A Quick Guide to Zarcero Costa Rica

An Overview of Zarcero

Zarcero is a tiny mountain district which tourists usually pass on the way to other locations in the north.  While it doesn’t merit an overnight stay, it’s worth hopping off a bus and walking around for a short time. The area is known for several small hiking trails, a few shops, an interesting hedge field, the community’s main church and a surprisingly dramatic overlook to the East.

Advice While Visiting Zarcero

Zarcero is the name of the district but the actual town is called Alfaro Ruiz on most maps.

The main entry and exit to and from the town is route 141 which cuts through the community’s center. For long distance bus rides, visitors can find a bus station on the corner directly to the south of Parque de Zarcero.

For people traveling without a tour group and using a private vehicle, Zarcero is one of the best areas to reach Bajo del Toro, a verdant valley known for hiking, waterfalls and Costa Rica’s natural environment.

Zarcero has many restaurants with the majority of them being Soda Shops, which is a traditional mom-and-pop eatery usually selling traditional Costa Rican food. There are several directly adjacent to the district’s main thru-bus-stop.

Points of Interest in Zarcero

Zarcero Central Park

Zarcero Central Park is the most famous and unique feature of the entire town. This park area is coated in shrubs artfully trimmed into dense and beautiful shapes, including animals, arches and abstract figures.

Inglesia Catolica de Zarcero

This is the districts main religious center, a small and stately church overlooking the park. The church is a pretty feature for visitors to explore inside or stand near while viewing the park from above.

Mirador “La Vuelta” Sobre vía Pública

Found along Calles Tres Hermanos while leaving the district to the East, this overlook has splendid view of the lowlands.

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