San Rafael de Guatuso Church & Park
Landmark · Arenal & La Fortuna
The small parish church of San Rafael Arcángel with its steep red A-frame bell gable, facing the central park of Guatuso's main town — the gateway to the Maleku territory and the Katira side of Río Celeste.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 20 min
- Best time
- any time
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 4 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 10.6738, -84.82048 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.5 on Google (6)
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
A good stop to stretch your legs between La Fortuna and Río Celeste; the Maleku palenques are 10–15 minutes away.
Be careful
Respect services in progress.
Places nearby
- Rancho Maleku Tafa UríjifTours & AdventureA Maleku family's cultural rancho in the Guatuso indigenous territory, led by Hiqui Morera Castro, where visitors learn about the smallest indigenous people of Costa Rica, their language and crafts.
- Laberinto de KatiraParks & WildlifeOwner Rafael Arguedas grew two big hedge mazes and a park of about 30 topiary animals 500 m north of Katira's center; climb the platforms for views.
- Soda River BlueSodas & Local FoodA small, top-rated family soda on the Katira side of Río Celeste with cheap Costa Rican plates.
- Soda y Rancho Doña IrmaSodas & Local FoodRustic roadside rancho near the Tenorio park road serving typical Costa Rican food.
- Restaurante Caballo NegroFood & CoffeeFamily-run restaurant beside the Lucky Bug Gallery on Route 142 where chef Monika mixes local ingredients with German recipes, served with lake-valley views and hummingbirds in the garden.
- Soda La Parada (Nuevo Arenal)Sodas & Local FoodFamily soda at the Nuevo Arenal bus stop that surprises travelers with hearty casados, arroz con pollo and soups at very fair prices, open from 5 am on weekdays.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/289931002 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/289931002 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/501278884