Heredia

Heredia, also known as “City of Flowers”, this city is the capital of the smallest of all the provinces of Costa Rica. It is currently undergoing a rapid process of industrialization and is located 10 kilometers north of San José. Heredia was founded in 1706, and is the country's fourth largest city.

Interesting places to visit

El Fortín, a remarkable brick tower built in 1876 by the Spanish.

Church of Immaculate Conception, dates back to 1797 and showcases European stained glass and historic bells imported from Cuzco, Peru.

The House of Culture ( Casa de la Cultura), the 1843 home of former president Alfredo Gonzalez houses a small collection of art.

Barva is a charming little town along the winding road that heads north from Heredia. Founded in the late 16th century, this delightful pueblo has still retained some of its colonial ambiance. In Barva de Heredia, beautiful Museum of Popular Culture is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 

Hiking to Barva Volcano's Crater Lake in Braulio Carrillo National Park is tough but beautiful, trek through rain and cloud forest. Café Britt’s Farm in Barva, offers you educational tours about their production process, ending the tour with a delightful tasting.

Other charming small towns to visit are: San Isidro, Santa Barbara, Santo Domingo, San Rafael, San Joaquin de Flores and San Jose de la Montana.