Sarchi: Sarchi is the cradle of the arts and crafts of the people of Costa Rica. Its best-known product is the polychromatic wagons that were first build one century ago. Now they have become a symbol of the folklore of Costa Rica. These famous, picturesque and singular polychromatic wagons are the successors of the wagons pulled by an ox, very common in colonial times. These vehicles were used to transport the sugar cane from the plantations. Nowadays the peasants of Costa Rica paint their wagons in many colours giving them a particular touch.
Every year there is a parade of these wagons in the city of Sarchi. It is a crowded and popular feast full of joy, colour and movement.
In the town you can also find jewellery, toys, boxes, cups and other objects made of leather and wood of great quality; a lovely souvenir of your visit to this beautiful and peaceful town.
Sarchi is located in the region known as Valverde Vega, 30 kilometres to the northeast of Alajuela. Its population is around 12 thousand.

San Ramon: San Ramón is a small town with a population of 10 thousand and is known as the "City of the Presidents and Poets". On this land, may prominent and wise men were born - among them the ex-president Jose Figueres, just to mention one - who wrote some of the most brilliant pages of the history of the country.

In the Historic Museum of San Ramon, situated in the Main Park of the town, the traveller will find out the historic importance of this small place of Costa Rica. It can be visited from 8:00 to 17:00 hours Monday through Wednesday.
San Ramon is located 13 kilometres west of Sarchi.

Zarcero: Zarcero is a small agricultural community with 4 thousand inhabitants, north of Sarchi. Its mayor attraction is the universally known Zarcero Park. The park has more than 120 figures sculpted in the foliage of pines and cypresses. The work is of the local artist Evagelista Blanco, whose inspiration transformed a withered soccer court into a fantastic garden.
The sculpture world of Evangelista Blanco is composed of human figures, elephants and monkeys riding a bicycle and robust ox pulling the traditional wagons of Costa Rica. There are also helicopters and other picturesque sculptures.
But the park is not the only attraction of Zarcero. There is trout fishing and an excursion to the Palmira Waterfall, a beautiful cascade of 40 meters high over the Tapezco River. These are only two of the many places in a traveller's agenda.
Zarcero is located 67 kilometres northeast of San Jose at 1700 meter over sea level. Its name comes from the abundance of bramble (zarza) and blackberries (zarzamora) that grow in this place. There are also vast plantations of coffee, sugarcane and organic vegetables. You can also find excellent cheeses and biscuits.

Grecia: Grecia is a city of 72 thousand inhabitants and located 50 kilometres Northeast of San Jose and 20 kilometres from the International Airport Juan Santamaria. The city was founded in 1838 and given the name Grecia (Greece) in honour of the Hellenic Country. An orderly and peaceful city, dedicated to the agriculture (sugar and coffee) and industry (textiles and metals), Grecia is one of the most beautiful cities in Costa Rica.
Because of its proverbial pulchritude, it was proclaimed in 1989 "the cleanest city of Latin America".
Its principal attraction is the Metallic Church. A very singular church of gothic style that is located in front of the Main Park. Its name comes from the pre-fabricated pieces of metal imported from Belgium in 1890 used to build the church.
You must also visit the Los Chorros Waterfall as well as the Forest Reserve of Grecia, an entertainment area of 2302 hectares created to preserve and favour eco-tourism and environmental activities. Entry costs 4 dollars.