Day Trips: Sarchí, Grecia & La Paz

★★ Sarchí — Handicrafts & Carretas

The village of Sarchí (30 km northwest of San José) is the center of the Carreta tradition (the colorful ox carts, UNESCO World Heritage). At the Fábrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro (since 1923!), you can watch the craftsmen painting and buy miniature carretas as souvenirs (from 5,000 CRC). In front of the town stands the largest carreta in the world — Guinness Book entry included.

Sarchí also has a lively craft market with woodwork, leather goods, and ceramics. The church in the town center with its brightly painted facade is another photo opportunity.

Drive from San José: 45 min. Ideal combination with Volcán Poás as a day trip.

★ Grecia — The Cleanest City

Grecia has been repeatedly awarded as the cleanest city in Costa Rica. The main attraction: the Iglesia de la Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes — a church built entirely from imported steel plates from Belgium (1897). Yes, a church made of metal. In tropical red. Unique.

★★ La Paz Waterfall Gardens

One of the most visited private parks in Costa Rica: Five waterfalls in a row, connected by well-maintained trails. Plus a butterfly garden, a bird station (toucans to touch!), a snake garden, a frog exhibit, and a jaguar enclosure. It's not "wild" — more like a beautifully designed nature park — but the photo opportunities are top-notch.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: 52 USD adults, 36 USD children. 35 km north of Alajuela. Daily 8:00–17:00. Ideal combination with Volcán Poás (on the way).

For those who prefer it wilder: The Cataratas de Bajos del Toro (1.5h north of San José) are less known but breathtaking — a 90-meter-high waterfall into a jungle gorge, much less visited.