The heart of Tico culture resides in San José, as do university students, intellectuals, artists and political leaders. While it’s not the most appealing capital in Central America, it does have some graceful neoclassical and Spanish-colonial architecture, leafy areas, museums real estate pre-Columbian jade and gold, night life that goes on till dawn, and some of the nation’s most sophisticated restaurants. Street art– both formally sanctioned and guerrilla– adds unexpected pops of color and public discourse to the cityscape. For the experienced traveler, Chepe, as it’s affectionately understood, has its appeals.