Sarchí Giant Oxcart

Tip

Next door, peek into the pink church and then visit a small cart workshop to watch the painters work.

Be careful

Keep an eye on your belongings in busy town centres, and dress respectfully if you go inside a church.

Places nearby

• Fábrica de Carretas Eloy AlfaroTours & AdventureTraditional oxcart workshop and store in Sarchí where artisans hand-paint oxcarts and wooden pieces; visitors can watch the work, walk through the old factory and buy crafts.
• Jardín Botánico Else KientzlerParks & WildlifeBotanical garden in Sarchí with winding trails among bamboo, palms, bromeliads and unusual trees, a plant nursery and a café, on Finca La Evita.
• Bitzü Coffee TourParks & Wildlife · from $30Small-group boutique coffee farm tour at the foot of Poás volcano: seed to cup, a look at the plantation, roasting and a live tasting with valley views.
• Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Zoo Ave)Parks & Wildlife14-hectare wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary near the airport with birds, cats, monkeys and reptiles that are treated and released when possible; visits help fund the rescue work.
• Botanical Orchid Garden La GaritaParks & Wildlife · from $6Small botanical garden near the airport with a self-guided path through the grounds, an orchid showroom with hundreds of blooms and koi ponds.
• Restaurante El ParquecitoFood & CoffeeFamily-run, very cheap buffet right across from Zarcero's topiary park, opened in 2019 — a warm spot to eat local food when the mountain fog and drizzle roll in.