The Central Plateau is this part of Costa Rica at an average altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, enclosed by the Central Cordillera and stretching from San Ramon to Carthago through San Jose, the national capital, Alajuela and Heredia. This valley, 80 kilometers long by 30 kilometers wide, is approximately one hour from the Pacific and two hours from the Atlantic by car. Two million Ticos live in this "meseta" and are blessed with a quality of life similar to North American or European standards with respect to infrastructures, services and economic growth.

Atenas (5000 inhabitants; 18000 with the suburbs) is located on the Central Valley's western edge at 700 - 800 meters altitude. This town is the hub of a prosperous agricultural area, known for its breeding farms and exceptional orchards and there is a community health center, ambulances, schools, banks, boutiques and most services. Atenas is a quaint little town, very clean and very pretty, with its white immaculate church and its central park lined with palm trees.

The atmosphere is laid back, the people are hardworking yet open to foreigners and the social inequalities are very few. Already approximately 100 North Americans and Europeans have chosen to live in this area and moreover, many ticos from San Jose have a country estate (quinta) in the surrounding hills.

Atenas, due to its geographical location (50 km from the Pacific Ocean, 20 km from the international airport and 35 km from San Jose) is the main bus terminal between San Jose and Puntarenas. With the new freeway joining the two above cities, Atenas will be 30 minutes from Puntarenas (or Jaco), 10 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes from San Jose.

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