History of Atenas
The canton of Atenas was inhabited in pre-Columbian times by the Huetar indigenous people, who settled near the Grande, Cacao, and Cajón rivers. During the Spanish conquest, the region was under the control of the cacique Garabito. In 1561, Captain Antonio Álvarez Pereira became the first conquistador to explore these lands. During the colonial period, Atenas was not a major area of interest for the Spanish, although it was mentioned due to its connection with the Camino Real and the gold mines of Monte del Aguacate. Initially, the region was known as “Río Grande,” and later as “Sabana Larga,” where farmers from Alajuela, Heredia, San José, and Cartago began settling toward the end of the 18th century.
In 1833, the settlers requested permission to build a small chapel, at which point the community was officially given the name Atenas. Due to water shortages and uneven terrain in Sabana Larga, the settlement was moved in 1834 to the area near Poza Azul. Over time, Atenas grew thanks to the traffic of oxcart drivers who transported coffee along the “oxcart road,” turning the town into an important rest stop. In 1865 it was recognized as a village, in 1868 it officially became a canton, and in 1918 it received the title of city due to its economic development and progress.
Today, the main sectors of downtown Atenas include the area surrounding the Central Park, where well-known events such as the Climate Fair and the Festival of Lights are held, as well as the San Rafael Archangel Parish Church. Together with the Municipal Market, these locations form the town’s most active commercial area, with shops and banks, as well as well-known local businesses such as Ferretería JR Vargas, CAFI Gym, and Ecofarma Pharmacy. On the road toward Los Ángeles, Coopeatenas R.L. serves as a service center offering a gas station, supermarket, and café.
The canton is also home to several heritage sites. In the town center you can find the Central School of Atenas, the Municipal Palace, and the José Carlos Umaña School, where the International Baccalaureate program of Liceo de Atenas Martha Mirambell Umaña is currently located.
Education
Atenas offers a strong network of educational institutions ranging from early childhood education to university level, with both public and private options in the town center and surrounding areas. This contributes to its appeal as an ideal place to live with family, surrounded by peace and nature.
In the public sector:
- CEN-CINAI: A government center focused on nutrition and child development for the local population.
- Escuela Central de Atenas: Offers bilingual French sections from kindergarten through sixth grade.
- Liceo de Atenas Martha Mirambell Umaña: Continues the bilingual French program and is recognized for its academic and athletic excellence, especially in volleyball, as well as for its International Baccalaureate program.
- Colegio Técnico Profesional de Atenas: Offers technical specialties such as Accounting, Computer Science, and Administration, allowing students to graduate with a technical degree.
- Universidad Técnica Nacional – Atenas Campus: Located in Balsa, it is a national reference in agricultural sciences and food technology.
In the private sector:
- Green Valley Atenas School: Located in Sabana Larga, it is one of the most recognized private schools in the area, offering bilingual education from preschool through high school, with the option of an American diploma.
- Escuela Colina Azul: A private school offering preschool and elementary education with a personalized approach.
- Colegio San Rafael: A secondary school offering English instruction through the NEO platform and certification aligned with the Common European Framework.
Gastronomy
Atenas is well known for its coffee culture and offers many local cafés and restaurants such as Soda Tío Mano, Crema y Nata, and Avellanas. It also features international dining options like El Balcón del Café (European style), Firenze Ristorante (pasta and pizza), and Akemi Sushi Bar (Asian cuisine). Additionally, it is common to find small local stands selling traditional sweets such as cajetas, toronjas rellenas (candied grapefruit), and other homemade treats, as well as refreshing drinks like fresh coconut water.
Neighborhoods and Areas in Downtown Atenas
Calle Boquerón: A residential area north of downtown known for its cooler climate and beautiful views. It is home to one of the most exclusive communities in Atenas, Roca Verde, developed by Canadians, as well as one of the first hotels in the area, Hotel Colinas del Sol, founded by Germans.
El Güízaro: A rural and mountainous residential area located south of downtown Atenas, known for its panoramic views, pleasant climate, and private communities such as Residencial El Güízaro and Residencial Picaflora. Just minutes from the town center, it offers large properties and natural surroundings, making it a highly sought-after residential area.
Los Ángeles: A quiet area northeast of the town center, ideal for those seeking nature and a traditional small-town atmosphere. Nearby you can find Los Ángeles Waterfall, as well as established local businesses such as Maderas y Materiales Los Ángeles hardware store and restaurants like La Fiesta de las Pupusas and Don Yayo Bar & Restaurant.
Sources:
Eladio Alonso Valerio Madriz (excerpts from his book “Historias de mi tierra: Atenas”).
Images courtesy of Gabriela Araya and other sources.