Grecia 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.

Chorros waterfall

Understand

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

Buses run more or less every half an hour from San Jose for about $1.50.

See

• 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. (updated Feb 2022)

Do

• 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. (updated Feb 2022)

• 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. (updated Feb 2022)

Eat

• 1 Taqueria Las Piras. Cheap and good Costa Rican junk food at its best. A must-try, on the right side of the cental park. (updated Feb 2022)

Sleep

• 1 Mangifera Hostel, ☏ +506 8838 1195 (whatsapp). $12/night/person. (updated Feb 2022)
• 2 Hotel Mango Valley. $63 for twin room. (updated Feb 2022)

Go next

• Cartago
• San Jose
• Alajuela