Santa Lucia Coffee Estates / Orósi Area Sites and Activities

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Tapanti National Park
Tapanti is located in the wild and wet country on the rain forested northern slopes of the Talamanca Mountain Range, accessible on a good gravel road in aprox. 30 minutes from Orósi. Although not a large refuge there are reported over 150 rivers within it, which gives an indication of the area's wetness. It has two "life zones": lower mountain rain forest (lower mountain slopes) and pre-montane rain forest (lowlands skirting the lower slopes).
Ujarras Ruins

Constructed in the 1560's, and built near the Rio Reventazón, this church was once home to a miraculous painting of the Virgin. According to local lore, a painting of the Virgin was found in a box by some native Huetar Indian fishermen who brought it to Ujarras, after which it would not move. A church was then built on this site by the locals to commemorate the Virgin. In 1666, it is believed that the Virgin also helped the residents of the area to defeat British pirates who had invaded the Caribbean Coast. A magnificent example of Spanish colonial architecture and the way of life at that time, this church’s ruins now sits in a beautifully landscaped garden and has been declared a national monument by the Costa Rican government.
Volcano Irazu
Irazu Volcano is the tallest active volcano in Costa Rica, standing at 3,432 meters above sea level (11,259 feet). There are five craters to observe in this desolate moon space, with the main crater measuring more than 3,450 across and over 1000 feet deep. Irazu offers several types of craters, some containing small lakes. The park also protects 2,309 hectares of cloud and rain forest. There are several paths to explore, leading to the craters. From the highest point in the park, on a clear day, you can see both, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the same time.
Lankester Botanical Garden
Internationally recognized for its noteworthy collections of epiphytes, the Lankester Botanical Garden was established in 1973 as a center for the exhibition, conservation and research of tropical epiphytic plants, with a special interest in orchids. On 11 hectares , the field collections, collections in greenhouses and secondary forests host over 3,000 species of plants. The plant collections in conservatories come from botanical expeditions, donations, and exchanges with botanical institutions throughout the world.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles (Our Lady of the Angels Basilica) is a hodgepodge of architectural styles from Baroque to Byzantine, with a dash of Gothic. The interior is even more striking, with a colorful tile floor, intricately decorated wood columns, and lots of stained glass. The church is open daily 6 AM to 7 PM. The basilica is also the focus of an annual pilgrimage to celebrate the appearance of La Negrita, or the Black Virgin, Costa Rica's patron saint.
Orosi Colonial Church
An excellent example of the Naive Baroque architecture of the few remaining colonial churches, the Church of Orosi was recently restored, inside and out, including the baroque paintings and sculpture inside. It is now one of the best examples of what little colonial architecture has survived. Well worth a visit to the delightful little town of Orosi. The Southeast side of the temple is constructed in an "L" shape that served as a convent and is a museum today. The thick adobe walls and the simplicity of the architectural line give to the temple a humble and comfortable aspect.
Turrialba Volcano National Park

The last major eruptions of Turrialba Volcano were from 1864 to 1868. Of its three craters, the central one is the deepest and most active, presenting two conic structures with sulfuric steam and vapors. OVISCORI-UNA maintains a permanent montioring station at the volcano. Located in southeast Costa Rica, Turrialba is a large, densely forested stratovolcano. Three well-defined craters lie in the upper section of a broad summit depression. Turrialba has been quiet since a series of explosive eruptions in the 19th century that featured intermittent pyroclastic flows. Fumarole activity continues at the summit craters.

Whitewater Rafting

Experience the thrill of white water rafting! An explosion of excitement! The scenery while rafting is just marvelous. The vegetation that will surround you plus the power of the waters of the river will transport you into a great wild adventure. Equipment is provided, and specialized guides will instruct you on how to manage yourself into the strong currents of the river.

Canopy Tours

 This is one in a life time experience which consists of sliding from platform to platform, simply is like flying through the canopy. While you stop at the platforms guides will show you the tropical forest and the impressive valley.

Teatro Nacional

 The Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica (The National Theatre of Costa Rica) is located in the central section of San José. Construction began on the theatre in 1891, and it opened to the public on October 21, 1897 with a performance of Faust. The theatre is a tourist attraction as well as having performances several times a week. The use of this theatre is limited to high quality performances, undergoing a very selective process prior to admission for performing. Performances by the National Symphonic Orchestra (OSN) take place at the theatre during OSN´s Regular Season, and include both Costa Rican and foreign composers.

In addition to the wonderful attractions above, there are great opportunities for more adventures in the area as well. Ocean shores beckon from a short drive away. Some of these activities are listed below:

Horseback Riding

Golf

Fishing

Bird Watching

Surfing & Wind Sailing

Opera & Classical Music

All of this will be easily within reach from your new home in Costa Rica!  Call U.S.612-418-1900 or 308-529-0556 for more information, or email us here!