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    8 Things to Do in Grecia: a Hidden Gem in the Central Valley of Costa Rica

    By Mayra Carvajal

    The town of Grecia, in the mountains of the central valley of Costa Rica and only a 1.5-hour drive from the international airport in San José, is a superb location to explore the gardens, parks, and nature reserves that abound in this area.

    And best of all, you can visit most of them without renting a car. 

    Grecia is a less known tourist destination, but this mid-sized town surrounded by farms has been a popular destination for the expat community for years. Its pleasant weather, the mountain views, the cleanliness, cute cafes, overall safety, and cheaper prices, have attracted retirees for years.

    However, there’s still a good balance between the tico and the expat population. It still keeps its local flavour so you won’t feel you landed in Gringolandia.

    From here you can also explore other nearby areas including Sarchí, the capital city of San José, and popular spots further away (but not too far) such as Fortuna and Arenal.

    Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you (zero, nada). To check the full disclaimer, click here.

    These are the best things to see in Grecia, Costa Rica

    Images of a church and gardens with text saying Costa Rica Things to do in the Central Valley
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    Table of Contents

    • See the Unique Metal Church in Grecia (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes de Grecia)
    • Try the Delicious Food at the Farmer’s Market in Grecia (Feria del Agricultor)
    • Hike Grecia Forest Reserve (Reserva Forestal de Grecia Sector Bosque del Niño)
      • How to Get to Grecia Forest Reserve Bosque del Niño by Bus from Grecia  
    • Travel Back in Time in the Gardens of Hacienda Los Trapiches
      • How to Get to Hacienda Los Trapiches by Bus from Grecia
    • Visit the Botanical Orchid Garden in La Garita
      • How to Get to La Garita Botanical Orchid Garden by Bus
    • See Costa Rica’s Natural Diversity at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center 
      • How to Get to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center by Bus
    • Take a Dip at Los Chorros Waterfalls 
      • How to Get to Los Chorros Waterfalls by Bus from Grecia
    • See the Crater of a Volcano at the Poás Volcano National Park
    • How to Get to Grecia from San José by Bus
      • How to Spend 1 Day in San Jose, Costa Rica
      • Best Exciting Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica
      • Your Guide to Sarchí: The Wonderful Artsy Destination in Costa Rica

    See the Unique Metal Church in Grecia (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes de Grecia)

    A red church in a park
    Grecia’s metal church and central park

    In the heart of downtown Grecia rises a red metal structure with white decorative elements: a unique -for Costa Rica- church in Gothic Revival style, made entirely out of prefabricated Belgian steel sheets.  The parts for the Church of Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes arrived from Europe in 1893, were transported in oxcarts through the mountains (no paved roads in the 19th century!), and were fully assembled in 1912.

    The interiors are unique too: white walls and ceiling, hydraulic tiles on the floor, and stained glass splashing colour in the composition.

    A stained glass window
    Beautiful stained glass
    The interior of a church in white
    Mostly white
    A red church with white details
    The church has lovely details in white

    Across the church, you’ll find Grecia’s Central Park, a nice place to relax among trees, fountains, flowers, and sculptures.


    Try the Delicious Food at the Farmer’s Market in Grecia (Feria del Agricultor)

    This is one of the best food markets I’ve visited. A clean and organized place where you can find freshly picked veggies in Grecia, and the sweetest and juiciest fruit. You can also find cheese, honey, baked goods, imported goods, handicrafts, and food stalls with fresh food and juices.

    A not to miss place is Cafetería Gramos (open Fridays from 10AM). The bread, the pastries, and the desserts you’ll find in this place are nothing short of amazing. 

    Open Fridays (8AM-8PM) and Saturdays (6AM-1PM)


    Hike Grecia Forest Reserve (Reserva Forestal de Grecia Sector Bosque del Niño)

    A hiking trail
    The trails at Bosque del Niño

    The thick fog putting its arms around the tall trees in this dense forest creates a magical feeling making you wonder if the birds chirping are musical fairies in disguise. The sweeping views from its location, on the slopes of the Poás volcano, sealed the deal to pick this as my favourite outdoor destination near Grecia.  

    You’ll find two loop trails to explore the eight hectares covered with pines, eucalyptus, and cypress trees planted by children of surrounding communities in 1979 to celebrate the International Year of the Child. Hence the name of the reserve (Bosque del Niño means Children’s Forest).

    It’s a great place for birdwatching (they have recorded more than 50 species) and for spotting wildlife (you could see coyotes, armadillos, sloths, grey foxes, jaguarundis, and more). 

    The Carboneras trail is 1782 metres long with stunning vegetation and moderate difficulty (more to do with the terrain -tons of roots and muddy at times-  rather than the steepness). My behind hurt for three days after free-falling twice downhill from stepping on the round seeds laying on the ground.

    A trail with tree roots
    Tons of roots. Beautiful!
    A muddy trail with roots
    …but it can be tricky!

    The Los Pinos trail is 738 metres long, mostly flat, with a more “orderly” feel given by the rows of pine trees.

    A trail in a forest with a sign saying Sendero Los Pinos
    Los Pinos trailhead
    A man walking on a trail in a pine forest
    The pines at Los Pinos
    View of fog over the mountains
    As the day rolls so does the fog

    There’s a park ranger station on-site, restrooms, drinking water, and a picnic area.

    General Admission (non-nationals): US$5.65

    How to Get to Grecia Forest Reserve Bosque del Niño by Bus from Grecia  

    Go to la terminal del mercado (in Grecia’s mercado central, one block west of the central park) and hop on the bus that goes towards San Isidro (it must say Calle Rodriguez). It takes around 25 minutes to get to the intersection with Calle Bosque del Niño where you’ll get off. 

    From here you’ll walk four kilometres uphill on the bumpy road till the entrance of the park. I enjoyed the walk as the scenery was an appetizer to the beauty that awaited us on the trails.

    A man walking on a dirt road surrounded by trees
    The beautiful walk from the bus stop to Bosque del Niño
    View of a mountain valley
    Enjoy the views on your way to the trail

    If you go there by car during the rainy season you’ll do better with a 4-wheel drive.


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    T


    Travel Back in Time in the Gardens of Hacienda Los Trapiches

    A pond surrounded by trees with a red roof in the background
    Hacienda Los Trapiches

    Hacienda Los Trapiches is a lovely place to relax, see gorgeous flowers and enjoy birdwatching (they have recorded more than 100 species of resident and migratory birds).

    Walk along the paths to find ponds, creeks, cascades, and landscaped grounds with a pool and a picnic area.

    Colourful wildflowers
    Lobster Claws
    A cascade in a garden
    Cool cascades

    You can see a hydraulic sugar mill built in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1865 and brought here when this used to be a farm with sugar cane and coffee fields with the moos of cows filling the air.

    The mill produced sweet sticky stuff by boiling sugar cane juice and using the crushed canes to light the fire. Something it doesn’t do anymore except for Sundays at 11AM. 

    A sugar mill
    The old sugar mill at work (Sundays only)

    So yes, Sundays are the best day to get there and enjoy freshly made melcocha (taffy) using the traditional method from the 19th century. You can easily spend a couple of hours here.

    There’s also a restaurant on site.

    General admission: 3,500 colones.

    How to Get to Hacienda Los Trapiches by Bus from Grecia

    Go to la terminal del mercado (in Grecia’s mercado central, one block west of the central park) and hop on the bus that goes towards Santa Gertrudis-Poás. In Santa Gertrudis Sur, get off at the church with the same name (there’s a soccer field behind). From there it’s a 10-minute walk to the Hacienda.


    Visit the Botanical Orchid Garden in La Garita

    A white orchid
    Check out many varieties of orchids

    As expected, you’ll find beautiful orchids on display in the nursery and on mature trees that have been on the property from the time it used to be a coffee plantation 30 years ago.

    But that’s not all. Relax next to shaded calming ponds that are home to koi fish and turtles and a huge water park for ducks and other birds. Or find your way through labyrinths and tunnels walled with tall bamboos or twisted vines dotted with flowers. 

    A couple in a bamboo trail
    Walking through the bamboo forest
    A pond with ducks shadedy trees
    Sit next to the pond and see the birds

    Heliconias and other “meaty” wildflowers typical of the tropical dry forest will be the delight of your walk along the nature trails where palms abound.

    You’ll also see orchids grown using the flask method where they reproduce in a lab the conditions necessary for the orchids to grow in a jar before being grouped in a “community pot” for at least a year and then transplanted in an individual pot. Before they bloom the whole process can take up to four or five years (which makes me appreciate orchids even more!).

    An orange and burnt red orchid
    A triangular-shaped orchid
    A stem with multiple white and purple orchids
    A sample of the many colours and shapes you can enjoy

    Even though you’ll always find something to see in this small garden you’ll find more flowers between January and March.

    Bonus tip: on your way here you’ll stop at La Fiesta del Maíz. On your way back stop at this restaurant and try their pan de yuca and their pan de elote (some sort of cornbread). Especially the last one. It’s to die for!!

    Open Tue.-Sun.: 8AM-5PM; General admission (non-nationals): US$12


    CREATE ART WITH THE BEAUTY OF NATURE

    Let your inner artist take over and bring to life these hand-drawn colouring pages for adults, featuring imaginary gardens.
    Express your creativity and relax by applying your own palette to 50 original illustrations.


    Print them at home, download them to your colouring app,  or buy them as a gift to your art and nature loving friends.
    See a preview and get yours today

    A cover image of a digital colouring book with colouring pages featuring gardens

    How to Get to La Garita Botanical Orchid Garden by Bus

    From Grecia

    From Grecia’s Tuan bus terminal hop on the bus to the town of Alajuela and get off at the intersection with Route 3 (around 45 minutes). 

    Walk west a few metres on Route 3 towards the bus stop in front of the Garita Atenas sign. 

    From there hop on the bus heading west towards Atenas or Turrúcares and get off at La Fiesta del Maíz Restaurant.

    You’ll walk 800 metres south on Calle Bosque Encantado to the entrance of the garden.

    From San José

    Hop on the bus from Grupo Tuasa to Alajuela, leaving from the bus terminal north of Braulio Carrillo Colina Park on 2nd Ave. and Calle 12.

    From the Tuasa terminal in Alajuela take the bus heading towards Atenas or Turrúcares and get off at La Fiesta del Maíz Restaurant.

    You’ll walk 800 metres south on Calle Bosque Encantado to the entrance of the garden.

    Note: the first time we tried to get here we ended up in the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center because when we boarded the second bus I asked the driver to drop us at the orchid garden and he dropped us off in front of an orchid nursery. Not knowing when the next bus was coming we decided to visit the wildlife centre instead, a 20-minute walk away (on the side of the road), and leave the garden for another day. Get off at La Fiesta del Maíz and you’ll be fine.



    See Costa Rica’s Natural Diversity at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center 

    Blue and gold macaws
    Rescued Blue and gold macaws

    If you love animals you’ll feel like you found a 4-carat diamond on a casual walk on the beach.

    First things first. This is NOT a zoo, it’s a non-profit centre where over 2,000 animals are rehabilitated every year after being rescued, to be released back into the wild. 

    While they’re kept in the facility they live in a 34-acre forest that mimics as close as possible their natural habitat.

    A concrete path through a jungle
    The paths of the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center

    It’s also an animal sanctuary where you can see dozens of animals that can’t survive in the wild. How did they end up here? 

    People obtained them illegally. They were cute babies but then the animals grew up and started behaving like wild animals and then…Oops! Cute baby no more! It’s behaving like a wild animal, I can’t keep it!

    Or they got sick because they were not fed the proper diet. 

    Or they were “owned” by mean people who abused them. Or hunted.

    Here, they found great care and a permanent home, and are part of a breeding and educational program. The large enclosures have refuge spaces where animals can get away from the public view when they feel like it.

    You can see macaws, owls, parrots, wood storks, hawks, and brown pelicans. And big guys like cougars, coyotes, tapirs, crocodiles, and emus. The jungle surrounding the center is a wildlife habitat giving you many opportunities to see birds flying around free. We saw many toucans.

    An emu
    A rescued emu
    A sleepy ocelot
    A sleepy ocelot
    An ornate hawk eagle
    A rescued Ornate hawk eagle
    Two spectacled owls
    Two rescued spectacled owls
    A white hawk
    A rescued white hawk

    Walk around the 13-acre botanical garden and see all sorts of plants, flowers, and more animals roaming around: iguanas, the “look-at-me” peacocks, and rabbits. Plenty of everything. It’s Costa Rica, after all!

    You’ll find a restaurant on-site and a nice store with arts and crafts. You can bring your own food but you can eat only in designated areas.

    This is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica and one of the best things to help wildlife as the admission sustains the conservation and educational programs. They also accept donations online.

    You can easily spend half a day here and stop by the nearby Orchid botanical garden after (or before).

    How to Get to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center by Bus

    From Grecia

    From Grecia’s Tuan bus terminal hop on the bus to the town of Alajuela and get off at the intersection with Route 3 (around 45 minutes). 

    Walk west a few metres on Route 3 towards the bus stop in front of the Garita Atenas sign. 

    From there hop on the bus heading west towards Atenas or Turrúcares and get off at the Wildlife Centre.

    From San José

    Hop on the bus from Grupo Tuasa to Alajuela, leaving from the bus terminal north of Braulio Carrillo Colina Park on 2nd Ave. and Calle 12.

    From the Tuasa terminal in Alajuela take the bus heading towards Atenas or Turrúcares and get off at the Wildlife Centre.

    Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center 
    Open every day: 9AM-5PM. General admission (non-nationals): US$35; With guided tour: US$50


    Take a Dip at Los Chorros Waterfalls 

    A waterfall in a jungle
    Zamora Waterfall at Los Chorros

    These scenic waterfalls in the Tacares area near Grecia are part of an even more scenic landscape with lush vegetation and a river that sometimes may be too high for you to wade your way into the second waterfall.

    Bring your swimsuit in case you feel like hanging out in the (cold) river.

    There are some caveats regarding this site. By the time you visit it may be -officially- open, or not.  

    I visited Los Chorros after a big storm that washed out some sections of the steep trail. It was tricky but doable.

    But conditions further deteriorated and prompted the placement of a “closed” sign at what was the official entrance, warning that it’s dangerous and that you enter at your own risk.  

    The landowner created an alternate trail and parking you can use for a fee (when people arrive he pops up behind the sign and points out the “other” route).

    I can’t tell you about the conditions of the other trail, but this is a jungle-like environment so expect muddy patches on a steep slope during the rainy season and slippery rocks around the river.

    We went on a weekday to avoid the crowds (before the park was -officially- closed). However, some people online say there have been robberies near the waterfalls so you’ll probably be safer on the weekend when it’s busy with families (it’s a popular spot). You’ll have to deal with crowds, but that’s better than the possibility of dealing with robbers. I wouldn’t go by myself.

    This is a beautiful site but before visiting I encourage you to confirm with someone local about the current conditions at the time you’re in Costa Rica and decide if this is something you would like to try. 

    How to Get to Los Chorros Waterfalls by Bus from Grecia

    Please read the paragraph above before heading to this site!

    Go to Grecia’s Tuan bus terminal and hop on the bus to Tacares. Get off at the intersection with route 722 (Calle Flores). The trip lasts around 25 minutes as the bus goes slow and stops constantly.

    A few metres from the intersection we found a taxi stand and took a cab to the parking lot of Los Chorros Waterfalls (a 5-minute trip up Calle Flores).

    To go back we walked down to the main road (30 minutes) and hopped on the bus to Grecia.


    See the Crater of a Volcano at the Poás Volcano National Park

    This is one of the most popular destinations in the Alajuela province and in all Costa Rica. It was high up on our list of things to do around Grecia, but unfortunately, access was closed due to volcanic activity (it’s an active volcano). If the volcano gods are sleeping while you’re there don’t miss it.

    For this activity, it’s better to rent a car or to take a tour as going on a bus takes too long and you want to get there as early in the morning as possible. This increases your chances to see the crater as more clouds form the later it gets.

    One thing to keep in mind is that there’s no guarantee you’ll see the crater. The altitude is high and it’s surrounded by a cloud forest.

    Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Tour: this tour is more expensive than the group tours that go to Poas, but by skipping the visit to the coffee farm that other tours do (and that people complain about) you arrive earlier at the volcano; the sooner you get there the better. The second stop is at the scenic waterfall gardens (lunch included).
    Book your visit to Poas, with a 100% 5-star rating based on more than 10 reviews.


    How to Get to Grecia from San José by Bus

    From Tuan’s bus station in San José on Calle 18A hop on the bus to Tuan’s bus station in Grecia to take the local buses.


    Would you consider staying in Grecia during your next visit to Costa Rica? With so many things to do around and a less touristy vibe (but still close to everything), it may be your next destination in this beautiful country.


    Sign: SJO Vive!

    How to Spend 1 Day in San Jose, Costa Rica

    A waterfall in the background with flowers in the foreground

    Best Exciting Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica

    A hand-painted wooden wheel

    Your Guide to Sarchí: The Wonderful Artsy Destination in Costa Rica


    BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

    Book your flight without losing your shirt

    We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.

    To find a place to stay for less

    Booking.com: this site combines everything under the sun. You’ll find hotels, apartments, B&B, hostels, rooms, etc., with all sort of filters to make your search a breeze.

    Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%.  Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.

    House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.

    To get travel insurance

    SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.

    Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings

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    About Mayra Carvajal

    Hi, I’m Mayra. A full-time nomad with an appetite for travelling. Art and design are my salt and pepper, with a side order of nature and outdoors. When I’m not gazing at architecture or any other form of art, you’ll see me on a hiking trail, at the top of an ancient ruin, or under a beach umbrella. Here you’ll find practical tips for independent trips, travel stories, and images that may inspire you to explore a new place or high-five your creative muse. Read my About page if you want to learn more about how this site can help you travel more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Charlie-Elizabeth Nadeau

      June 19, 2022 at 9:28 PM

      Wow what a stunning place to viist! Love all the wildlife. It must of been an amazing adventure! Thank you for sharing and offering a variety of ideas, would be great to travel there and test a few out.

      • Mayra Carvajal

        June 22, 2022 at 1:01 AM

        Costa Rica is a fantastic place to see wildlife.

    2. Sharae Wolf

      July 7, 2024 at 9:54 PM

      Finally moved to Grecia after waiting 20+ years for kids to grow and have their own lives! Retirees now, we are about to do, and go when and where we want. Thank you over and over for sharing this link to an abundence of stunning photos along with information including how to get to each one from Grecia on buses!! Many thanks!

      • Mayra Carvajal

        July 19, 2024 at 11:13 AM

        Enjoy your new life in Grecia!

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