General Information:
Location: 48 km northwest of San Jose; 5 km north of Grecia in the Central Valley
Weather: Mild days and evenings. The dry season runs from December through mid-May.
Temperatures: Daily averages are 63 to 75 °F; average humidity is 83%.
Altitude: 1000 meters above sea level
Read more about the Central Valley Tourism Region
About:
Located just north of Grecia in the fertile Central Valley, Sarchi is the arts and crafts capital of the country. Less than an hour’s drive from San Jose or Alajuela, Sarchi’s rich artisan history attracts tourists and Ticos alike. The winding road to Sarchi is lined with furniture shops and souvenir stores selling colorful hammocks, hand-tooled rocking chairs and the hallmark of Sarchi, the oxcart.
An important part of Costa Rican history, the oxcart was used in the mid-nineteenth century to transport coffee and other goods from the Central Valley to the port cities of Puntarenas and Limon. For many rural families oxcarts, or carretas, were their only means of transportation. A well-built, elaborately decorated oxcart was something of a status symbol in those days. Sarchi is still celebrated for its beautiful oxcarts, and some of the most elaborate are made in two factories in town.
The town is also heralded for its many furniture shops that feature both modern and rustic pieces. Patrons can custom-order certain designs and upholsteries and many of the larger stores will ship furniture internationally. After a morning of shopping, visitors can relax in the town's central park which has an over-sized red oxcart and is flanked by a pretty Catholic church.
Sarchi is spread out over several kilometers and lacks a central commercial area. More than 200 artisan workshops are scattered about and are most easily accessed by car. Whether souvenir shopping at the Plaza Artesenia or enjoying a typical meal in one of the small sodas in town, Sarchi makes for a pleasant day trip.
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