Grecia is a 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