At Finca Chiribita you can relax, watch birds, take short walks in the garden or enjoy some of the countless activities in the surrounding area. In addition to the activities described below, there are various farmer’s markets – called ferias – and beautiful walks or hikes in the hills of Navarro and Orosi.
Delight your palate with a visit to one of our restaurant tips – relax yourself in the spa, get a professional manicure or maybe a new tattoo? Be inspired by our ideas and don’t hesitate to ask us.
Almost at the doorstep of Finca Chiribita, the Lankester Botanical Garden invites you to a visit. The attractions of the 11-hectare area are over 800 species of orchids, amidst countless other plant species such as heliconias, bromeliads, ferns, cacti and various species of palms and bamboos. The best time to visit is between February and May, when the orchids are blooming. The garden area is dedicated to butterflies, hummingbirds are also particularly popular. A tour should take one or two hours.
The landmark of the city of Cartago is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, which was rebuilt in 1926 after the great earthquake of 1910. In the city you will find everything you need. We are happy to give you a tip where you can comfortably drink a coffee.
Orosi is also known for its thermal springs. There are two simple bathing facilities, “Los Balenarios” directly in the village next to the Orosi Lodge, and the somewhat larger “Los Patios”, 1 ½ km south of the village. Beautiful and luxurious, on the other hand, is the Hacienda Orosi, a little outside in the direction of Tapantí National Park. Not only the facility is convincing, but also the good cuisine. Here you can let your soul dangle.
Due to the abundant rainfall, Tapantí is home to a wide variety of plants and trees, as well as approximately 45 species of native mammals and 300 species of birds. Thus, among other things, tapirs, weasel cats, coons, raccoons, agoutis, howler and capuchin monkeys as well as hummingbirds, tucans, hawks, quetzals, mountain chickens, tanagers and much more can be discovered there. Right at the entrance there is a small information center – a short visit is worthwhile. Several trails of varying lengths invite you to hike and you can enjoy a cute picnic area and swim in the natural swimming pools.
Orosi is a pleasant village in the very fertile and scenic Orosi Valley of the same name. The village is located in the province of Cartago and has about 13’000 inhabitants. From Finca Chiribita it can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. The Iglesia de San José of Orosi is a national landmark. Built in 1743-1766, it is the oldest colonial church still in use in Costa Rica. Its paintings, the wooden altar and the colonial architecture will transport you to another time. The well-kept garden is also worth seeing. Besides the church, the Museum of Religious Art is also worth visiting. On the building to the right of the church you can admire a beautiful forest painting.
About 8 km after Paraíso, turn right to Mirador de Orosi. From this vantage point you have a very nice view of the Orosi valley and the Cachí reservoir. The beautiful site invites you to linger with its covered picnic areas.
Just 5 km before Tapantí National Park, a smaller road branches off to the right and leads to the parking lot of the Monte Sky Private Reserve. A short hike uphill leads to the lodge, which is the starting point for several shorter walks to waterfalls. While sipping a cup of coffee in Costa Rican style, you can enjoy the magnificent view. You can also marvel at the various species of hummingbirds that buzz around the flowers in the beautiful garden.
Turrialba Volcano, the second highest peak in the Cordillera Central, reaches over the area. The volcano has been active on and off recently and therefore can only be visited together with a guide at the moment.
From San Rafael near Cartago you can reach the summit of the well-known and much visited Irazú volcano after about 30 km. If the weather is nice, you will have a great view over the national park as well a into the two main craters of the volcano. You are at over 3’400 meters above sea level, it can be cold and windy – don’t forget your jacket!
The coffee finca is located 2 km east of Paraíso on the road to Turrialba. At this organic coffee farm you will learn everything about coffee cultivation and the beverage that we cannot imagine our everyday life without. This tour is in no way comparable to the mass tourism tours of many coffee plantations. It is personally conducted by the long-time owners that put a lot of heart and soul into it and you will learn much more than you expect, for example, why mushrooms and trees are grown there.
