Exploring The Gardens of Zarcero: A Hidden Gem in Costa Rica

Just a short drive north-west of San Jose is Zarcero, Costa Rica, an incredible hidden gem that showcases all of the charm found in the country. Home to gardens that offer endless quirk and charm, here visitors can browse through endless hand-crafted gardens that are shaped into things like elephants, monkeys, and dinosaurs. As a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel destination, this small town is a unique travel experience that is well worth a day trip to.

As a small town tucked within the Costa Rican mountains, the topiary gardens here at Parque Francisco Alvarado are a hidden gem that is less traveled, but still a stunningly beautiful option worth visiting. Embrace the history of this great town, and learn more about what to see, how to visit, and tips for making your trip all the more memorable.

Browse through this small town and connect with locals via shopping opportunities, artisanal cheese, and of course, uniquely crafted topiary gardens. Aside from the picturesque landscapes, Zarcero is truly a hidden gem that you can’t miss out on!

Setting the Scene in Zarcero

Located in the mountains of the Central Valley, in the canton of Zacero, and the province of Alajuela, sits a small town that brings out the best of Costa Rican culture. With a small agricultural system loaded with dairy farms, here visitors can experience the fresh mountain air and a sampling of the area’s fine cheeses. Simply walking through the streets just feels different, where the mountain area and local charm make this destination feel truly special.

Accessible from the city of San Jose, this is a peaceful and scenic town that is ideal for a day trip or an overnight stay with the family. Welcoming visitors from across the world, here you can browse this town’s unique city streets and enjoy the picturesque views around every corner. Anyone can visit the area, which is about an hour from San Jose, the country’s main travel hub. Rent a car or partner with a guided travel agency to take you there.

The Star Attraction: The Topiary Gardens

What may be the highlight of Zarcero is the town’s unique topiary gardens. Hand-crafted garden sculptures are located at the center of town, just in front of the main church. Originally created by an artist and gardener by the name of Evangelista Blanco Brenes, he was commissioned as a young man to create a green garden with sculptured cypress trees.

There are many photo opportunities for tourists, where you can enjoy a spot that is often appreciated by the locals. Enjoy wavy green arches, animal sculptures, and abstract forms of garden art that are unique to this quirky small town. These sculptures are literally alive, combining both nature and art into a living and breathing exhibit. Pose next to the town’s many sculpted arches, animals, or along the church’s scenic backdrop. Having a local guide can walk you through every detail of the gardens, including the unique history and story behind the garden itself.

Consider taking a selfie alongside a handcrafted garden elephant, or pose for a photo next to a local garden monkey. It’s an experience worth visiting, making your trip feel unique and personalized.

Tips For Visiting Zarcero

The town is accessible by road, about an hour drive or bus ride northwest of San Jose. Route 141 comes with winding roads as you traverse higher into a mountainous climate. You could experience rain due to the mountain climate, while the best time to visit is early morning to avoid large crowds. This is a well-visited area, and you could expect to see many locals taking in the charm of this small town. The park itself is free to visit, but it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to make a small donation to the nearby church that spends endless time and money maintaining the grounds. Some tour operators offer trips to the area as well, helping tourists get to their destination without complication.

Enjoy the town at your own pace, expecting to take about two hours to wander through the garden sculptures. There are also many shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy, as well, including local cheese shops that are very much worth enjoying. Take a tour of the local church and do some people watching while taking in a great sunset. Some of the roads to get to Zarcero are quite curvy, and some travelers report feeling some motion sickness.

Consider looking at a guided tour company to help facilitate your trip. Many tour operators can help you enjoy the area, offering comfort and security, especially along long and winding roads. Leave the travel to those who know the area and are familiar with the many twists and turns along the way.

Why Zarcero is Worth the Detour

Tourists are always looking to find ways that make their trips more memorable, and visiting a small town that is usually host to locals is the perfect way to accomplish just that. Unlike mainstream attractions that are busy and crowded, Zarcero is quirky, intimate, and creative, helping you appreciate something special that is sometimes overlooked by international travelers. Here you can learn about the small-town lifestyle of Costa Ricans, including how they make some of the most compelling cheeses in the country.

The culture and local flavors experienced across town are unique and world-class, helping visitors support the local economy while experiencing a different, less-traveled side of Costa Rica. Visitors are often impressed by this unique travel experience, helping anyone enjoy new memories that are creative and unique. The town itself is incredibly safe, welcoming locals and international tourists year-round. Roam the streets and shop for uniquely crafted artisan items and souvenirs, but also make a point of enjoying the area’s dining experiences.

Tips & Insider Advice

Comfort is key to enjoying this town, as there is plenty of walking required to fully appreciate its charm. Have your camera ready, as the gardens are perfect for unique photo opportunities with family and friends. Weekdays are typically less busy, while weekends see larger crowds. Further, the dairy products in the area are exceptional, worth visiting for their local cheese shops that are simply delicious.

Consider visiting the nearby Juan Castro Blanco National Park or sit back and enjoy a cafe located within the mountains. Respect the entire town and area, including the gardens. Never touch or climb the sculptures, as they are known to be quite delicate. Bring along a jacket in case the mountain air is a little cold or you experience rain.

Embrace The Magic of Zarcero

There really is something special about this tiny mountain town that you can’t find anywhere else in Costa Rica. The living sculptures are charming in their own right, but the food and dining options are worth the visit by themselves. Central Costa Rica is a stunning option for travelers, where culture and charm are on full display.

Pack your bags and see what Costa Rica has to offer aside from its beautiful beaches and volcanoes. 

Visit Zarcero and embrace adventure across the great country of Costa Rica!

Have Caravan Take You There

Costa Rica has so much to explore and discover, and that is why guided tour offerings can help you fully enjoy the experience. From small towns, food, dining, and outdoor exploration, here in Costa Rica, you can embrace culture and connect with nature in ways you never thought possible.

Visiting Zarcero alongside a knowledgeable guide who can help you better connect with Costa Rican culture and help you learn more about what the town has to offer. Gain valuable insight regarding the area’s history, and never miss an important stop with local tour guides who have a deep appreciation for the area.

Look to Caravan to offer safe and fully guided tours for your next visit to Costa Rica. Our knowledgeable guides can help you better appreciate the destination you are visiting, working to ensure that you experience everything there is to offer, safely and comfortably.

Caravan offers completely guided, all-inclusive, and safe trips to places like Costa Rica and so much more. Find peace of mind knowing that you will never miss an important detail about places like the Sloth Sanctuary and make the most of your next trip.

Before your next trip, let the experts at Caravan make your dream adventure to Costa Rica a reality. Call one of Caravan’s agents at 1 (312)-321-9800, or call 1-800-CARAVAN, and embark on your next adventure alongside those who bring deep knowledge, experience, and insight into this great country.

We are proud to offer safe guides throughout the many small towns and well-visited attractions throughout Costa Rica.

Call us today to learn more about our offerings.