Orosi travel guide
Orosi, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A peaceful green valley of coffee farms, hot springs and colonial history near Cartago, with Tapantí National Park on its doorstep and hardly any crowds.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From the airport
About 1.5 hours
Best Airport
SJO
Temperature
55 to 80°F
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Our take
Who Orosi is for
This is such a peaceful and beautiful area, with hardly any crowds and lots of farms. We come here when we need a break from the city but don’t want to go to the beach. It’s perfect for hikers, bird watchers and anyone who wants to slow down.
One thing to keep in mind: The area is very spread out, so you’ll want a rental car. It’s also cooler than most of Costa Rica, so pack layers.
Our tip: If you have extra nights near San José Airport at the start or end of your trip, stay in Orosi instead of the city.
Orosi or San Gerardo de Dota?
Choose Orosi if…
You want a green valley closer to San José, with hot springs, colonial churches, coffee farms and Tapantí National Park.
Choose San Gerardo de Dota if…
You want to go higher into the cloud forest to look for quetzals, with cooler air and an even more remote feel.
Can’t decide?
Both are easy mountain escapes from San José. Orosi is closer; San Gerardo is wilder.
Getting there
Getting to Orosi
Driving
Orosi is about 1.5 hours from San José Airport, depending on traffic. Honestly, people drive like maniacs here, so avoid rush hour and keep an eye out for motorcycles.
If you’re a confident driver, you’ll likely be fine. The area is very spread out, so we highly recommend having a rental car for restaurants, groceries and things to do.
For more info:
Rental car
Adobe gives our readers 10% off, a free second driver and 0% deductible on liability protection.
Shuttles
For shuttles from San José or the airport, use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Orosi is in a green river valley in the Central Valley, southeast of Cartago. It feels remote even though it’s close to the big cities.
Good to know: Restaurants and groceries are spread out, so plan your stops before heading out for the day.
Weather
Orosi weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Orosi. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (mid-Dec: Apr)
Sunny and cooler than most of Costa Rica, with temperatures from about 55 to 80°F.
Rainy season (May: Dec)
May to August usually brings an afternoon thunderstorm around 2 pm that lasts an hour or two. From August to December you can get full washout days.
Temperature
55 to 80°F
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Storms usually start
Around 2 pm
Our tip
Our tip: Pack layers. It’s notably cooler here than in the rest of Costa Rica, especially in the evenings.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Orosi
La Casona del Cafetal
High-end · Coffee farm · Spa
A boutique hotel on a coffee farm with a spa, a wellness center and a restaurant.
Hotel Quelitales
High-end · Organic farm · Breakfast
An eco-friendly hotel on an organic farm, with breakfast included and an excellent restaurant.
Finca Queveri
Mid-range · Nature · Meals included
Breakfast and dinner are included, and it’s ideal for relaxing in nature. We suggest staying at least three nights.
Cabañas Cerro Verde
Mid-range · Trails · Pool
Hiking trails, a pool, ping pong and BBQs, with breakfast included.
Also worth considering: Posada Cañaveral (clean, modern bungalows, with reception in a converted school bus) and Montaña Linda Hostel (budget dorms and private rooms with a shared kitchen).
More places to stay near Cartago →
Our pick
Rent a house on a farm
We love vacation rentals here for the privacy, the views and the chance to cook with fresh local food.
A few we like: Finca Sermide (2-bedroom cottage on a working farm), Casa Sofía (huge windows and great views), Paradise Peak (citrus farm with a private jacuzzi) and Finca Good Life (the owners are the best).
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Orosi rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Orosi
Hike
Tapantí National Park
We definitely suggest spending at least one day here. There are three trails, including two loops. You can hire a guide or hike on your own, and it’s easiest to drive to each trailhead instead of parking in one spot.
Good to know
Tapantí is one of the rainiest places in Costa Rica, so bring a rain jacket.
Relax
Hacienda Orosi hot springs
Soak in hot springs with panoramic valley views, and add a farm or coffee tour.
Good to know
Combine it with a day of hiking in Tapantí or a trip to Irazú.
Mirador de Orosi
The most popular viewpoint over the Orosi River valley. Bring a picnic, or charcoal and fire starter to use the grills.
Iglesia de San José de Orosi
A pretty church from the late 1700s in downtown Orosi, and the oldest church in Costa Rica that hasn’t had to be rebuilt after earthquakes.
Ujarrás ruins
The ruins of one of Costa Rica’s oldest churches, from the late 1600s, with gardens and mountain views.
Lankester Gardens
A 27-acre University of Costa Rica garden with huge orchid collections, about $10 to enter. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Irazú Volcano day trip
Costa Rica’s highest volcano is nearby, and it’s easy to combine with a day in the valley.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Orosi
Pizza Il Giardino
Pizza · Pasta
As a self-proclaimed pizza snob, I love their pizza, and the pasta is great too.
Orocay Bistro
Upscale · Beef
Our pick for a nicer dinner, especially if you like beef.
Truchas San Ignacio
Trout fishing · Costa Rican
Catch your own trout and the chef cooks it for you. Such a typical Costa Rican experience that most tourists never get to try.
La Fonda del Alto
No menu · 4 courses
A rotating, no-menu meal of four courses made with fresh farm ingredients. You feel like a guest in a local home.
Cafetería 1743 downtown is another good stop for fresh cakes and blended fruit drinks.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Orosi
Layers
It’s cooler here than most of Costa Rica, so bring layers for the evenings.
Hiking shoes
Good shoes for Tapantí’s trails make a big difference.
Rain gear
The rainy season is longer here than in other regions.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Orosi is quiet and rural. Use normal common sense: lock your car and don’t leave valuables in it.
Getting around
Getting around Orosi
The area is very spread out, so we highly recommend having a rental car.
Rental car
Best for Tapantí, the hot springs, Irazú and the valley loop. Adobe gives our readers 10% off.
Tours
No car? Day tours from San José often combine Irazú, Cartago and the Orosi Valley.
FAQ
Orosi FAQ: your questions
Is Orosi, Costa Rica worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a break from the city without going to the beach. It’s peaceful, beautiful and uncrowded, with hiking, hot springs and history.
How far is Orosi from San José?
About 1.5 hours from San José Airport, depending on traffic.
What is there to do in Orosi?
Hike Tapantí National Park, soak at the Hacienda Orosi hot springs, see the Mirador de Orosi and the colonial church, visit the Ujarrás ruins and Lankester Gardens, and take a day trip to Irazú.
Do I need a car in Orosi?
Yes. The area is very spread out, so a rental car is the easiest way to reach restaurants, groceries and attractions.
Is Orosi cold?
It’s cooler than most of Costa Rica, about 55 to 80°F, so bring layers.
What is special about the Orosi church?
The Iglesia de San José de Orosi, from the late 1700s, is the oldest church in Costa Rica that hasn’t needed to be rebuilt after earthquakes.
When is the best time to visit Orosi?
The dry season, mid-December to April. In the rainy season, expect afternoon storms around 2 pm.
Where should I stay in Orosi?
Hotel Quelitales and La Casona del Cafetal are our high-end picks. Finca Queveri is great for at least three nights of relaxing.
Keep exploring
More towns in Central Valley
Planning more of the region? See our full Central Valley guide.
