Last Updated: August 17, 2025
Not far from the bustling city of San Jose, you will find the charming town of Atenas. This medium-sized town in the Central Valley offers a glimpse at local life. From a bench in the picturesque central park or over coffee at a local restaurant, you can see Costa Ricans in their daily life. While Atenas isn’t exactly on the tourist trail, it has drawn many expats over the years with its pleasant climate and offers visitors several interesting things to do. Below, we’ll share more about this local town and why you might want to add a stop on your next visit to Costa Rica.
About Atenas
Atenas is located about 45 minutes west of the capital of San Jose and a half-hour from the international airport in Alajuela. Although it is close to urban areas, Atenas itself couldn’t be more different. The town is surrounded by rolling green hills, speckled with rows of coffee plants and sugarcane.
Just a short drive from these quiet barrios (neighborhoods) is the central area of town, which has a lot going on. Here, you will find many restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and other conveniences. The downtown is the hub of local life, with a scenic park and church as the focal point.
A couple of things that make Atenas noteworthy are its climate and coffee. The town is said to have one of the best climates in the world, with average temperatures in the mid-70s°F (21°C) year-round. The climate, combined with the area’s rich volcanic soil, also makes Atenas an excellent spot for growing coffee. Many of the local producers are small, family-run operations and there are even some that you can tour (more on this below).
Interestingly, Atenas was located along the original oxcart trail. This route was used in the late 1800s to transport coffee beans from the Central Valley to ports on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts for export. Various references to the oxcart trail can be seen around town. One notable example is the monument of a boyero, an oxcart driver, about a kilometer east of downtown.
Things to Do in Atenas
You can spend hours just soaking up the local culture in the downtown, but here are some other ideas for things to do.
El Toledo Coffee Tour
If you’re visiting Atenas, a coffee tour is a must. El Toledo is a small coffee farm owned by a Costa Rican family. They are one of the few growers in the country to go completely organic.
On a tour of the family farm, you’ll learn from the passionate farmers themselves about the importance of bio-diverse coffee production and, of course, see how it is made from plant to cup. The tour ends with a tasting of El Toledo’s three different roasts. We really enjoyed this coffee tour because it is so personalized and non-commercial. $30 per person.
Farmers Market
Many communities in Costa Rica have a farmers market and Atenas is no exception. Every Friday, both locals and expats gather to shop and chat about local happenings. Under the modern-looking structure, you will find an assortment of produce as well as baked goods, artisanal products, coffee, souvenirs, and even flowers.
Click for a map with the location.
Las Minas Waterfalls
About the Waterfalls
Just 20 minutes outside Atenas is a set of secluded waterfalls. Las Minas Waterfalls (the Mines Waterfalls) is located in the village of Desmonte. This set of waterfalls and swimming holes gets its name from an old gold mine in an upper area of the river. Although this spot is located deep in the country, it is not hard to find with good directions.
Directions
Take Highway 3 west out of Atenas. At a flashing yellow light, take a right (look for the restaurant Chicarronera El Minero). Follow the windy road for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km), staying left at two forks. The road turns to dirt, then back to paved, but wasn’t in bad shape even in the rainy season. When you get to a large bridge, you have arrived at the parking area. Here’s a map. Don’t leave anything valuable inside your car.
To get to the pools upriver, you will have to walk along the riverbed, up over large boulders and through water, depending on the season. Sturdy boots or sandals like Keens are best. This isn’t a recommended hike for everyone. Jenn had to stay behind with our young son because the rocks were too tricky.
Botanical Orchid Garden
If gazing at hundreds of beautiful orchids is more your speed, check out the Botanical Orchid Garden in nearby La Garita.
This outdoor garden cultivates orchids in a lab setting and lets them propagate in the wild on their property. The different nurseries have orchids in all stages of growth, allowing visitors to learn about the complex lifecycle of these interesting plants.
The property also has paths through the forest that showcase native trees and host a variety of birds.
To learn more about visiting the Botanical Orchid Garden, including the best times of year to go, read our separate post.
Train Museum (Museo Ferroviario Rio Grande)
In nearby Rio Grande, you can visit a historic train museum. This isn’t a huge attraction, but if you have a free hour, it is interesting to learn about the old railroad that ran from San Jose to Puntarenas on the central Pacific coast.
The small museum at the train station houses photos and artifacts like generators, radios, railway parts, and devices used for Morse code. The attendant will also take you up inside the old engine car for some great photo ops. Those wanting to explore can walk the tracks over the Grande River.
Open only on Sundays. Click for a map with the location.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
If you have kids, Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is a wonderful stop.
This wildlife center rescues and rehabilitates animals that have been injured, orphaned, or confiscated from the illegal pet trade. Some examples include Scarlet Macaw parrots, white-faced monkeys, and even a few species of jungle cats.
If animals are unable to be released back into their natural environment after being treated, they live the rest of their lives on the property. One notable inhabitant is a toucan named Grecia that lost most of her beautiful beak. Grecia now shows off a one-of-a-kind, high-tech prosthetic beak along the trail at Rescate Wildlife.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center has a comfortable restaurant and small kids’ play area. Our family has been several times and we always enjoy it.
Entrance: $35 per person adults, $15 children ages 2-12.
Traveling with kids? Be sure to check out our Costa Rica with Kids page for lots of family travel tips.
Day Trips from Atenas
Due to its central location, Atenas makes a great home base for exploring Costa Rica. Here are some more things to do within an hour or so from Atenas.
Sarchi
Sarchi is a fun town to visit to learn more about Costa Rica’s famous oxcarts. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the giant oxcart replica right in the center of town.
For a closer look, visit a local oxcart manufacturer. Here, you can watch craftsmen fabricate these historic carts in an old workshop with original machines, which are powered by water. One popular option is Fabrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro (see map location).
Sarchi is still known for furniture making today, and you’ll find several furniture shops all around town.
Poas Volcano
The closest volcano to Atenas is Poas, at about a 1.25 hour drive. This crater volcano is one of the largest in the world and is definitely an impressive sight to see. Keep in mind, though, that the crater is often enshrouded in clouds so there’s no guarantee you’ll see it when you arrive.
Since Poas is currently active, there are some important things to know about visiting. Read our Poas Volcano post for more information.
Choco Tour Costa Rica
About 45 minutes from Atenas in the town of San Mateo is a casual chocolate tour. On this short tour, you can learn about how chocolate is made and enjoy some delicious tastings. This chocolate tour is unlike others in Costa Rica since it has a culinary focus. Our whole family enjoyed it. Learn more with our Choco Tour post.
Beaches
If you want to see the coast, the Jaco area on the central Pacific offers the closest scenic beaches.
For calm water for swimming, Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca, about 50 minutes away, are the best options.
For a beach town with more going on, head a little farther south to Jaco Beach. Jaco has everything from zip-line tours and ATV to crocodile tours. Get the options with our Jaco Tours page or read our Jaco destination guide.
Restaurants in Atenas
Atenas doesn’t have a big restaurant scene but there are some delicious options.
Pizzeria La Finca
Whenever we’re passing through Atenas, we always seem to end up at Pizzeria La Finca. The comfortable outdoor dining area and delicious wood-fired pizza, flatbreads, and bruschetta are obvious draws. They also have craft beer on tap. We recommend the locally brewed El Granero alongside the prosciutto, tomato, arugula, and fresh Parmesan pizza.
El Balcon de Café
This German-owned café and bakery is one of the most popular restaurants in Atenas and for good reason. Breakfast and lunch items are fresh and made with quality ingredients that you won’t find everywhere in Costa Rica. At El Balcon de Café, they use their homemade bread throughout the menu. We recommend taking a loaf of the potato bread home. The house specialties like schnitzel and goulash are delicious too.
La Casita del Café
For one of the best views around, head to La Casita del Café. This simple Costa Rican restaurant at the top of the hill on Route 3 has fantastic valley and even ocean views when the weather is good. Go for breakfast and arrive before the clouds roll in. The food is good, nothing fancy, but the scenery more than makes up for it.
La Fiesta de Las Pupusas
If you’ve never tried a pupusa, La Fiesta de Las Pupusas is the place to start. These traditional corn pancakes from El Salvador are filled with beans, cheese, meat, or veggies. They’re simple yet delicious and come alongside fresh curtido (pickled cabbage and veggies) and salsa roja. The restaurant is very casual, affordable, and the service is great.
Hotels in Atenas
Atenas has a small selection of cabinas and bed and breakfast-style lodging. Here are a few of our picks for places to stay.
Hotel Villas de la Colina
Villas de la Colina is a charming hotel located only about 10 minutes from town, but in a quiet, peaceful location. Since it’s situated in the hills, you also have outstanding views of the Central Valley. Rooms are basic, but well-equipped with kitchenettes. Standard rooms and two-bedroom options are both available. The property has a nice pool. $90-125/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Colinas del Sol
For something closer to town, we recommend Hotel Colinas del Sol. Colinas del Sol has a handful of villas and rooms situated around a pool with lush gardens in between. Has a yoga deck and restaurant onsite. Rooms range from standards with one king bed to larger villas with A/C. $115-140/night. Check Rates and Availability.
Apartamentos Atenas
Apartamentos Atenas is a group of five cabins set around a small pool. The cabins are nicely spread out, allowing for plenty of privacy, and are surrounded by lush gardens. This hotel is a good pick if you’re looking for a scenic place to overnight around San Jose, but is also set up for longer stays. Each unit has a kitchenette with all the basics. The owner told us that she hosts a lot of people who are interested in moving to the area and many returning visitors as well. $75/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to experience a bit of authentic Costa Rica, check out Atenas. This town not only offers a taste of local life, but also has some interesting attractions. With coffee tours and waterfalls, Atenas is a nice break from the beach or a fun diversion on your way to or from San Jose.
Have you visited Atenas? What did you think? Leave us a comment below.
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Looking for more information about Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
Costa Rica Rental Car Discount – Because Atenas is more spread out, it is best explored with a rental car. Check out our discount through one of the major companies in Costa Rica to save 10-25%.
San Mateo – Not far from Atenas is San Mateo, a small town that is growing in popularity because of new eco-communities.
Heredia City Guide – Heredia is another locals’ city on the other side of San Jose. It’s home to some important historical sights and has a vibrant downtown.
Life in Costa Rica – If you’re considering a move to Atenas, you’ll want to read posts from our Life in Costa Rica section to know what to expect.
