Sarchí, Costa Rica

Located less than one hour from the capital city of San José, Sarchí is known as the most famous artisan town of Costa Rica.  It is widely recognized for its handmade traditional oxcarts, the country’s most famous type of craft, admired for their colorful and decorative qualities.
There are several oxcart-artisan factories in the area.  Among the very best ones is the ‘Joaquín Chaverri Oxcart Factory’ - the birthplace of oxcart handicrafts in Costa Rica.  It offers the regions’ most complete supply of oxcart designs, in different colors, shapes and sizes.
When entering Sarchí, numerous furniture and souvenir shops emerge along both sides of the road, offering a wide variety of other handicrafts as well, such as painted bowls and trays, natural wood utensils, tables, chairs and even fine jewelry; all of which reflect the local culture and the beautiful natural surroundings.

Sarchí, Costa Rica is a busy place on weekends since many Ticos visit to purchase home furnishings.  It is also the perfect place for tourists to finish off their Costa Rica trip and find those last minute souvenirs and gifts to take with them back home.
Another good reason to visit the Sarchí is the charming town’s church painted in pink and light blue.  It’s beautifully decorated with colorful illustrations, sitting across the small village square overlooking the town.

A few kilometers away from Sarchí is the neighboring town of Grecia – a picturesque farming town located amidst beautiful mountain landscapes and exuberant sceneries.  Grecia is an important tourist destination mainly due to its unique metal church, a gothic style church made from metal pieces that were imported from Belgium in the 1890’s.  Excursions to Sarchi often coincide with tours to Grecia, as well as nearby destinations like Poás Volcano and Barva Volcano.

How to get to Sarchí

Similar to other Costa Rica tourist destinations, the signs to Sarchi are pretty easy to follow.  From San José, take the main highway towards the international airport.  Following the sign to San Ramón, keep your right and continue on this road for about 20 more minutes, until you see a sign for Sarchí.  Exit here and continue on this road which leads to the town of Grecia.  Once there, approximately 3 blocks prior to the church, make a left turn and continue towards the intersection to Sarchí.  At the intersection make a left and shortly after you will begin to see some of the artisan stores.