Cultural Alajuela
Artisan Traditions and Natural Beauty
About this Tour
Experience the authentic Costa Rica in Alajuela province. From the colorful oxcarts of Sarchi, the strawberry farms of Vara Blanca, to the spectacular La Paz Waterfalls, this tour showcases the perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Alajuela province is the heart of Costa Rica's agricultural and artisan traditions. The town of Sarchi has been the cradle of the country's most iconic craft - the painted oxcart - for over 100 years. In 2005, UNESCO declared the tradition of oxcart painting an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its importance to Costa Rican identity.
The cool highlands of Vara Blanca, at over 2,000 meters elevation, provide perfect conditions for strawberry cultivation. Here, local farmers have developed sustainable greenhouse techniques that produce some of the sweetest strawberries in Central America, available for visitors to pick and taste fresh from the plant.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens combines natural beauty with wildlife conservation. Five magnificent waterfalls cascade through pristine cloud forest, while the wildlife sanctuary provides refuge for rescued animals including jaguars, pumas, monkeys, and colorful tropical birds. It's one of the few places where visitors can safely observe Costa Rica's most elusive predators.
Tour Gallery
Tour Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Pick up at your hotel
6:30 AMDeparture from San José through scenic mountain roads
Strawberry Farms - Vara Blanca
8:00 AMVisit highland strawberry greenhouses, learn cultivation techniques, fresh tasting
La Paz Waterfalls Gardens
9:30 AMWalk through cloud forest to 5 waterfalls, visit wildlife sanctuary with jaguars
Traditional lunch
12:00 PMAuthentic Costa Rican cuisine with panoramic valley views
Sarchi - Artisan Town
1:30 PMVisit the world's largest oxcart, traditional workshops, painting demonstrations
Oxcart Factory
3:00 PMSee master craftsmen create and paint the famous Costa Rican oxcarts
Coffee Experience
4:00 PMQuick stop at a local coffee plantation for tasting
Return
5:00 PMDrive back to San José (arrival approx. 6:00 PM)
What to Bring
Cultural Heritage and Traditions
Oxcart Tradition
- • UNESCO Cultural Heritage
- • 100+ years of tradition
- • Hand-painted geometric designs
- • Symbol of Costa Rican identity
Agricultural Heritage
- • Highland strawberry farming
- • Sustainable greenhouse methods
- • Family-owned farms
- • Coffee cultivation traditions
Wildlife Conservation at La Paz
La Paz Waterfall Gardens serves as a rescue center and sanctuary for Costa Rica's wildlife. The facility provides lifetime care for animals that cannot be released back into the wild due to injuries or human imprinting.
Rescued Animals:
- • 2 Jaguars (largest cats in Americas)
- • Pumas and ocelots
- • White-faced capuchin monkeys
- • Over 100 bird species
Conservation Programs:
- • Wildlife rehabilitation
- • Environmental education
- • Habitat preservation
- • Research initiatives
Mountain Weather
The highlands can be cool and misty, especially in the morning. Temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F). Bring a light jacket and be prepared for possible rain.
Artisan Shopping
Sarchi offers authentic handmade souvenirs directly from artisans. Prices are generally fixed but fair. Credit cards are accepted in larger shops, but bring cash for smaller workshops.
Up to 48 hours before the tour
Includes:
- Private transportation with A/C
- Certified cultural guide
- Entrance to La Paz Waterfalls
- Visit to Sarchi artisan workshops
- Strawberry farm experience
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch
- Coffee plantation tour
- Tour operator insurance
Does Not Include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Artisan souvenirs
- Additional strawberries to take home
- Personal travel insurance
Best Time to Go
All year. Strawberry season peaks from December to March. Dry season offers better waterfall photos. Morning visits to Sarchi are ideal for seeing artisans at work.
