Orosi Valley

Valle de Orosi

A lush green valley of coffee plantations, hot springs and river scenery ringed by forested mountains. Its scenic viewpoint and winding roads make it one of the most photogenic rural drives in the country.

Things to do

• Mirador de Orosi — Stop at this hilltop lookout run by ICT for sweeping panoramas of the coffee-covered valley and winding Reventazón River.
• Iglesia de San José de Orosi — Visit Costa Rica's oldest still-in-use colonial church, built by Franciscan missionaries in 1743, with its adjoining religious art museum.
• Soak at Balneario Termales Orosi — Relax in the town's naturally warm mineral spring pools surrounded by tropical gardens.
• Explore Tapantí National Park — Hike misty cloud-forest trails to waterfalls and spot birds in one of the rainiest, most biodiverse parks in the country.
• Visit the Ujarrás ruins — Wander the atmospheric stone ruins of the 17th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción set in manicured gardens.
• Coffee plantation tour — Walk among the hillside coffee fincas that blanket the valley and learn about bean-to-cup production.
• Drive the Orosi loop — Take the scenic circular road around the valley past Ujarrás, Cachí Lake and dam for one of the country's most photogenic rural drives.
• Casa del Soñador — See the whimsical wood-carved house and gallery of local sculptors near Cachí Lake.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and a meat, served in valley sodas.
• Fresh valley coffee — Sip locally grown and roasted coffee at a finca café, a defining product of these hillsides.
• Gallo pinto — Order this traditional breakfast of rice and beans stirred with onions, peppers and Salsa Lizano.
• Trout dishes — Try fresh river or farm-raised trout, a specialty in the cool mountain streams around Tapantí.
• Tamales — Look for corn-masa tamales wrapped in banana leaves, especially around weekends and holidays.

Local customs & good to know

• Carry cash for rural sodas — Small family restaurants and roadside stands often don't take cards, so keep colones on hand.
• Bring rain gear year-round — The valley and nearby Tapantí are among the wettest areas in Costa Rica, so expect afternoon showers even in dry season.
• Drive cautiously on narrow roads — The scenic loop has tight curves, one-lane bridges and steep drops, so take your time and honk at blind corners.
• Respect church visiting etiquette — The Orosi and Ujarrás churches are active heritage sites, so dress modestly and keep quiet during any services.

Nearby

• Orosi Colonial Church — 0 km
• Ujarrás Ruins — 5 km
• Lankester Botanical Gardens — 6 km
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels — 10 km