Heredia City

Heredia

Known as the 'City of Flowers,' this lively university town retains colonial charm around its central park, church and the historic Fortín tower. It makes a relaxed, authentic base for exploring the coffee-growing highlands.

Things to do

• El Fortín Tower — Climb the views around this 1876 colonial-era fortress tower, the symbol of Heredia and a national historic monument.
• Immaculate Conception Church — Admire the squat, earthquake-resistant colonial church built in 1797 facing the central park.
• Central Park (Parque Central) — Relax under mango trees among students, street vendors and locals in the lively heart of the city.
• Casa de la Cultura — Visit the former presidential home of Alfredo González Flores, now a museum and cultural center by the park.
• Mercado Municipal de Heredia — Browse stalls of fresh produce, coffee, spices and cheap sodas in the bustling covered market.
• Britt Coffee Tour — Take a guided tour of the nearby Café Britt plantation to learn about roasting and taste local coffee in Barva.
• Barva de Heredia colonial village — Stroll the whitewashed colonial streets and church of this historic town just north of the city.
• Universidad Nacional campus — Wander the green university grounds that give Heredia its youthful, energetic atmosphere.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and your choice of meat, best found in a local soda.
• Gallo pinto — The national breakfast of rice and beans fried with cilantro, onions and Salsa Lizano, served with eggs.
• Café de altura — Sample the highland coffee that made Heredia's region famous, freshly brewed at a local cafe or the market.
• Chorreadas — Sweet fresh-corn pancakes typically served with sour cream (natilla), a Heredia highlands favorite.
• Vigorón — A snack of boiled yuca topped with crunchy pork chicharrón and tangy cabbage salad, sold at market stalls.
• Granizado con leche en polvo — A shaved-ice treat drizzled with syrup and powdered milk, a nostalgic street sweet found near the park.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring a light jacket — Heredia sits in the highlands at around 1,150 meters, so evenings can turn cool and rainy.
• Eat where students eat — With the national university here, small sodas around campus and the park offer cheap, authentic meals.
• Streets go by cuadras, not signs — Locals give directions by blocks and landmarks from the central park rather than street names, so ask relative to the church or Fortín.
• Cash for the market — Small vendors and sodas often prefer colones in cash, so carry some for the Mercado Municipal.

Nearby

• Café Britt Coffee Tour — 2 km
• Barva — 4 km
• La Sabana Metropolitan Park (San José) — 7 km
• Barrio Amón (San José) — 8 km