Orosi


 The words “beautiful valley” describe the town of Orosi Costa Rica . Orosi is situated in a valley that is considered to be the most beautiful in the whole country. Orosi offers breathtaking views and swaying pine trees that are covered with Spanish moss. Orosi, Costa Rica is known for its peaceful and tranquil settings and is a pleasure to nature lovers. Beautiful hot springs, amazing waterfalls, rich soil, and the perfect climate are all enjoyed in Orosi.

Orosi is located 18 miles from San Jose and 7 miles from Cartago. The small town of Orosi has a population of a little over 4,600. Orosi is a well-preserved colonial area that has made it through numerous earthquakes over the years. This town was named after a Huetar Indian chief who lived in the area; Orosi was later colonized by the Spanish.

Orosi Valley, Orosi, Costa RicaThe production of coffee is the leading industry in the area of Orosi. Beautiful coffee plantations and private farms such as Chucaras Hotsprings Estate are places where tourists can learn about the production of coffee and enjoy Hot Springs swimming pools. The thermal baths of Los Balnearious and Los Patios offer relaxation and comfort to visitors and residents alike.

Rain forests, volcanoes, valleys, and hills with sugar cane and coffee plants are all part of the Orosi region. Orosi is rich in history and has monuments dating back many years ago. A colonial capital founded in 1563 and archeological excavations that date back to 1000 B.C are part of Orosi’s history.


Boating, fishing, mountain viewing, bird and wildlife watching, and shopping are all popular activities in Orosi. A much-visited attraction in Orosi is Tapanti National Park. Lake Cachi is popular for boating and fishing, while the Rio Reventazon is a great location for white-water rafting.

Important landmarks in Orosi include the oldest church being used in Costa Rica, the Ingelsia de San Jose Orosi. This church was built in 1734. Inside of the church is an altar carved from wood and decorated with religious paintings; the roof of the church is made from roofing cane and ceramic tile. Near the church is a museum that displays some of Costa Rica’s old religious artifacts that are Spanish-influenced.

Cartago


For those that are looking for a new vacation destination, an option that must be considered would be the city of Cartago, Costa Rica.  While when most people think of Costa Rica they think of spending time in a typical resort located on a beach, Cartago provides a much different and very unique travel experience.

Cartago is conveniently located in the Central Highlands region of the country.  It is a great place for someone to either spend their entire trip or spend a couple of days while they are touring the country.  The city is best known for having some of the richest history of any city on the Western Hemisphere.  The city has a rich history that dates back nearly 600 years, when it was first settled by Spanish explorers.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, Cartago, Costa RicaThe city is considered a spiritual destination for many people.  Each year, millions of people head to the city to visit Costa Rica’s principal church, which is the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles.  The most popular traveling day to the church is August 2, which is well known for being the feast and celebration day surrounding the Virgin of Angels.  Outside of the church stands the historical Black Madonna statue, which is rumored to bring spiritual healing powers to the weak and sick.

Beyond the church, there are other historical architectural buildings located through Plaza Mayor, which is the city’s central business and entertainment district.  In this area, there are many modern buildings as well as ruins of historical buildings that were devastated by one of the many earthquakes that have affected the area.


Many travelers that come to Cartago, Costa Rica come to take advantage of the beautiful environment and diverse topography.  Immediately surrounding the city is a very dense rainforest, which contains some of the most diverse animal and plant life in the world.  The city also sits at the base of the Irazu Volcano, which is an active volcano that last erupted in 1963.  Tourists can frequently take guided tours through all of the wildlife in the area.  Similar to other areas of the country, the weather in Cartago is ideal 12 months per year, with high temperatures ranging to between 75 and 80 degrees all year long.