Things To Do

Poas

First, Some Basic Info
Ongoing Activities (such as meetings and classes);
Places to Go
Social Interest Requests
Shopping

Some Basic Info

Bus schedules are usually different on holidays and are posted on the bus or at the station.
We enjoy 2 bus stations in Grecia these days, the 'old' bus station at the Central Mercado, and the 'new' bus station, which is located 2 blocks north of ICE, across from the metal church. The new bus station has service to San Jose, Alajuela and Naranjo with stops in Sarchi, while the old bus station services the local Grecia area.

Here is a handy bus schedule you can download and print: Grecia area Bus Information

Sarchi currently has no bus stations, but virtually all buses stop in front of the soccer field downtown (at or across from the Banco Nacional branch) and/or on one of the corners on the main drag (near Banco Costa Rica or on the corner near the shoe store) adjacent to Sarchi's central park with the colorful, giant Carreta (ox cart). 

Red Taxis (Grecia) - The main paradas or stops for red taxis are at the northwest corner of the central Grecia park; the west exit of the new San Jose/Alajuela bus station; the south side of the old bus station (MusManni). Their central dispatch numbers are 2494-0202 or 2494-0220 for Grecia.
Red Taxis (Sarchi) - The main stop for red taxis is along the northwest street adjacent to Sarchi's central park across the one-way street from pizza kitchen. Their central dispatch number is: 2454-4028.
"Pirate" Cabs - While we aren't recommending the independent taxis in Costa Rica, they are everywhere and many folks use them. As such, you will find a number of "pirata" cab "stands" (La Victoria, Carolina and Gina are the big 3). Sarchi has 3 in the downtown area and one in Sarchi Sur near Chaverri's Souvenirs. Note: they don't use meters (or "Marias" as they are called here) but they do have a set price list and are often, but not always, less expensive than red taxis. Some require riders to fill out a 'contract' form (you sign and keep) which is usually good for one year.

Where is it? It's nice to have an idea of where you are in Grecia - here is a link to a nice map that, while a little out of date in terms of businesses, still is mostly accurate and shows the layout of town: http://www.acce.co.cr/maps.html

Local Emergency Numbers for Grecia and Sarchi: The Fuerza Publica in Grecia hands out a handy brochure once a year during Navidad season. If you didn't get yours, here's a .pdf version for your refrigerator door.

Daily Weather Forecast - Generally speaking for Costa Rica, each day in the summer it's dry, and in the green season it rains for some part of every day. However, you are apt to want a more specific prediction from time to time. Go to http://www.imn.ac.cr/IMN/MainAdmin.aspx?__EVENTTARGET=PronosticoTiempo for a daily weather forecast covering major cities and areas of Costa Rica. A bonus: this site will give you the opportunity to practice your "pronóstico del tiempo" en español.
Holidays: Here is a list of the Observed and National Costa Rican Public Holidays celebrated in the land of pura vida. Holidays often mean closed businesses, crowded beaches, parades through the streets and just a great excuse to take the day off. This is a link to escazunews.com and their holiday information for 2019.

Annual Events: We recently found this great link to a monthly listing of major annual activities and events (no exact dates but very useful info nonetheless) throughout the country: http://costarica.angloinfo.com/information/
lifestyle/entertainment/festivals-events/

Another great resource for public holiday info is http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/costa-rica/
[on this site you can change the types of holidays, year or country].

Note:

Ongoing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Is there a regular ongoing event or public holiday that we missed? Let us know!
Submit information to: editor@quepasagrecia.com

Places to Go

Los Chorros riverNearby Los Chorros Falls

by Jim and Nancy Bishop

Las Cataratas de los Chorros are located in the private reserve, Parque Recreativo Los Chorros. The falls are little gems between Grecia and Tacares. It's a great day trip for local expats, pack a lunch and some wine and it can't help but be a wonderful day. Admission is $6 pp and $4 for parking. If you wait to go until the late afternoon, the parking attendant will take your money, but you won't have time to walk to the falls and back before sundown. Once you make your way to the first waterfall (about a 20-minute hike to view the first falls-depending on your pace), take in the serenity and beauty, but don't stop there. Follow the rope and go left about 30 meters and you'll find a trail to a series of other beautiful springs and waterfalls. Cataratas Los ChorrosBe prepared to get wet up to your knees to get past  the first fall, but it's well worth the effort. Taking along water shoes and a waterproof bag and/or backpack is a good idea. Both falls areas have clear pools at their bases and swimming is allowed. So, consider taking a bathing suit--the water's fine. There are ample facilities - bathrooms at the parking lot and falls plus changing rooms, picnic tables and BBQs near the falls.

Hours: 8AM-5PM Tuesday-Sunday. Directions: The park and falls are located on Ruta 722 (Calle Flores). Los Chorros signIt's a tossup for the most direct route from Grecia. One is to head toward Poas and turn south onto Route 722 in the town of Santa Gertrudas Sur. The other option is to follow the old road from Grecia to Alajuela and turn north onto Route 722 at Tarcares. The park is about halfway between both towns and there are two entrances, but look for the simple signs.

 

Montezuma Surprisefrom Playa Grande

Hotel El Jardín
by Gerry Atchison

Last week we had visitors from Missouri. We decided to take them someplace new to us. David suggested Montezuma, a beach town located at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula. He booked us 2 deluxe rooms at a hotel called El Jardín. $95/night for deluxe rooms.

It took us about an hour to drive to Puntarenas where we picked up the ferry. The hotel sent us a ferry schedule in advance. (You will need to get there about 45 minutes to 1 hour before the ferry departs as vehicle space is limited and is on a first-come-first served basis.) On the way over to Montezuma, the ferry was packed. So, I'm glad we got there early. We had eats and drinks on the ferry and it made the 70-minute ferry ride go quickly.

Upon arrival on the other side of the bay, we followed the signs to Montezuma -- an interesting drive. The roads were not bad but a bit curvy. A small portion of the road (about seven kilometers) was gravel, but in pretty decent shape and easy to drive.

We found our hotel, El Jardin, by following the hotel signs. It was a nice place--small and quaint. Hotel receptionist, Mariel Urban, was very helpful. The hotel setting was nestled in large trees and plants--very secluded. It had a nice sized pool and spa. The rooms were equipped with A/C, a small refrigerator, soap, shampoo and towels. If you book a room there, do not book a room on the first floor, because we could hear everything the folks above were doing. Room #9 had a view of the ocean plus a queen size bed and a large bathroom. I suggest asking for this room.

The hotel did offer morning coffee at the reception desk. (English was spoken at the hotel.) It was only a short walk to the town and the beach. We had breakfast at two different locations. We had fresh fruit, egg omelets with rice and beans while enjoying the ocean view.

Montezuma and environs seems to cater to backpackers, divers and snorkelers. Beware, the weather is quite hot in Montezuma, but the sandy beach was nice and not crowded. ATVs are available for rental and many water and land tours were offered. Many of locals are on the street selling their wares--nothing too expensive. There are a number of nice restaurants to choose from offering dinner at reasonable prices.

Our guests just loved the 2 1/2-day excursion. If you have not been there, I suggest you give it a try.

Off the Beaten Path - Travels with Joan & Iain

by Joan Dewar

We’ve been here 10 years and loved all of our travels throughout Costa Rica, often to places a little out of the way of the normal tourist traffic. Here are a few ideas for the next time you are touring with visitors or simply want to learn about your newly adopted home.

PRE-COLUMBIAN & INDIGENOUS COSTA RICA

Guayabo National ParkGuayabo National Monument Park, An Ancient Pre-Columbian City near Turrialba in Cartago province, just 60 miles south of San José. Check out the famous Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago (1st built in 1639 and home to tiny La Negrita, the black Virgin Mary) on the way. Many people like to meander the Orosi Valley, out of Paraiso, and spend a night in Turrialba before touring the fascinating 3000 yr old city the next day.  
http://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/ guayabo-national-monument/

pottery colorChorotega Pre-Columbian Pottery on the Nicoya Peninsula – 

Guatil is a Chorotega native pueblo that still manufactures pottery in the Pre-Columbian tradition, using clay deposits that are fast depleting.  From Santa Cruz, travel 14 km NE on a good road through Santa Barbara, watching for native homes & kilns.  The shops around the town square offer fascinating pottery demonstrations and specialty wares  to decorate your home.

 

 

Stones Spheres of Costa Rica –UNESCO World Heritage Sitespheres
We haven’t been there yet but will do so next time we are down in the area of Palmar Sur in the southern portion of Puntarenas Province to see the new Museum created at Finca 6, celebrating the site of spherical granite stones (aka Las Bolas) that date back thousands of years. While the largest stones can weigh as much as 13,000 kg, some stones are as small as bowling balls. The mysteriousness of these stones is mainly because scientists are baffled as to how perfectly spherical they are. Without venturing that far, you can also see examples of the amazing Spheres at the National Museum in San José (Calle 17 y Ave 2), which had an extremely interesting beginning as Fort Bellavista and still has bullets lodged in the walls from the 1948 civil war. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Stone_spheres_of_Costa_Rica

Palenque Margarita, Maleku Indigenous ReserveMaleku
(Some 42 km north of La Fortuna on Hwy 4 from La Fortuna in the province of San José) where visitors are welcomed to tours that include medicinal plants in the forest, indigenous ceremonies, bird watching, souvenirs & more. Reservations can be made at 8826-9137 or 8890-6509 http://explorecr.blogspot.com/2013/11/
palenque-margarita-san-rafael-de.html


 

posted feb 2 2015

 

Museo del Jade, Costa Rica’s Newest and Best MuseumJade Museum

By Ticonuevo

Since this past May, the Museo del Jade Fidel Tristan (Jade Museum) sponsored by INS has a beautiful new home and completely upgraded and revamped exhibits. It is now located downtown San Jose, across the Plaza de la Democracia (Democracy Plaza) from the Museo Nacional (National Museum). It’s an imposing six-story building with a stone façade and no windows. On the inside, is a five-story atrium with separate exhibit space on each floor. The Museum is beautifully designed and lighted. The floors of Day and Night halls on the third floor are lighted and actually are part of the exhibit. There is now much more backlit signage in English as part of the exhibits. Much of the museum is an immersion of sights and sounds.

The exhibits are divided into theme descriptions of the area of the ancient indigenous tribes, the mythology, sources of jade, creation and artistry of jade artifacts, uses of jade and gold and other precious materials plus a visitable collection on the fifth floor of thousands of pre-Columbian urns, vases, pots and jade jewelry not on display on the floors below. Not to worry: there’s plenty of incredible jade, gold, and ceramics on display in the exhibits.

This is our second visit and the museum has already been tweaked, improved and perfected since our first trip a few months ago. This time, there was even a wonderful temporary exhibit of paintings, drawings and sculpture by Costa Rican artists with a human figure theme. A cafeteria is now under construction and the gift shop is open, but also still under construction.

The museum is open every day from 10AM to 5PM and is easily worth several hours of your time. There are free lockers for purses and shopping bags. (Purses and large bags are not allowed in the exhibit halls.) Admission: citizens and residents, 1,000 colones; residents under 12 and residents over 65 with a Cuidadanos de Oro card are free (probably free even without the card); non-resident visitors are 8,000 colones; Wednesdays and the first Saturday of the month admission is also free. Keep your admission receipt with you and handy as we were asked for ours at the entry to every exhibit hall. Go to: http://www.museoscentroamericanos.net/
costa_rica_museos/museo_jade/jade_costarica.htm for more info. Phone: 2287-6034.

San Ramón Museum

For most of 2014 the museum hosted a display with a giant, 15' tall sloth, a former denizen of Costa Rica. The display has changed and when we find out the new one we'll let you know.
There is no charge for the museum.

Sarchi's Hidden Gembotanical garden

by Ticonuevo

Only modestly promoted in the area, the Jardin Botanico de Sarchi (the Sarchi Botanical Garden) is truly a hidden gem and not to be missed. It was started by the late Else Kientzler, a German native and Sarchi resident. The garden is maintained today by her family as part of their larger ornamental plant nursery export business.

A tropical version of Victoria B.C.'s Butchart Gardens, this garden covers around 17 acres with over 2,000 native and imported plants and trees. The site includes a children's playground, nature trails, and picnic areas, so take a lunch. The garden is open seven days a week. It is also a popular place for cultural events, usually on weekends. There is a nice gift shop with a good selection of garden/nature books and some crafts. Sometimes there is a small selection of plants to purchase. Allow, at least, two hours, but "plantophiles" could easily spend all day there. Adult admission is $8.00. If you are a pensionado, Sarchi resident or frequent visitor, I believe there is a deeply discounted admission. Reservations are recommended as you must drive through the commercial nursery to get to the garden. (Call: 506 2454-2070 and someone is usually available on the other end of the line that speaks English.)

The garden is located on your right about 400 meters north of the Sarchi municipal pool and soccer stadium. Go to their English language website for photos and more information: www.elsegarden.com.

Costa Rica's Biggest Waterfallcataratas del toro

By Jen Seymour

[note: Catarata del Toro is not open on Sundays]

Wow – what an AHHHH-MAZING day we had at Catarata del Toro (translated:  “Waterfall of the Bull”).  This was a spur of the moment, day-before decision.  Our friends told us about it, and asked if we wanted to go.  It was supposedly not too far away – in the mountains of Bajos Del Toro Amarillo, Sarchi, Alajuela, and evidently the biggest waterfall in Costa Rica, but not known to many (we had never heard of it).  We had no plans for that day, and when you don't have a car, you can't hesitate too long on an opportunity like this - so of course we said YES!

We started out early in the morning, and the drive was beautiful.  It was a longer drive than we thought, with no signs for the waterfall, and we stopped and asked local people twice for a point in the right direction.     We drove - up, up, up the mountain.  It was a very narrow and curvy road, but surprisingly well paved.  The views were incredible.  We only encountered other vehicles a few times, and they slowed down nicely and both of us got over as far as we could to let the other pass (our friend Steve did a GREAT job driving!).  After reaching the top of the mountain, the road oddly started heading back down...  But, after driving down a ways we started seeing signs - we were all happy to see this place really DID exist! - and then we finally arrived at our destination. Click here for full article.

posted Jan 7, 2014

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Family Friendly Los Trapiches

Los Trapiches poolsby Diane Cooner

If you have family coming to visit from the US, or just want to discover a great place to spend the day, visit Hacienda Los Trapiches, located in Santa Gertrudis Sur, about a 25 minute drive east from central Grecia.

A trapiche is a facility where sugar cane is processed. This trapiche is well-known as it has been run by the same family since 1925. They offer regular Sunday demonstrations of how sugar cane is processed and have some great vintage equipment to look at – presses, a waterwheel, ovens, cauldrons – and they are enthusiastic about sharing their tradition.

El TrapicheThe full restaurant facility (open on weekends) is available for rent for private parties and has smaller side rooms for rent as well. It adjoins the demonstration area. All covered, all located along a small river surrounded by giant bamboo, so even in the heat it feels cool and refreshing.

Besides the cane processing demo (Sundays at 11), the landscaped grounds offer 2 swimming pools, changing rooms, bathrooms and showers, loads of picnicking spaces including tables and BBQ grills, play equipment for children, wide open spaces for running and playing or just throwing out a blanket to take a nap. There is a football plazo, and ponds with boats to float around in. The river that runs around and thru the facility becomes Los Chorros further downstream, a beautiful waterfall park (best to drive a little past Trapiches to get to Los Chorros, unless you really want a long walk).

Trapiches pondI recently went to Los Trapiches for the first time with family and friends and found it to be a gem. We went on a Tuesday and had the place to ourselves – there were less than 2 dozen people there. If you go on the weekend, though, go early (before 10am), as the place is popular and space fills up quickly. Cost is ₡2500 for adults, weekends charge a bit more for extranjeros. You can find more info at their website (in Spanish but Google translate will put it into English), including decent maps of how to get there. For those without a car, you can take the bus to Poas/Santa Gertrudis Sur (NOT the Santa Rosa de Poas bus!), get off at the Santa Gertrudis Sur church and follow the signs - it’s less than a 10 minute walk. www.haciendalostrapiches.com or facebook.com/haciendalostrapiches. 2494-1050/2444-6656.  

updated 2/27/2017

Espíritu Santo Coffee Tour

by Irina Just

Not quite in Grecia, but the closest coffee tour we have (Coope Victoria does not do tours, as far as I know) is Espíritu Santo, named after the nearby mountain in Naranjo. Check out their website for directions, tour times and other details www.espiritusantocoffeetour.com.

Click here to read full article

Chocolate Tour - Costa Rica

Located in nearby La Garita, Chocolate Tour Costa Rica offers this info from their site:

"We try and provide a close encounter to CACAO and it´s 4500 years of history, through a maze garden that takes you indulging the senses with tastes and smells and sensations so delicious....
​
The Chocolate Tour is a full-immersion tour created by a group of professionals from the gastronomical, historical and natural backgrounds as to provide a unique round experience... a delicious experience. 
​
Please come and meet us... Let´s talk CHOCOLATE. "

There are various tours available:

CHOCOLATE TOUR
​
From Tree to Bar through 4000 years of mystery...
​
Adults $30 Kids 6-12 $10
Nacionales con cédula c7000
Seasonal coupon:
ADULTS: $5 dollars off the regular price ( cash only) 
​
9am - 11am - 1pm
DURATION: 90 min 

Bean-to-Bar Workshop 
Create Chocolate from cacao beans to bars.
Crash course $250 
​BOOK 48 hours in advance.

 

Vivero and Super Foods
visit the Medical herbs and super foods garden. 
​
ChocoTour Costa Rica is located 500 mts east of ZOOAVE in
La Garita de Alajuela
​
(506) 2433 2730 
(506) 6193 0555
​
www.choco-tour.com


​

 

 

posted 3/19/2017

Horseback riding and Quetzal watching in Bajo La Paz de San Ramon

by Susan James

Often referred to as "little Monteverde", Bajo La Paz, about 20 min outside of San Ramon, makes a wonderful day trip to a place of serene and magical beauty. The horse rides are on healthy, loved and well trained horses and the trails offer incredible vistas of the surrounding reserves, through forests, pastures, and across streams. Good saddles - and helmets are also available if desired.

A 2 1/2 hour ride costs 10,000 colones. A longer ride includes a hike on foot visit to a remote waterfall, and costs 15,000. Nacho, the owner and guide, has lived there all his life and is delightful. He also offers birds walks in the reserves - March thru May quetzals and bell birds abound, as well as trogons, guans, etc etc. Nacho is incredibly knowledgeable about the birds and is often able to call them in. The bird hikes cost 10,000 and are easy walking on good trails. After your ride or walk, have a yummy lunch at Florie's Soda right in the little village - it is totally charming, has great food, and they always have bananas hanging out for the birds. After lunch visit the wood-fired trapiche next door (usually only open on Thurs) and watch how they make tapa dulce the old fashioned way. For more info, please call Susan at 2454-5897 or call Nacho direct (Spanish only) 8875-1498. 

If you have an article about something fun that you have done here in the Grecia area and would like to share it, please submit the info to editor@quepasagrecia.com

Social Interest Requests

This is a section where we hope people can connect over specific interests.
We will keep these requests posted for one month - and encourage people to check out the many Facebook social pages that we list on our Links page.

Central Valley Garden Club

Meetings are educational and fun as we learn about gardening (flowers, vegetables, fruit) in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

Meetings held in English - All levels of gardening experience welcome.

For more information and meeting location please contact Debra at debra.hammen@gmail.com or 2445-1807.

updated 6/20/2018

Fishing Club Forming

Anyone interested in sharing expenses for fishing adventures in CR on both coasts, contact Ted at wingshooter46@centurylink.net or 8519 4242.
Let's go get 'em! Join up and cut the costs! 

posted 9/17

Atenas Bridge Club seeking new members - read more here.

Wanted: Bridge Club

I'm looking for a duplicate bridge group in Grecia, Sarchi or vicinity. I know there's the Atenas Bridge Club, but it's a long drive. I would prefer something closer. I used to play bridge for many years, however am a bit rusty because I haven't played in a while. Contact Jim at jpjust48@gmail.com or cel: 8420-7172.

posted 9/17

Shopping

 

New store - Mita, Gluten-Free products

Located 75 mts south of the Tribunales/courthouse (uphill back towards Grecia), in the Clinica Asuncion building, Unit #1, Grecia.

Libre de Gluten Mita opened their doors in June 2016 to support the celiac community in Costa Rica, and also for people that prefer a diet that is gluten-free, providing a large selection of items to buy that are gluten free, including;

Breads, pasta, salty munchies, cookies, drinks, premixed packaged products, milks, cereals, pates, jam and jelly, sandwiches, tea, chocolates, sweets and much more.

Their hours are daily 9am - 7pm. No phone listed on their FB page, but they offer this email: libredeglutenmita@gmail.com


rice and beansYou may have seen the stores known as librerias – they are not libraries, but are more than just copy shops. Much like a stationery store, they carry all sorts of fun things - but you have to take your time and look! My latest favorite - a tiny booklet for 850 colones called Rice and Beans, that has over 60 authentic afro-limonense recipes. Where else would you find so much info for such a great price? Favorites in Grecia include DIMI, on the east side of the east street bordering the central market, and Apuntes, on the corner just up from the new bus station entrance.

 

Did you know we have a Tupperware store in town? On the corner just east of the Social Club, near the Cruz Roja. High-quality, tight-seal, flexible plastic containers are THE perfect product for Costa Rica. The in-store display is always changing and you can buy from the store selection or order via catalog.

Pasamaneria San Jose (gringos might call this a 'notions' store), has opened a shop in Grecia. It is a nice place with lots of space, items and visibility. Located 25 meters south of Epocas shoe store in Grecia (southeast corner of central market). It is definitely worth checking out.

 

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