Ruins of the old church of San Juan de Dios (San Mateo)
Landmark · Jacó & Herradura · hidden gem
The ruined walls of the old church of San Juan de Dios, out in the countryside north of San Mateo — a quiet stop on the back roads toward Esparza.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 20 min
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 4 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.98256, -84.55763 — Google Maps
Tip
Pair it with a dip at the Jesús María stone bridge on the same back road toward the coast.
Be careful
Old walls — do not climb on them.
Places nearby
- Bar y Restaurante La TrankaFood & CoffeeCasual country bar-restaurant on Route 131 just outside San Mateo, known among locals for rice dishes and seafood soup.
- El Jardín Orotina (buffet & souvenir stop)Food & CoffeeBig roadside stop near Orotina with a self-service Costa Rican breakfast and lunch buffet, a large souvenir hall, an ice-cream counter and live marimba music.
- El Toledo Coffee Tour (organic coffee farm)Food & Coffee · from $30Small organic coffee farm in the hills above Atenas where a family walks you through the plantation, then roasts, brews and serves coffee and tropical fruit; coffee wine tasting is an add-on and farm lunches can be arranged.
- Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.
- The Retreat Costa RicaDay Passes & Hot Springs · takes 10 h · from $99Boutique wellness resort in the hills of Atenas, about 35 minutes from San José airport, with daily yoga, a spa and three restaurants.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/6838744585 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/6838744585 · https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3862424