Area 297.5 km² Capital San Marcos | Founded 7 August 1868 | |
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Tarrazú is the 5th canton in the province of San José in Costa Rica. The canton covers an area of 297.50 km², and has a population of 15,142. The capital city of the canton is San Marcos.
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Map of San Jos%C3%A9, Tarrazu, Costa Rica
The Río Pirrís (also known as Río Parrita) establishes much of the northern boundary of the three-pronged canton, which reaches south across the Coastal Mountain Range to its border with the canton of Aguirre in Puntarenas Province.
Districts
The canton of Tarrazú is subdivided into three districts (distritos):
- San Marcos
- San Lorenzo
- San Carlos
History
The canton was established by a legislative decree of August 7, 1868. It was part of the Desamparados canton by that time.
Geography
Tarrazu is located about 70 kilometers south of the Capital San Jose, in a pristine valley surrounded by mountains that are part of the Talamanca Sierra in southern Costa Rica. Downtown San Marcos is 1350 meters above sea level but is surrounded by peaks as high as 3000 meters above sea level.
Economy
Highland coffee is the main source of income of local people. However, tourism and avocado production are of increased importance. During the months of December, January and February, population increases three-fold due to harvest time. San Marcos, the biggest town in the region, has become the center of economic activity. More recently the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity has invested millions of dollars in the Pirris Hydro Dam, scheduled to start generating energy by March 2011. The Hydro Dam is now the highest structure of its kind in Central America and will be key to the economic development of the region, not only in the highlands but the coastal regions of Quepos and Parrita.
Tarrazu, particularly the San Lorenzo area, is felt to produce the most desirable coffee in Costa Rica. Finca Palmilera coffee is grown here. In November 2012, it was the most expensive coffee sold in Starbucks coffee shops in the United States.