Orosi Valley, San Jose Day Trip, Costa Rica

If your looking for things to do while in Costa Rica's Central Valley, be sure to take in the scenery in Orosi Valley. You can have a full day trip by including the quaint town of Cartago, Irazu Volcano, Lankester Orchid Gardens and have lunch on a coffee plantation.

Orosi Valley Costa Rica

The Orosi Valley, southeast of Cartago and visible from the top of Volcano Irazu on a clear day, is generally considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Costa Rica. The Reventazon River meanders through this steep-sided valley until it collects in the lake formed by the Cachi Dam. There are scenic overlooks near the town of Orosi which is at the head of the valley, and in Ujarras, which is on the banks of the lake.

Named after a Huetar Indian chief who lived in the region before it was colonized by the Spanish.  This quiet Costa Rica town is a nature lover’s delight.  In town of Orosi itself, you can see the church of Iglesia de San Jose Orosi built in 1734. This church sits on the west side of town and has a masterfully crafted wooden altar that is definitely worth a look. Also near the church is a small museum that displays many of Costa Rica’s old Spanish-influenced religious artifacts.

Cachi Dam, Orosi Valley

Near Ujarras are the ruins of Costa Rica's oldest church (built in 1693), whose tranquil gardens are a great place to sit and gaze at the surrounding mountains. In the town of Orosi itself, there is yet another colonial church and convent, built in 1743. A small museum here displays religious artifacts. Near the town of Cachi, you'll find La Casa del Sonador (The House of the Dreamer; tel. 2577-1983), the home and gallery of the late sculptor Macedonio Quesada and his sons, who carry on the family tradition.

From the Orosi Valley, it's a quick shot to the entrance to the Tapanti National Park (tel. 2552-4823), where you'll find some gentle and beautiful hiking trails, as well as riverside picnic areas. The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm; admission is $6 (£3).

Restaurant La Casona del Cafetal

Stop for lunch at La Casona del Cafetal Restaurant (tel. 2577-1414) located on a coffee plantation. The well manicured grounds overlooks the river and offers stunning views. Open 7 days a week, they specialize in fresh fish such as trout, chicken and beef dishes and have a great all you can eat buffet on Sundays.

If you're interested in staying in the Orosi Valley, check out the charming little Orosi Lodge (tel. 2533-3578), which is located right next to some simple hot spring pools. In the area you can stop and soak your tired bones inthermal baths of Los Balnearios and Los Patios.

Getting to Orosi Valley

Costa Rica Coffee

If you're driving, take the road to Paraiso from Cartago, head toward Ujarras, continue around the lake, and then pass through Cachi and on to Orosi. From Orosi, the road leads back to Paraiso. It is difficult to explore this whole area by public bus because this is not a densely populated region and connections are often infrequent or unreliable. However, there are regular buses from Cartago to the town of Orosi. These buses run roughly every half-hour and leave the main bus terminal in Cartago. The trip takes 30 minutes, and the fare is 60¢ (30p). There are also guided day tours of this area from San Jose.