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COSTA RICA | Heredia, Costa Rica Travel Guide
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
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Exploring Heredia
Sightseeing in Heredia
Heredia’s central park is filled with trees and is a great place to stroll or sit on a bench and watch people go by. To the east of it is the impressive Church of the Immaculate Conception, which took 30 years to build (1767-1797). The wait was worth it – its massive towers and walls proved stronger than the earthquakes that have rocked the country since it was built. It has stained glass from Europe and church bells from Cuzco, Peru. Nearby is another imposing fixture, El Fortín, a brick fort with peepholes built backwards. Good thing it never saw action.
The Casa de Cultura, just north of the park, is the 1843 home of ex-president Alfredo Gonzalez. It re-creates the life and home of a coffee baron, the life of peasants during that time, and it also presents local art shows. Another architecturally interesting building here is the 1915 neo-classical, post office (correo).
Heredia doesn’t have a thriving flower market as its nickname suggests, but does have a wonderful fruit and vegetable mercado. It also boasts a number of Spanish-language schools and the University Nacional, a rival to UCR.
Outside of Heredia, the coffee town of San Rafael de Heredia boasts a contemporary gothic-style church (built in 1962), inspired by Notre Dame cathedral, with spires visible from far away. A bit farther on is Monte de la Cruz Park, a privately-owned preserve with hiking trails and sweeping vistas.
On the way from Heredia to the historic town of Barva, you’ll find the Café Britt showroom, office and store (506/260-2748). Tours of the roasting plant are offered. There’s a good cafeteria and gift shop that are open to the public without taking the tour. What delicious coffee! Open 9-4 daily. Most visitors arrive with organized tours originating in San José; check with a local travel agent.
San José de la Montaña is an idyllic little village full of 18th-century wooden houses. Originally, it was established as a health resort and people came here to breathe the fresh mountain air. Nine km/5.6 miles beyond that you can improve your health by tackling some of the little-known hikes from Sacramento, a village gateway to the Barva Volcano, now a part of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Take the “de la Montaña/Sacramento” bus from behind the mercado in Heredia. Hike to the peak and then down into the lake of the forested volcano. Let the ranger station know you’re hiking.
La Paz Waterfalls near Vara Blanca are easily accessible from Heredia, as is the Poás Volcano.
Last updated October 28, 2010
Posted in Costa Rica | Heredia
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