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San Lorenzo de Tarrazú is a mountainous area in southern San José Province that borders Puntarenas Province. The Naranjo River has carved gorgeous terrain and stunning natural landscapes amidst the Central American rainforest. White water rafting, hiking, ziplining, and biking are popular activities that draw people to the region. Additionally, the serenity of the beautiful regional flora and fauna further captivate all who visit.

I recommend staying in this region for several nights because it’s peaceful, calm, and centering. My friend and I found a cute place on AirBnB called Finca Botanica Colibri. It had tropical gardens, fruit trees, hiking trails, and access to the Naranjo River. We had the opportunity to feel at one with the natural world around us, as it was quite secluded, while we rested and reset our minds, bodies, and souls. Outdoor activities—hiking, cliff jumping at waterfalls, as well as swimming and white water rafting in the Naranjo River—encompassed most of our time, but we had ample hours to read in hammocks, nap in our rainforest cabin, and sip amazing local coffee while enjoying fresh fruit. We spent a portion of our time exploring local small businesses, such as Villa Vanilla Spice Farm and Esquipulas Rainforest. Villa Vanilla Spice Farm is a local, family-owned spice farm that grows cinnamon, ginger, hibiscus, cacao, vanilla, and more. They use their farm-grown products to make chai powders, chocolates, and ice cream. We also took a coffee tour at Esquipulas Rainforest. This is another family-owned small business that produces coffee, serves Costa Rican meals, and offers overnight camping-like accommodation with amazing rainforest views. Although we spent a mere four days in the San Lorenzo region, it was enough time to get a taste of its amazing aspects.

Travel tip: Costa Rica Tropical Adventures took us on an incredibly exciting white water rafting trip on the El Chorro section of the Naranjo—I definitely recommend taking this tour in San Lorenzo de Tarrazú because they are extremely knowledgable, friendly, and experienced!

If you want to visit this region of Costa Rica, you’ll need a car to get to San Lorenzo de Tarrazú or you will need to hire a driver. There is a bus that runs infrequently, but it will not take you as far into the mountains as desired. Quepos and Manuel Antonio are about 30 minutes away by car, which is where major supermarkets and shops are located. You will more than likely need to bring groceries and necessities with you if you stay overnight in the mountains. Even though San Lorenzo de Tarrazú can be challenging to access, it is completely worthwhile to spend several days here to rest, relax, and immerse yourself in the Costa Rican rainforest!

Peace & happy travels,

Tay