One of Costa Rica’s most historical cities, Heredia was founded in 1705 and is nicknamed "City of Flowers", due to the many beautiful gardens and wonderful flora found around here. Another main attraction of Heredia is its superb colonial architecture that can be seen all over town. This city is a fine example of a Costa Rican city boasting most of the amenities of San Jose, but in a more low key environment.

Things to do in Heredia

Coffee Tour Heredia
Visit a coffee plantation to learn about Costa Rican coffee. Experts will guide you through the life cycle of gourmet coffee. Starting in the nursery, you’ll follow the growing cycle through to the harvest and selection of the finest beans. Costa Rica's unique climate and diverse landscapes provide the perfect growing conditions for gourmet coffee beans.

Visiting the Central Park
Right across from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Heredia’s peaceful central park features a pretty fountain, large mango trees and plenty of benches. On Sunday afternoons balloons and music liven up the atmosphere.

Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Built in 1797, this beautiful downtown church has withstood many earthquakes and even a major volcanic eruption. Daily mass is still held here, and both tourists and locals love to stare at the intricate, stained-glass windows. Manicured gardens grow outside of its western exit.

Casa de la Cultura Museum
Set in the 1843 home of former president Alfredo Gonzalez Flores, this Cultural House  re-creates the life and times of Heredia Costa Rica’s coffee barons. Featuring old tile floors and classic architecture, the building also hosts art shows and other cultural events. 

Toucan Rescue Ranch
This private rescue facility is located in San Isidro de Heredia and is licensed with the Ministry of the Environment (MINAET). The Toucan Rescue Ranch has rescued hundreds of animals, including toucans, sloths, owls, spider monkeys, kinkajous, all of which undergo rehabilitation and are released back into the wild when possible.

Heredia tours to destinations nearby

Barva
Barva is a charming and unique city in Heredia Costa Rica. It was one of the first spanish settlements, which is why the spanish touch is so visible all along its colonial city streets. The city has two national monuments: the central park and a Baroque church, both of them located next to each other. You can also visit the Popular Culture Museum.

Braulio Carrillo National Park
Dense rainforest, waterfalls, volcanoes and rushing rivers fill the landscape of Costa Rica’s second-largest national park, a green paradise. This 119,000-acre national park is home to Barva Volcano and many miles of hiking trails. More than 135 species of mammals and 530 species of birds make their homes in the park, providing superb wildlife and bird watching opportunities.