Ujarras, Cartago: San Jose Day Trip: Central Valley, Costa Rica

Ujarras Valley, Costa Rica

Home to the ruins of one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica, the tiny town of Ujarras is found in the gorgeous Orosi Valley. Located in the province of Cartago, northeast of Orosi near the Lago de Cachi and east of Paraiso, Ujarras is definitely worth a visit while touring this pretty region. A great way to spend an afternoon exploring this town and its surrounding area, you can get to Ujarras easily by bus, taxi or car from San Jose or Cartago City.

Constructed in the 1560's, the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion now sits in ruins due to recurring floods and earthquakes that hit the area. Built near the Rio Reventazon, this church was once home to a miraculous painting of the Virgin. According to local story, a painting of the Virgin was found in a box by some native Huetar Indian fishermen who brought it to Ujarras, after which it would not move. A church was then built on this site by the locals to commemorate the Virgin. In 1666, it is believed that the Virgin also helped the residents of the area to defeat British pirates who had invaded the Caribbean Coast.

A magnificent example of Spanish colonial architecture and the ancient civilization, this church’s ruins now sits in a beautifully landscaped garden and has been declared a national monument by the Costa Rican government.

Today, an annual Mass is held at this location on the Sunday closest to April 14th to celebrate the feast of the La Virgin de Ujarras. A procession is also taken out from Paraiso to here with lots of music and food to celebrate the day.

Nearby the church ruins is lovely grassy area which makes for excellent place to stopover and have a picnic. On Sunday afternoons, many local families from around the region can be seen picnicking and enjoying the superb weather.