Introducing Guápiles & Around

A pleasant and decidedly nontouristy (if not terribly scenic) lowland agricultural town, Guápiles lies at the base of the northern foothills of the Cordillera Central. It serves as a transportation center for the Río Frío banana-growing region and also makes a convenient base from which to explore Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo – a 20 minute drive away – or to organize excursions to Tortuguero.

The center of town is about 1km north of Hwy 32. The two major streets are one way, running parallel to each other. Most of the services are on the loop that these streets make through the busy downtown.