General Information:
Location: 8 kms. (5 miles) south of Cartago; 60 kms. from San José
Weather: Moderate and cool; the drys season runs from December hrough April.
Temperature: 55-79 °F
Altitude: Up to 4,300 feet above sea level (1,400 meters)
The lush river valley of Orosi is famous for its scenic mountain views, quaint towns and national park (Tapanti National Park). Less than two hours by car from San José, Orosi Valley boasts two towns worth noting: Ujarrás and Orosi.
Ujarrás: A small town in the Orosí Valley
About:
The ruins of Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion are found in Ujarrás. The church was built on this site in 1693 after a fisherman walking here saw The Virgin. The church was destroyed by a flood in 1833 and only the limestone ruins, now home to many birds, remain standing.
Across from the ruins there is a small swimming pool popular with local families that is open in the dry season.
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Getting There:
Bus: Take the bus from Cartago to Cachi via Paraiso, about six kilometers (3.7 mi.) past Ujarras; ask the driver to drop you off at the fork to Ujarras (where you see the Restaurante Tipico Ujarras). From here it is one kilometer (0.6 mi.) to the ruins. To return, go back to the same place and flag down any bus.
Car: Take Hwy 224 south from Cartago, follow the signs to Paraíso and Cachi.
Where to Stay: Paraíso de Cataratas; Tel. 574-7893.
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Orosi
About:
This quaint town was originally named for a Huetar Indian chief and is one of the few preserved colonial areas in Costa Rica.
Check out the Museo Sanfriscano. There are also two thermal swimming pools here: Los Patios, open Monday through Fridays 8am to 4:30 p.m.; cost, $1.50; and Balneario Termal Orosi, open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; cost, $1.25.
Getting There:
Buses: It's about a 40- minute ride from Cartago to Orosi. Buses leave every 30 minutes, Monday through Friday and every 30 minutes on weekends.
Car: From Cartago take the Paraiso road, turn right and drive until you start down the steep hill to the village.
You might want to stop for a beer and a bite to eat served on the outdoor terrace at Soda Nido and Restaurante Coto.
By taxi: Call a taxi at Restaurante Coto. Fare to Orosi runs $10, to the nearby Tapantí National Park about $15.
Where to Stay:
A variety of cabinas, hotels and lodges offer cozy accomodations for all budgets and tastes.
Nearby:
Tapantí National Park
Lankaster Gardens
Cartago
Parque Purisil: 10 kms. south of Orosi, has a trout farm, waterfalls, trails, swimming hole and on-site restaurant. Tel 506-228-6630
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