Things to do in Heredia Area
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Café Britt Finca
The most famous coffee roaster in Costa Rica, Café Britt Finca is headquartered just 1km south of Barva – and offers a 90-minute bilingual tour of its area plantation that includes a video presentation and a hokey stage play about the history of coffee (small kids will likely dig it). Naturally, there’s plenty of coffee tasting and gift-shop browsing. For an extra US$10, you can combine the tour with a one-hour trip to a beneficio (processing plant). Plus the company operates a daily shuttle that can pick you up from San José for an extra fee; reserve ahead. If you are driving, you can’t miss the many signs between Heredia and Barva.
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INBioparque
About 4km to the southeast of town, in the neighborhood of Santo Domingo, is INBioparque, a wildlife park and botanical garden run by the non-profit INBio (National Biodiversity Institute), which catalogs Costa Rica’s biodiversity and promotes its sustainable use. Visitors can admire 531 species of plant, creatures such as sloths, boas and tarantulas, and visit a livestock and a butterfly farm. On weekends there is children’s theatre, plus the park is wheelchair-accessible. Closing times are when the last guests are admitted; the park itself doesn’t shut until sunset. See the website for a list of specialty naturalist tours and directions.
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Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
To the east of Parque Central is Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, built in 1797 and still in use. Opposite the church steps you can take a break and watch old men playing checkers at the park tables while weddings and funerals come and go. The church's thick-walled, squat construction is attractive in a Volkswagen Beetle sort of way. The solid shape has withstood the earthquakes that have damaged or destroyed almost all the other buildings in Costa Rica that date from this time.
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Museo de Cultura Popular
Located in Santa Lucía de Barva, about 1.5km southeast of Barva, this small museum is run by the Universidad Nacional and located in a restored 19th-century farmhouse that exhibits period pieces, such as domestic and agricultural tools. It is best to reserve a tour ahead of time, when staff can arrange a hands-on visit – which might include using the beehive-shaped clay oven to make traditional foods (though this may require a minimum number of people).
Barva is also an excellent base from which to hike the little-visited Volcán Barva.
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Casa de la Cultura
At the park’s northeast corner, in a low-lying Spanish structure that dates back to the 18th century is the Casa de la Cultura, which at one point served as the residence of President Alfredo González Flores, who governed from 1913 to 1917. It is beautifully maintained and now houses permanent historical displays as well as rotating art exhibits.
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Universidad Nacional
The campus of Universidad Nacional, six blocks east of Parque Central, is a great place for doing a little guerrilla learning. Keep an eye out for posters advertising cultural offerings and special events happening around the city. Also, check out the marine biology department’s Museo Zoomarino, where more than 2000 displayed specimens give an overview of Costa Rica’s marine diversity. The Museo Zoomarino is not on campus, but located about 1km west of the university.
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Cowboy Steakhouse
This yellow-and-red joint with two bars has patio seating and the best cuts of beef in town. As the title suggests, steak is the focal point, making it a meat-lover’s must. But the hearty salads and extensive list of bocas (savory bar snacks) are worth a nibble as well.
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Museo Zoomarino
Check out the Universidad Nacional's marine biology department’s Museo Zoomarino, where more than 2000 displayed specimens give an overview of Costa Rica’s marine diversity. The Museo Zoomarino is not on campus, but located about 1km west of the university.
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Miraflores Discotechque
After a few rounds of beers and bocas (savory bar snacks), the party really kicks off at the Miraflores Discotechque, on the southern edge of the Parque Central. Stay aware, however: Heredia can get dodgy at nighttime, though there is an established police presence.
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El Fortín
To the north of the park is an 1867 guard tower called simply El Fortín, which is the last remaining turret of a Spanish fortress and the official symbol of Heredia. This area is a national historic site, but passageways are closed to the public.
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Miraflores Discotheque
After a few rounds of beers, the party really kicks off at the Miraflores Discotheque, on the southern edge of the Parque Central, where locals get groovy to a mix of international beats.
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El Rancho de Fofo
The university district is hopping most nights of the week (Tico students live it up like you wouldn’t believe). El Rancho de Fofo is one of the long-running watering holes here.
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Vishnu Mango Verde
This branch of the famous San José chain is the top spot in town for vegetarian fare – including a wide array of colorful salads and cheap, gut-filling casados.
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El Testy
Here it is folks, your one-stop shop for burritos, ravioli, hamburgers, tacos, chicken and fries. Feeling indecisive? It also sells ice cream, candy, cookies and snacks!
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Mercado Municipal
You can fill up for a couple of thousand colones at the Mercado Municipal, which has sodas to spare and plenty of very fresh groceries.
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El Bulevar
The university district is hopping most nights of the week. El Bulevar is one of the long-running watering holes here.
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La Choza
Tico students live it up like you wouldn’t believe and La Choza is one of the long-running watering holes here.
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Centro Panamericano de Idiomas
Based in San Joaquín de las Flores, just outside of Heredia, this popular school also has a teen program.
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Intercultura
School in Heredia also arranges volunteer opportunities and offers cooking and dance classes.
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Parque Central
Heredia was founded in 1706, and in true Spanish-colonial style it has several interesting old landmarks arranged around the Parque Central.
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Artesanías Vílchez
The selection of crafts is crude, but you’re here for one reason, and one reason only: to buy an authentic Tico cowboy hat. Saddle up and ride!
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