The quaint town of Sarchí is famous throughout Costa Rica for its handicrafts. From the brightly painted oxcarts that were once used in the coffee industry to decorated bowls, handmade jewelry, leather goods, and furniture, visitors looking for memorable souvenirs should plan to visit the town, only an hour’s drive from San José.
At 3,280 feet (almost 1,000 meters) above sea level, the town of Sarchí is located in Costa Rica’s beautiful and lush central valley amidst coffee and sugar plantations. Local artisans have been making crafts in the town for many years, and there are more than 200 stores selling items from carved wooden utensils to leather chairs. Although farmers no longer use the intricately painted oxcarts for which the town is known, the carts are still an important feature of parades and religious celebrations. To watch artisans painting the decorative oxcarts, visit the Joaquín Chaverri Oxcart Factory.
Full-day tours to Sarchi and the Central Valley from San José typically include transportation and stop at a coffee plantation for lunch and in the picturesque village of Grecia.
Sarchí is ideal for those interested in traditional handicrafts and Costa Rican heritage.
A leather and wood rocking chair is one of the most popular items to buy here.
Make time to see the charming town church painted in pastel colors.
Sarchí, in Alajuela province in central Costa Rica, is fewer than 30 miles (48 kilometers) from San José—easily accessible by car or as part of a guided day trip. There are also daily public buses from San José to Sarchí.
For a true rain forest experience head to the area of Sarapiquí, home to several national parks and nature reserves. Here you can zipline through the forest canopy, hop on a wild white-water rafting ride, or just try and spot some of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife—from howler monkeys and crocodiles to colorful parrots and slow-moving sloths.
