Just outside of Alajuela, the small town of Sarchi quietly draws in visitors looking to connect with the old traditions of Costa Rica. The quaint community is famous for the traditional wooden oxcarts that you’ll no doubt see as you travel through Costa Rica, reminding us of a slower time, when the roads were unpaved, and life had a different rhythm.
This lesser-known community is having a moment as more and more people desire the slow pace of life that can still be found in Sarchi. Just 30 kilometers outside of the city of Alajuela, still within the province of Alajuela, Sarchi feels like a world apart and for this very reason is attracting more visitors and expats each year.
The area is made of two districts within the canton of Sarchi. The districts are Sarchi Norte and Sarchi Sur, a whopping 1.5 kilometers from each other’s town centers. You’ll hear people refer to Sarchi Norte, Sarchi Sur, and Sarchi, so try not to feel confused! This guide will help you get the lay of the land.
8 Fun Things to Do in Sarchí, Costa Rica
1. Visit the Oldest and Largest Oxcart Factory – Sarchi Norte
The Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory was built in 1902. Before cars and paved roads, coffee, plantains, other crops, and people moved around the country on large, wooden oxcarts. These ornately and brightly painted wooden carts now serve as a commemoration of the culture and shared history of the Costa Rican people.
You’ll see examples of these carretas throughout the country, but more than anywhere else, you’ll find them in Sarchi. Take a small one home as a keepsake, or simply enjoy the vibrant colors and learn about the rich history.
2. Souvenir Shopping
In addition to the large and small carretas found in Sarchi, there are also many other woodwork souvenirs to take home. From bowls and utensils to folding chairs and decorative displays, the woodworking heritage of Sarchi is visible in every shop and around every corner.
Shopping Guidance for Souvenirs
There are lots of souvenir shops and tiendas selling handcrafted goods throughout Sarchi Norte and Sarchi Sur. A few places to check out to ensure you take home something worth your while are:
- Fábrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro – Sarchi Norte
- Mercado de Artesanía, Sarchi – Sarchi Norte
- El Jardín Sarchi – Sarchi Sur
- Coopearsa R.L – Sarchi Norte
3. Visit the “Wedding Cake” Cathedral – Sarchi Norte
The Templo Católico de Sarchi Norte is a beautiful church, painted a pink or peach color, giving it a unique look. The light color, plus the woodworking by local artisans that adorns the church give it a very Sarchi style, not found elsewhere. You can visit the church, or just appreciate the view from the outside.
4. Else Kientzler Botanical Garden
The Else Kientzler Botanical Garden is located just on the outskirts of Sarchi and is home to over 2,000 species of plants. Sprawling over 17 acres, with over 2 miles of paths and walkways, it’s a lovely place to stroll, meander, and enjoy the wide array of tropical species. The entrance price for adults is $13, children $7.50. There are also picnic areas and gazebos, so pack a lunch and make an afternoon out of it.
5. See the World’s Largest Oxcart – Sarchi Norte
Sitting in the Parque Central, in Sarchi Norte, is the world’s largest oxcart, or carreta. This beautiful and very large example of artistry and cultural history is a point of pride for the community and a great photo op. The oxcart is an impressive 15 meters long, weighs over 2 tons, and was constructed in 2006. It’s located in the Parque Central, across from the Catholic Church. The park is also home to many artisan vendors and surrounded by many shops.
6. Explore Bajos del Toro
Only about a 45-minute drive from Sarchi, you’ll discover the stunning, small town of Bajos de Toro. This rural community is known for its gorgeous landscape and plethora of waterfalls. Bajos del Toro is a nature lover’s paradise, and being so close to Sarchi makes it the perfect day trip or overnight experience. If you go, be sure to check out the following:
- Catarata Río Agrio
- Catarata Caída del Cielo
- Catarata Tesoro Escondido
- Pozas Celestes
7. Poas Volcano
Another great day trip option from Sarchi is Poas Volcano. The national park features a short hike, and if the weather is right, glimpses of the impressive Poas Volcano crater. The entrance to Poas National Park is just a one-hour drive from Sarchi, so it’s a great way to get out and see some sights before making it back to enjoy an afternoon cafecito in Sarchi and settle in for a slow evening.
8. Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Not nearly as well-known as other national parks in Costa Rica, Juan Castro Blanco National Park, also known as Parque de Aguas (Park of Waters), is a hidden gem of natural beauty and biodiversity. A bit further out from Sarchi, the drive to Juan Castro Blanco National Park takes around an hour and a half, but the reward is worth the effort.
The park features great hiking trails for all levels of hikers, and the views are breathtaking. Due to the park’s higher elevation, the weather is cooler here, with daytime highs in the 70s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s and below. You can camp here with permits, but remember that the nights get chilly, so pack accordingly. Another simple option is to visit for the day and get back to a warm bed in Sarchi for the night.
Neighborhoods in Sarchí, Costa Rica
Sarchi is a canton, not really a town. The two distinct districts, Sarchi Norte and Sarchi Sur, make up the area known as Sarchi, famous for woodworking, furniture making, and crafts.
Sarchí Norte
Sarchi Norte is the head city of the canton of Sarchi. Here is where you find the Catholic Church, the Parque Central with the world’s biggest carreta, and the Fabrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro.
Sarchí Sur
Just a short 1.5 kilometers to the south is Sarchi Sur. Many of the shops and production centers for the carretas are located within Sarchi Sur, like the Plaza de Artesania and Fabrica de Carretas Joaquin Chaverri.
Naranjo de Alajuela
Fifteen minutes west of Sarchi is the larger town of Naranjo de Alajuela, known for its coffee culture. While Naranjo certainly isn’t a big city, it’s got more amenities than Sarchi and is a nice change of pace to explore the surrounding area.
Grecia
Head fifteen minutes to the east, you’ll find yourself in Grecia. The trio of Grecia, Sarchi, and Naranjo is well known and sometimes considered one zone as the three communities blend and support each other, with some services available in one town and other points of interest in the next. Grecia is the largest of the trio, but it’s still a rather quiet community, with great weather and a fabulous church that is worth checking out.
Weather in Sarchí, Costa Rica
Sarchi enjoys year-round temperate weather with a dry season from December to April, and a wet season from May to November. While rainy season temperatures can be a bit cooler, the Central Valley area has pleasant weather year-round, with less extreme heat than coastal communities.
Food Scene in Sarchí, Costa Rica
The food scene in Sarchi matches the energy of the area: traditional and back to basics. Most of the restaurants serve typical Costa Rican food, with well-known dishes that are sure to fill you up. Be sure to check out:
- Restaurante La Finca: Costa Rican, Latin, Seafood, $$
- El Jardín Sarchi: Costa Rican, South American, $$
- Restaurante Enrolatto: Costa Rican, American, $
- Muncheese Street Food: **Food truck currently only available for delivery** American, Street Food, $
Plan Your Trip to Sarchí, Costa Rica
Sarchi is conveniently located just outside of Alajuela, just one hour from the Juan Santamaria Airport. This makes Sarchi a great place to spend a few nights at either the beginning or end of your Costa Rican itinerary. And to use Sarchi as a launch point to explore the surrounding area.
How to Get to Sarchí
Because Sarchi isn’t a major tourist destination like the coastal communities or places like Arenal and Monteverde, there aren’t any shuttle companies offering transportation. To reach Sarchi, you’ll likely use a rental car, taxi, or ride-sharing apps, or take public buses.
How Long to Stay in Sarchí
Sarchi itself isn’t a very large place, but there is still plenty to do for a few days. If you decide to use Sarchi as a central hub to explore the Central Valley and visit places like Poas National Park and Bajos del Toro, you could easily spend a week in the area, seeing what Sarchi has to offer as well as the neighboring communities.
While Sarchi may not be as famous and well-known as some destinations, like Monteverde or Manuel Antonio, Sarchi has its charms, and those who are looking to connect with the more traditional and culturally rich side of Costa Rica will be happy they made the stop.
If you’d like to visit Sarchi and aren’t sure how to start planning, we’re happy to help at Costa Rica Escapes. Contact us today, and we’ll gladly guide you along the way to building your dream Costa Rica vacation.