French
DeutschGrecia is an inviting small town to the west of San Jose in the province of Alajuela. It is mountainous with verdant forests and nearby coffee plantations and farms.
Understand
[edit | edit source]With a population of about 16,000 (2022), the town is large enough to provide most necessities and services that a traveler would want. It is close to natural attractions such as the Poas Volcano National Park. The town attracts North American expat retirees, giving it a fair size English-speaking community.
Get in
[edit | edit source]Buses run more or less every half an hour from San Jose for about $1.50.
Get around
[edit | edit source]
Map of Grecia
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. M-F 8AM–noon and 2–5PM. Grecia is noted for its unique church, Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, that is made entirely of pre-fabricated steel plates painted red.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Parque Recreativo los Chorros (in the Grecia district of Tacares; from the center of Tacares follow the north road to San Pedro de Poás for 1.5 km), ☏ +506 2444 5958. 8AM-4PM. This is a privately owned park with two beautiful waterfalls of about 144 feet high each. This place has no restaurant and the restrooms are rustic at its best. $5.
- 2 Reserva Forestal Bosque del Niño. 8AM-4PM. This is the highest point in Grecia at 2500 m above sea level. Perfect for hikes, sightseeing and camping.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Taqueria Las Piras. Cheap and good Costa Rican junk food at its best. A must-try, on the right side of the central park.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Mangifera Hostel, ☏ +506 8838 1195 (whatsapp). $12/night/person.
- 2 Hotel Mango Valley. $63 for twin room.