plantations. In the basin itself, lies the San Jose metro area. To some, the city is noisy and congested. To most, San Jose has a distinctive charm and feel to it. The city is home to an extensive collection of museums, theaters, great restaurants, bars, discos, and of course, neighborhood markets. Above all, the warmth and hospitality of the locals (ticos) make a stay in Costa Rica, and especially in San Jose a memorable experience.

Heredia, which is on the outskirts of San Jose is located in the Central Valley, a fertile upland basin 3,773 ft. above sea level in the heart of Costa Rica. The valley itself is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the largest of which is Irazu. On the hillsides and volcanoes surrounding San Jose you will find quaint little villages, rolling pastures, small farms, and vast coffee plantations. In the basin itself, lies the San Jose metro area. To some, the city is noisy and congested. To most, San Jose has a distinctive charm and feel to it. The city is home to an extensive collection of museums, theaters, great restaurants, bars, discos, and of course, neighborhood markets. Above all, the warmth and hospitality of the locals (ticos) make a stay in Costa Rica, and especially in San Jose a memorable experience.

Long before the arrival of Europeans, Mexico was home to the great Maya, Aztec and Zapotec civilizations. These peoples had a well developed agriculture all their own. Staples included corn, peppers, beans, avocados, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, jicama, chayote and other squashes. With the arrival of Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century, Spanish cuisine and ingredients were introduced. Beef, cheese, cream and bread entered into the mix, and there began a slow fusion of the two cuisines. Today's Mexican cooking maintains deep roots in the Aztec and Maya past while making use of the vast array of new ingredients and methods available since colonization.