Things to do in Valle De Orosi
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Lankester Gardens
The University of Costa Rica runs the exceptional Lankester Gardens, which was started as a private garden by British orchid enthusiast Charles Lankester in 1917, but was turned over to the university for public administration in 1973. Orchids are the big draw at this tranquil 11-hectare spot, with more than 1100 at their showiest from March to May. There is also a new Japanese garden, as well as areas full of bromeliads, palms, heliconias and other tropical plants. There is a good gift shop (this is one of the few places where foreigners can legally purchase orchids to take home) and a cafe was in the works at the time of research. Guided tours in English and Spanish can…
reviewed
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Parque Nacional Tapantí-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte
This 580-sq-km national park protects the lush northern slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca, and has a rainy claim to fame: it is the wettest park in the country, getting almost 8000mm of precipitation a year. In 2000 it was expanded to include the infamous Cerro de la Muerte – otherwise known as the ‘Mountain of Death.’ This precipitous peak is the highest point on the Interamericana and the northernmost extent of páramo, a highland shrub and tussock grass habitat that’s most commonly found in the Andes and is home to a variety of rare bird species.
Known simply as Tapantí, the park also protects wild and mossy country that’s fed by, literally, hundreds of riv…
reviewed
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Finca Cristina
Two kilometers east of Paraíso on the road to Turrialba is Finca Cristina, an organic coffee farm that is open to visitors by appointment only (call ahead for a reservation). Linda and Ernie have been farming in Costa Rica since 1977, and a 90-minute tour of their microbeneficio (miniprocessing plant) is a fantastic introduction to the processes of organic-coffee growing, harvesting and roasting. Finca Cristina also sells its product to guests at wholesale prices.
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La Casona del Cafetal Restaurant
This charming lakeside restaurant is situated in the middle of a coffee plantation. It is popular with local families who arrive to dip into fresh river trout or grilled pork loins glazed with tamarind sauce. Don’t miss the coffee-laced deserts, such as flan and ice cream. There is a small playground for the kiddies, as well as short trails and a lagoon with paddle boats for rent (in high season). This is a popular spot on Sundays.
reviewed
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Casa del Soñador
Casa del Soñador is an artisanal woodworking studio run by Hermes Quesada. The son of renowned Tico carver Macedonio Quesada, Hermes maintains the campesino (peasant farmer) tradition of whittling gnarled coffee-wood branches into ornate religious figures and whimsical characters. His workshop displays sculptures of all sizes, with pieces available for purchase.
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Los Balnearios
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Cafetería Orosi
Adjacent to the Orosi Lodge is this recommended cafe that serves organic local coffee, as well as a mix of homemade pastries, salads and sandwiches – and even an excellent apple cake.
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Los Patios
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Museum
Adjacent to the Iglesia de San José Orosi is a small museum with interesting examples of Spanish-colonial religious art and artifacts, some of which date back to the 17th century.reviewed
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Iglesia de San José Orosi
Orosi is one of the few colonial-era towns to survive Costa Rica’s frequent earthquakes, which have thankfully spared the postcard-perfect village church. Built in 1743, it is the oldest religious site still in use in Costa Rica. The roof of the church is a combination of thatched cane and ceramic tiling, while the carved wood altar is adorned with religious paintings of Mexican origin.reviewed
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Montaña Linda
If you want to study Spanish, Toine and Sara run one of the most affordable language schools in the country.reviewed
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Aventuras Orosi
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Sanchiri Restaurante
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