Just a 15-minute bus ride from the center of Grecia, Sarchí is best known for its traditional handcrafted oxcarts (carretas) and colorful artisan workshops. But there is more to Sarchí than its famous carretas. The Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, the town's distinctive church, local handicrafts and beautiful mountain views make Sarchí a worthwhile day trip from Grecia. In this guide, we share some of the best things to see and do in Sarchí Costa Rica, including how to get th

Los Chorros waterfalls are a must visit when you stay with us in Grecia! This place, where two waterfalls of about 50 meters high tumble down, guarantees a great adventure in nature. Important notes: Please leave your valuables (passport, credit / debit cards) at the hostel, don't bring big amounts of money and don't go alone. Unfortunately, we know about cases that people got robbed at Los Chorros. At the entry of Los Chorros Waterfalls, you'll see a sign that says that the

We normally have mixed feelings about zoos, because we believe it is much nicer to see wildlife where it belongs: in the wild. However, our experience at Zoo Ave in Costa Rica was different. Zoo Ave is an animal rescue and rehabilitation center where visitors can see a variety of Costa Rican wildlife. The animals that are on display are there because they cannot be returned to the wild, for example because of permanent injuries, or because they are undergoing rehabilitation w

On Google Maps, you can clearly see that there are a lot of small roads North of Grecia. These roads are all more or less perpendicular lines from South West to North East. Once on these roads, you’ll notice that they are all quite steep, since they’re located on the slopes of Volcán Poás. The elevation difference between the ‘valley’ where Grecia is located (about 1000 meters above sea level) and the top of Volcán Poás (2708 meters above sea level) is about 1700 meters! So,

Are you starting your Costa Rica trip at Mangífera Hostel in Grecia and planning to continue to Monteverde? Taking the bus is a convenient option, and the good news is that there is a direct bus connection from Grecia to Monteverde. Below, we explain step by step how to travel from Grecia to Monteverde by bus, including where to book your ticket, where to catch the bus in Grecia, and what time you should be at the bus stop. Step 1: Book your bus ticket from San José to Montev

Are you that type of person that rather enjoys to roam around the non-touristic, cheaper and hidden magical places? Then the 'national park of water' Juan Castro Blanco is definitely your destination! Being just 1,5 hour away by car or Uber, makes this hidden gem perfect material for day trip from Mangífera Hostel, Grecia. In this blog you read about: Visit Juan Castro Blanco through Montaña Sagrada (Pozo azúl) Visit Juan Castro Blanco through San Vicente Hideaway (waterfalls

Peninsula de Osa and Corcovado National Park… Magical places. It’s estimated that this part of Costa Rica holds up 2,5% of the biodiversity in the whole world and it’s believed that this is the most biological intense place on this planet. A destination on the bucket list of many travellers who visit Costa Rica. But… when you’re travelling through Costa Rica for just a few weeks, it can be quite overwhelming to figure out what’s the best way to discover this unique piece of E