History

The former Bellavista Fortress, now the National Museum of Costa Rica, is one of the country's most important historical landmarks. The building itself tells a story—its walls are still marked with bullet holes from Costa Rica’s 1948 civil war, which led to the abolition of the military.

The War lasted only 44 days but led to a defining moment in history—President José Figueres Ferrer abolished the military on December 1, 1948, inside this very building. Instead of military spending, funds were redirected toward education, healthcare, and conservation, shaping Costa Rica into the peaceful, democratic nation it is today.

The museum now houses pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial history, and exhibits on Costa Rica’s biodiversity, offering a well-rounded experience for history buffs.

Pro Tip: Make sure to start in the museum’s butterfly garden, a hidden oasis that contrasts with the fortress's war-torn history.

After your visit, walk to the nearby Plaza de la Democracia, which commemorates the country's commitment to peace and democracy. Some of the graffiti surrounding this area is beautiful and full of thoughtful political messages.

For a fun night on the town, head over to the artsy and young Escalante neighborhood and enjoy great food at
Il Vicolo Pizzeria with a laid back outdoor patio.

In the mid-19th century, William Walker, an American mercenary, attempted to conquer Central America and impose slavery. The Costa Rican army, led by President Juan Rafael Mora, confronted Walker’s forces at the Battle of Rivas (Nicaragua) on April 11, 1856.

The battle turned when Juan Santamaría, a young drummer boy from Alajuela, set fire to Walker’s stronghold, forcing his troops to retreat. Though Santamaría perished in the process, his bravery became legendary, and April 11th is now a national holiday in Costa Rica.

The museum, housed in a colonial-era barracks, showcases military artifacts, historical documents, and an in-depth look at Costa Rica’s fight for sovereignty.

Pro Tip: Visit during April, when Alajuela hosts vibrant Juan Santamaría Day celebrations, including parades and reenactments.

The museum is close to Alajuela Central Park, a great spot to enjoy local life and food after your visit.

After visiting the museum, head to Poás Volcano National Park (45 minutes away) for a half-day adventure. The dramatic volcanic crater is a great contrast to the history lesson in Alajuela.

Sarchí, located in the Alajuela province, is renowned as the birthplace of Costa Rica's traditional painted oxcarts, or "carretas." These vibrant carts were essential for transporting coffee beans from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The tradition of painting and decorating oxcarts began in the early 20th century at the Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory, which started in 1902 in Sarchí.

Key Sites in Sarchí:

Fábrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro: This historic factory, established over a century ago, remains a hub for crafting traditional oxcarts. Visitors can observe artisans at work and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.

World's Largest Oxcart: Displayed in Sarchí, this monumental cart exemplifies the town's craftsmanship and serves as a symbol of Costa Rican heritage.

Planning Your Visit:

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are ideal for a less crowded experience. The factory operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Guided Tours: Local guides offer insights into the history and significance of the oxcart tradition. Some tours include visits to multiple artisan workshops.

What to Expect: Visit Fábrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro, a century-old workshop still using water-powered tools to craft wooden oxcarts. Watch artisans hand-paint intricate oxcart designs, a UNESCO-recognized tradition. Stop at the world’s largest painted oxcart, a colorful 45-foot masterpiece in the town square.

Pro Tip: Combine this visit with a coffee tour at Hacienda Espíritu Santo or Doka Estate to see how coffee was historically transported using oxcarts. Or if you’re interested in more natural wonders, combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Poás Volcano National Park or the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a full-day excursion.

The Ruins of Ujarrás, located in the Cartago province, are the remnants of the first church built in Costa Rica during the colonial era. Constructed between 1575 and 1580, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Ujarrás was dedicated to the Virgin of Ujarrás. The legend of the Virgin of Ujarrás tells of a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary discovered by indigenous fishermen, which led to the construction of the church.

Historical Significance: The church was abandoned in 1833 and now stands as a testament to early colonial architecture.

Scenic Surroundings: The ruins are set amidst lush gardens, offering a tranquil environment for reflection and photography.

Planning Your Visit:

Best Time to Visit: The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Weekdays are preferable for a quieter experience.

Admission: Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to support the site's maintenance.

Guided Tours: Local guides provide historical context and share legends associated with the ruins.

Nearby Attractions: Consider visiting the Orosi Valley, known for its coffee plantations and scenic beauty, or the Tapantí National Park for hiking opportunities. Tapantí is known for the cleanest river in Costa Rica, so clean you can’t even swim in it! If you’re in the mood for more history, visit the Orosí Church, the oldest still in use in Costa Rica.

Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it at Mirador de Ujarrás, which overlooks Lake Cachí and the surrounding valley.

Bribrí Community

Location: The Bribrí people are one of Costa Rica's largest Indigenous groups, primarily residing in the Talamanca region in southeastern Costa Rica and parts of Panama.

Culture and Traditions: The Bribrí maintain a deep connection with their environment, practicing sustainable agriculture and preserving traditional knowledge. Their culture is intricately tied to the rainforest, which provides food, medicine, and materials for daily life. The Bribrí language, part of the Chibchan language family, is still spoken by many community members.

Visiting the Bribrí Community:

Cultural Tours: Engage in guided tours that offer immersive experiences, such as chocolate-making workshops and medicinal plant tours. These tours provide insights into the Bribrí's sustainable practices and cultural heritage.

Activities: Participate in traditional activities like cacao processing, where you can learn about the significance of cacao in Bribrí culture and even taste freshly made chocolate.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from December to April, is ideal for visiting, as the trails are more accessible and the weather is pleasant.

Boruca Community

Location: The Boruca people are located in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, near the Panamanian border. Their community is situated in the Talamanca Mountains, approximately 20 km from the Panamanian border.

Culture and Traditions: The Boruca are renowned for their elaborate carved wooden masks, which are central to their traditional "Fiesta de los Diablitos" (Festival of the Little Devils). This festival reenacts their resistance against Spanish colonization and is a vibrant expression of Boruca identity. Mask-making is a significant cultural practice, with artisans crafting masks that depict various characters and animals, often using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Visiting the Boruca Community:

Cultural Experiences: Participate in mask-making workshops to learn about the symbolism and techniques involved. These workshops offer hands-on experiences and support the local artisans.

Festivals: If visiting in December, you can experience the "Fiesta de los Diablitos," a colorful festival featuring traditional dances, music, and mask displays.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from December to April, is ideal for visiting, as the weather is favorable for outdoor activities.

Planning your Visit

Transportation: Both communities are accessible from San José. For the Bribrí community, expect a 4-5 hour drive to the Talamanca region. The Boruca community is about a 3-hour drive from San José.

Accommodation: Stay in eco-lodges or community-run accommodations to support sustainable tourism and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Guided Tours: Engage with local guides who can provide in-depth knowledge and facilitate authentic cultural exchanges.

Respect and Sensitivity: Approach your visit with respect for the communities' traditions and privacy. Always ask for permission before taking photographs and be mindful of local customs.

Hidden in the misty foothills of Turrialba Volcano, Guayabo National Monument is Costa Rica’s most significant archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the mysterious civilization that once thrived here. Dating back to 1000 BCE, Guayabo was a major political and cultural center, reaching its peak between 800 and 1400 CE, before being abandoned for reasons still unknown.

At its height, Guayabo is believed to have housed 10,000 people, with a highly organized society skilled in engineering, agriculture, and hydrology. The site reveals an advanced system of cobblestone roads, petroglyphs, tombs, and ceremonial mounds, but its most impressive feature is the intricate underground aqueduct system, which still functions today—evidence of their sophisticated water management techniques.

Historians and archaeologists suggest Guayabo was a major hub for regional trade, influenced by both Mesoamerican and Andean cultures. While no written records remain, artifacts and ruins point to a structured society with clear leadership and religious practices, possibly tied to the sun and water deities.

Pro Tip: Hire a guide to uncover the symbolism behind the petroglyphs and theories about the site’s abandonment. Pair your visit with a trip to Turrialba town, known for its cheese production and world-class whitewater rafting.