Heredia

Phones 

Heredia and its suburbs generally provide excellent cell phone coverage. Cell phones may be rented from rental car agencies or companies specifically dedicated to cell phone rentals. Pay phones can be found around public parks – most require phone cards, which can be purchased at pharmacies, Internet cafes and other locations. For international calls, special phone cards are available and, in addition, many Internet cafes offer VOIP international calling at discounted rates.

Internet

Internet cafes can be found on nearly every street corner in Heredia. Most charge 250-400 colones per hour ($0.45-$0.72). Several offer WiFi service for the same rate. WiFi hotspots are also common throughout downtown and the suburbs, based mainly at hotels, restaurants and language schools.

Banks and ATMs

Public and private banks are interspersed throughout Heredia, especially around the downtown parks. Make sure to choose an ATM labeled “ATH” – these are compatible with almost every ATM card. If an ATH is hard to find, look for ATMs marked with your card network, such as Visa or Plus – those not marked as such are bank-specific and will not accept international ATM cards. In addition to banks, Mas X Menos, a local grocery store, has ATMs in each of their stores.

Medical Facilities

The Red Cross (Cruz Roja) provides ambulance services to all of Heredia. Patients are taken to a state-of-the-art hospital built in 2010.

Emergencies: 911
Hospital San Vicente de Paul: 2261-0001
Hospital Clinica Biblica (private – San Jose): 2257-0466
Red Cross (Ambulance): 911

Post Office

Located on the north side of Heredia’s Central Park, the Post Office offers national and international mail service. Every Heredia suburb has its own post office; ask around for the local “correo.”

Gas Stations 

The government regulates all gas stations, so there is no need to price shop. The city and its suburbs have many gas stations – keep your eyes peeled at corners and along busy streets.

Located just six miles east of the international airport in Alajuela and five miles north of San Jose, Heredia promises both convenience and a quiet environment. Many area hotels will be more than happy to arrange car rentals, day trips and tours to nearby or distant attractions.

Heredia may not be as large as San Jose, but it offers an enviable variety of ethnic cuisine, intimate eateries, family-run cafes and everything in between. Here is a sampling of Heredia’s most beloved restaurants:

La Lluna de Valencia

In San Pedro de Barva’s cool mountains, La Lluna de Valencia offers a quiet ambiance and to-die-for Spanish tapas. The restaurant’s specialty is their paella, a Spanish rice dish, but make sure to order upon arrival – each dish is made fresh and can take up to an hour to prepare and cook.

Pan e Vino

A Costa Rican standby for Italian cuisine, this chain restaurant seems like anything but: homemade sauces, fresh pasta and incredible salads make it onto everyone’s list of favorites.  A new, healthy menu offers whole wheat pasta, calorie counts and guilt-free indulgence.

El Banco de los Mariscos

Tucked away into rural Santa Barbara, just 15 minutes from downtown by car, this casual seafood restaurant offers one of the most complete seafood menus in the Central Valley. Dine on fried shrimp, steamed calamari, lobster bisque and almost any other seafood dish you can imagine, all offered for just a little more than your favorite value meal.

La Candelaria

Sweet and savory crepes, succulent meats, perfectly cooked seafood and traditional Costa Rican comfort food are the name of the game at La Candelaria, one of downtown Heredia’s best-kept secrets. Make sure to save room for dessert!

Sushi Kabuto

Offering up a laid-back lounge and reasonable prices, the new kid on the block, Sushi Kabuto, has received rave reviews. Its billing as a Japanese fusion restaurant promises exotic sushi combinations in addition to miso soup and tempura.

Gran Oporto

The Gran Oporto is run by gracious owners and an attentive staff. Try their chicken cordon bleu or delicious steaks, and you’ll soon know why locals flock to this classy dining option.

Delicias Caribenas de Mami

Dig into Afro-Caribbean specialties at this family-run restaurant. For a twist on gallo pinto, the rice-and-beans breakfast so prevalent in Costa Rica, try the Caribbean rice and beans (yes, the name is in English) – coconut milk adds a sweet and tasty change to the old favorite.

Le Petit Paris

For a taste of France in Costa Rica, you can’t beat Cyril’s home cooking. A native of France, the accomplished chef offers decadent crepes, fondue and other Parisian favorites, served on the patio or inside the romantic restaurant.  Call ahead to see if live music is on the evening’s schedule.

Paseo de las Flores Mall

Whether you’re craving fast food or just something familiar, Heredia’s largest mall offers all the standbys – McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King – in addition to healthier options such as Oliva Verde (Mediterranean; pita wraps), El Fogoncito (Mexican; fresh tacos) and Rustico (Costa Rica; traditional).

Heredia isn’t Costa Rica’s go-to spot for nightlife, so if you’re looking for huge parties, head a few miles south to San Jose. For a more relaxed atmosphere, check out the following:

Speed 7 Bar

Arguably the hottest disco in Heredia, this local favorite offers Ladies’ Night, Open Bar Night and other great deals. Best parties are found Thursdays through Sundays.

Rancho Fofo

This two-level party place offers good food, ice-cold beer and loud music.

Coktails

One of the more relaxed, casual clubs in Heredia, Coktails is popular among the city’s youth and university students.

Discotheque Champs

Located in eastern downtown, this typical disco offers merengue, salsa and the omnipresent cumbia music. A good mix of Costa Ricans and tourists can be found here almost every night, but weekends are the best time to boogie.

Air:

The Juan Santamaria International Airport is located six miles west of downtown Heredia, in Alajuela. An official airport taxi stand is located just outside of the airport, and the orange taxis will take you downtown for approximately $15, depending on destination. On the main road, just a few steps from the airport exit, official red taxis are available – make sure to ask that they use the meter (la maria).

Two domestic airlines, Nature Air and SANSA also have airports close to town. SANSA is adjacent to the international terminal and Nature Air’s airport is located in Pavas, about a 30-minute drive from Heredia.

Bus:

From the Airport: Red TUASA buses pass directly in front of the airport every 15 minutes – make sure to look for ones marked Heredia. Before boarding, ask the driver if he is heading to Heredia, as the bus also passes by leaving Heredia.

From San Jose: Several bus companies serve the San Jose-Heredia bus route, but the most frequent leave from Calle 1, Avenidas 7/9 and Calle 4, Avenidas 5/7. Buses run every 10 minutes (or when full) between 5 a.m. and midnight. The fare is approximately $.90.

Rapidos Heredianos: 2233-8392
Busetas Heredianas: 2261-7171
University of Costa Rica Buses (from San Pedro): 2237-3410

Car:

From the airport, head east, following directions through San Joaquin into Heredia. Depending on traffic, the six-mile trip should take 20-30 minutes. Tourists with a current license in their home country and a valid passport can rent a car at any of Costa Rica’s many agencies.Travelers should note that airport pick-up often includes an airport tax. 

Downtown:

Barva Basilica

This stately church was built in 1767 and is flanked by a red-tiled courtyard and a grotto dedicated to the Virgin of Lourdes. While in Barva, be sure to check out other historic buildings, including the old post office.

Central Park

Right across from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Heredia’s peaceful Central Park features a pretty fountain, large mango trees and plenty of benches. On Sunday afternoons, clowns, balloons and music liven up the atmosphere. 

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Built in 1797, this beautiful downtown church has withstood many earthquakes and even a major volcanic eruption. Daily mass is still held here, and both tourists and locals love to stare at the intricate, stained-glass windows. Manicured gardens grow outside of its western exit.

El Fortin

Erected by the governor of Heredia, Fadrique Gutierrez, in 1876, the old fort is one of the town’s most famous landmarks. The brick building demonstrates Gutierrez’s passion for sculpture and military history and, though it may look imposing, features several design flaws, including backwards peepholes. Thankfully, El Fortin never saw battle.

National University

One of the most prestigious universities in Costa Rica, this public school is located just six blocks east of downtown’s Central Park. For social butterflies, the National University is the best place to hear about upcoming concerts, festivals and cultural events – just look for the fliers taped to every telephone pole, wall and available surface.

Museums:

Casa de la Cultura

Set in the 1843 home of former president Alfredo Gonzalez Flores, this Cultural House  re-creates the life and times of Costa Rica’s coffee barons. Featuring old tile floors and classic architecture, the building also hosts art shows and other cultural events. Tel: 2262-2505

Museum of Popular Culture

Less than a mile southeast of Barva, this small museum offers up a slice of life in rural Costa Rica, circa 1900. Housed in a farmhouse built in 1885, the museum has a preserved adobe exterior and is furnished with genuine, period antiques. Call ahead to reserve space in hands-on cultural tours, which may include tortilla making and old-fashioned coffee brewing. Tel: 2260-1619

Parks, Zoos and Gardens:

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Dense rain forest, waterfalls, volcanoes and rushing rivers fill the landscape of Costa Rica’s second-largest national park, a green paradise just 40 minutes from Heredia. This 119,000-acre national park is home to Barva Volcano and many miles of hiking trails. More than 135 species of mammals and 530 species of birds make their homes in the park, providing superb wildlife and bird watching opportunities. Make sure to wear layers, as the park’s higher altitudes can dip below freezing at night. $10 entrance fee. Tel: 2608-1037

Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge

Located along Braulio Carrillo National Park’s southwestern border, this 170-acre private refuge features primary and secondary cloud forest, superb wildlife watching and miles of hiking trails appropriate for beginner and experienced hikers alike. $50 entrance, tour, breakfast and lunch. Tel: 2274-1997

INBioparque

Located in Santo Domingo, the 14-acre INBioparque is run by the National Biodiversity Institute. The facilities serve as the perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s diverse habitats, with dry forest, rain forest, swamp, farm and Central Valley forest displays. $23 adults $13 children 4-12. Tel: 2507- 8107

Monte de la Cruz

Situated five miles north of San Rafael, this 37-acre wildlife preserve has rustic trails, pine and cloud forest, and prime birdwatching. Dress warmly, as temperatures can get very chilly.

Toucan Rescue Ranch

This private rescue facility is located in San Isidro de Heredia and is licensed with the Ministry of the Environment (MINAET). The Toucan Rescue Ranch has rescued hundreds of animals, including toucans, sloths, owls, spider monkeys, kinkajous, all of which undergo rehabilitation and are released back into the wild when possible. $15 per person. By reservation only. Tel: 2268-4041

Aerial Trams

Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, the privately-owned Rainforest Aerial Tram reserve offers an hour-long aerial tram ride, canopy tour, frog pond, butterfly garden and serpentarium. On-site cabins provide a glimpse into nightlife in the rainforest, complete with chirping crickets and shy wildlife. $55 adults, $27.50 students and children under 12. Tel: 2257-5961

Birdwatching

Braulio Carrillo National Park offers superb birdwatching, especially near its north-Caribbean border. Located in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, about an hour and a half from Heredia, La Selva Biological Station, the Tirimbina Rainforest Center and the Centro Neotropico Sarapiqui are a visitor’s best bets, offering hundreds of bird species and special birdwatching tours.

Canopy Tour

Located just a few miles north of Heredia, Monte de Barva, a 1,400-acre farm in San Jose de la Montana, offers a treetop canopy tour and three guided hikes ranging from 3.1 miles (two hours) to 10 miles (8 hours). The private reserve also has hiking tours, ranging from a two-hour moderate hike to an eight-hour excursion within primary cloud forest. $40 adults, $35 students and children under 10. Tel: 2266-0782

Coffee Tour

Watch as a red coffee cherry, or ripe bean, makes its journey from the bush into your cup on this humorous Cafe Britt coffee tour, led by a well-practiced theater troupe. Coffee tasting and typical meals are also available at the award-winning Cafe Britt. Reservations are required. $20 tour / $37 tour with lunch. Tel: 2277-1600

Hiking

Braulio Carrillo National Park is home to Barva Volcano, thought to be Costa Rica's oldest volcano. Hikes to the summit are moderately difficult, and take about three hours round-trip. In addition to Barva Volcano’s miles of hiking trails, this 119,000-acre national park offers incredible hiking, beautiful scenery, superb wildlife watching and rustic camping at its Carrillo (Quebrada Gonzalez) entrance. $10 entrance fee. Tel: 2608-1037

Medicinal Plants Tour

Secreted away in Santa Barbara de Heredia, just a few miles northwest of downtown Heredia, the Ark Herb Farm offers an ethno-botanical garden. Home to organic herbs and export-quality medicinal herbs and plants, the farm's two-hour tours are customized to guests' interests. Reservations are required. $10 per person; minimum two people. Tel: 2269-4849

Shopping

Myriad vendors peddle their wares at Heredia’s famed Central Market. Get out your pocket dictionary and prepare to haggle – fantastic deals can be found here. Don’t forget to order a typical dish known as a "casado" – a delicious meal of rice, beans, salad, plantain and meat– to round out your visit to the market.

Study Spanish

They say that you can’t throw a brick in Heredia without hitting a language school, and they’re almost right – some of Costa Rica’s most popular and prestigious Spanish-language institutes are located in the downtown area. Enjoy classes and a chance to live in the beautiful City of Flowers, coupled with a central location that is convenient to trips throughout the country.