Ujarrás Ruins

Ruinas de Ujarrás

The evocative stone remains of Costa Rica's first colonial church, dating to the 17th century and set amid manicured gardens near Lake Cachí. A peaceful, atmospheric stop on the Orosi Valley loop.

Things to do

• Explore the church ruins — Wander the roofless stone shell of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción, built between 1681 and 1693, and read the plaques recounting its history.
• Stroll the manicured gardens — Walk the well-kept lawns and flowering grounds surrounding the ruins, a favorite spot for photos and quiet reflection.
• Learn the miracle legend — Read about the legend of the Virgin's image that reputedly halted pirate raids and gave the site its enduring pilgrimage significance.
• Drive the Orosi Valley loop — Combine the ruins with the scenic circuit that passes coffee farms, Lake Cachí, and the Orosi church.
• Photograph Lake Cachí views — Capture the nearby reservoir and green mountain backdrop from viewpoints along the road below the ruins.
• Time your visit for the Romería — Visit in mid-April when thousands make a pilgrimage from Paraíso to the ruins for the annual religious procession.
• Picnic on the grounds — Use the shaded benches and open lawns for a relaxed break amid the historic setting.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat found at sodas around Paraíso and Orosi.
• Orosi Valley coffee — Sample locally grown coffee from the surrounding highland farms at cafés along the loop.
• Gallo pinto — The traditional breakfast of rice and beans mixed with cilantro and Salsa Lizano, served across the valley.
• Tamales — Corn-masa parcels wrapped in banana leaves, especially common near local festivals and family sodas.
• Trucha (trout) — Freshwater trout served fried or grilled at restaurants near Lake Cachí and the trout farms of the valley.
• Agua dulce — A warm sugarcane drink often paired with cheese or bread, typical of Cartago's cool climate.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the sacred site — The ruins remain a place of pilgrimage, so dress modestly and keep noise down out of respect for visiting worshippers.
• Bring cash for small sodas — Rural eateries and vendors around the Orosi Valley often prefer colones in cash over cards.
• Go early or on weekdays — Weekends can bring local family crowds, so morning visits offer quieter, cooler exploration.
• Combine with Orosi and Cachí — The ruins are one stop on a half-day loop, so plan the church, dam, and hot springs together.

Nearby

• Orosi Valley — 5 km
• Orosi Colonial Church — 5 km
• Lankester Botanical Gardens — 6 km
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels — 9 km