Things To Do
in Heredia
Heredia is a verdant province just north of San Jose, known for its coffee landscapes and rolling hills. The city of Heredia blends colonial charm with a lively, student-friendly vibe. Lush valleys, coffee farms, and easy access to volcanoes make it a great base for day trips.
Despite its proximity to the capital, Heredia retains a quiet, village-like feel with friendly locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the charming Parque Central, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while people-watching. Stroll through the surrounding streets, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of Heredia's rich history. Don't miss the iconic Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción, known for its stunning façade and serene atmosphere.
After lunch at a nearby sodas, explore the fascinating Museo de Cultura Popular, where you can learn about traditional Costa Rican crafts and cultural practices. Spend some time in the bustling Mercado Municipal, sampling local delicacies and picking up unique souvenirs. As the afternoon sun begins to dip, take a relaxing walk along the scenic Río Barva.
For dinner, indulge in a meal at a local restaurant that specializes in Costa Rican cuisine, savoring dishes like casado or gallo pinto. Afterward, immerse yourself in the local nightlife by visiting a bar with live music, experiencing the rhythm of Costa Rican culture. Cap off the night with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, soaking in the warm atmosphere.
Begin your day early with a guided tour of a nearby coffee plantation, where you'll learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Wander through the lush coffee fields, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Central Valley and the mountains. Enjoy a complimentary tasting session, where you can savor the rich flavors of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee.
After the tour, head to the café on-site for a delicious lunch featuring local ingredients and coffee-infused dishes. Spend your afternoon exploring the plantation's trails, taking in the beautiful landscape and observing the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Capture the moment with some photos of the breathtaking views from the higher vantage points.
Return to Heredia for a quiet evening, enjoying a casual dinner at a local eatery known for its warm ambiance. Try some traditional Costa Rican desserts for a sweet finish to your meal, such as tres leches cake or churros. Spend the rest of the night relaxing at your accommodation or taking an evening stroll through the town, appreciating the cool mountain air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🚕Taxi 1 km (normal tariff) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏠1 bedroom apartment in city center (1 month) | $700-900 |
| 💻Internet 60 Mbps (monthly) | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace
- Excellent access to volcanoes, rainforests, and coffee country
- Smaller nightlife compared to San Jose
- Public transportation can be less frequent on weekends
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Qué recomienda?" - What do you recommend?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
- "Buenas noches" - Good evening/night
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Heredia
Visit one of these nice places.
The city’s central square with palm trees, fountains, and locals going about daily life—great for candid street photography and dusk light.
A picturesque church with classic Costa Rican colonial architecture perfect for exterior shots and lo-fi interiors.
Ridge viewpoints along the Poás Highway offering sweeping valley views and coffee plantation silhouettes.
Food in Heredia
Heredia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice and beans fried together, a staple for breakfast and lunch; often served with eggs and plantains at local eateries.
Must-Try!
A classic Costa Rican plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat or fish.
Black bean soup seasoned with cilantro and onions; typically served with rice and tortillas.
Hearty beef stew with vegetables and cassava, enjoyed in family run restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where you can taste fresh produce, classic snacks, and affordable meals.
Portable bites like empanadas, fresh fruit cups, and roasted corn best sampled on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly Costa Rican greeting and attitude; smile, make eye contact, and engage in small talk.
Costa Ricans value clean spaces and recycling; dispose of trash properly and minimize plastic use.
Safety
Tipping in Heredia
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 10-15% is customary if service is not included; small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are appreciated but not required. Many places add a service charge of 10%.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days with little rain; ideal for outdoor activities and volcano visits, though mornings can be cool and nights chilly in higher elevations.
Afternoon showers are common; mornings are often clearer; landscapes turn lush and waterfalls run strong—pack a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Heredia at Night
Hiking in Heredia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible from Heredia with crater views and several short trails.
Rainforest hikes and lush scenery a short drive from Heredia.
Airports
How to reach Heredia by plane.
Main international gateway for the region, about 20-40 minutes by car from Heredia depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents of Heredia with strong family and community ties.
A significant presence due to nearby universities and tourism workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Costa Rica; expect games and local leagues throughout the year.
Common in schools and community centers; parks host pickup games and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Heredia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in most Costa Rican eateries; look for arroz con vegetales, ensaladas, plantains, verduras, and fruit bowls; in larger restaurants ask for casado sin carne or sopa de verduras.