Last Updated: August 5, 2025
Just a short drive from Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose is the smaller city of Heredia. This historic town has middle- and upper-class neighborhoods, universities, parks, and a downtown with a real local feel. In this post, we’ll give you a guide to Heredia, including some historic sites, activities, good restaurants, and popular hotels.
Location & Landscape
Heredia is located only 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of San Jose and just east of the SJO International Airport. Within the region known as the Central Valley, the area is densely populated but quickly turns rural as you travel into the surrounding hills.
The elevation of Heredia is around 1,150 meters (3,370 feet). With warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights, gardens flourish here. For this reason, Heredia is often called the city of flowers.
History
The first Spanish colonizers settled in Heredia around 1575, joining already established indigenous farmers. In 1712, a parish was formed with a temple constructed at the site where the downtown is today. Heredia was founded as a town in 1705 and declared a city in 1824.
Notable figures in Heredia’s history include Nicolas Ulloa Soto, a leader in one of Costa Rica’s civil wars, and Manuel Maria Gutierrez, who wrote the country’s national anthem.
Three former Costa Rican presidents came from Heredia: Alfredo Gonzalez Flores, Cleto Gonzalez Viquez, and Oscar Arias Sanchez.
One of the country’s largest universities, the National University of Costa Rica, is also located in Heredia.
Cultural and Historic Sites
Heredia’s Central Park
At the heart of Heredia is the central park.
This public gathering space has mature trees, flower gardens, and antique stone walkways. A large, three-tiered fountain imported from England in 1879 is the park’s focal point, along with the neighboring church (see below).
The park is dedicated to politician and merchant Nicolas Ulloa who promoted cultural development in Heredia. Like any city park, a few vendors and a lot of pigeons mingle with the locals who constantly come and go.
Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
Next to Heredia’s central park stands the beautiful Iglesia La Inmaculada Concepcion de Maria (Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary).
Construction of the original building began in 1797, making it one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica. Work continued through the 1800s on the facade and twin bell towers. In 1879, the interior was remodeled to the style seen today.
For those interested, you can learn much more about the church, which is still in use today, on this website about Costa Rica’s history and culture.
El Fortin
Also next to the central park, just steps to the north, is one of Heredia’s historic symbols, El Fortin.
This quirky, tower-shaped fort was built in 1876 by Fadrique Gutierrez Guardia, the governor of the province. Gutierrez designed the building himself, more as an artist than an architect.
Originally, there were to be four similar structures built around the town but only one was ever funded.
Today, Costa Rica has no army, but in the 1800s, the country experienced war and conflict. The fort, with its many sniper holes, was designed to help protect the city if it were ever attacked.
Central Market (Mercado de Heredia)
To further experience Heredia’s local culture, a visit to the central market is key.
Located a few blocks south of the park, you will find almost 150 merchant stalls here.
Vendors sell everything from fruits, vegetables, seeds, and herbs, to meat, fish, leather goods, baskets, medicinal plants, and more. There is even a small stand that sells all the makings for tamales, a traditional food made from corn and wrapped in a banana leaf.
The indoor market, inaugurated in 1889, has several small restaurants (called sodas). Narrow alleys connect all the vendors under one large roof.
Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays).
Oxigeno Human Playground
At the opposite end of the spectrum from the historic downtown is the nearby Oxigeno Mall.
This modern mall has around 200 storefronts with many international brands and restaurants.
With one of the world’s largest ETFE cushioned roofs (a lightweight, almost transparent material) and a large park and playground, there’s also lots of outdoor space to enjoy.
The pet-friendly mall has a climbing wall, many play structures for kids, and even a small zip line, making it really unique. Our kids love this mall.
Things to Do in Heredia
Toucan Rescue Ranch
This wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center takes in injured or confiscated animals and gives them a second chance.
Toucan Rescue Ranch offers tours at their facility in the hills outside Heredia. Here, you can meet some of the wildlife that isn’t able to be released back into the wild.
Some of the animals you can see include monkeys, toucans, parrots, sloths, and owls. For much more about the tour and our experience visiting, read our post Toucan Rescue Ranch: Wildlife and Sloth Tour.
Monte de la Cruz
On the outskirts of Heredia up a mountain road is Monte de La Cruz. This recreational area has a few trails, gardens, playgrounds, open spaces, and a nice viewpoint overlooking San Jose.
A unique feature of the property is that you can rent small, covered picnic areas. Many locals visit to escape the city on weekends and holidays and spend the whole day.
Read our article Monte de la Cruz: A Relaxing Locals’ Park in Heredia for more info.
El Arca Botanical Garden & Restaurant
For a fun day in a tranquil setting, we recommend El Arca Botanical Garden and restaurant. We loved our visit here.
On a guided or self-guided tour of the gardens, you can see, smell, and taste some of the 1,600 different plant species in their botanical collection.
We highly recommend staying for lunch so that you also can experience the elegant multi-course tasting menu. Many of the ingredients are pulled daily from the garden.
Read more with our post El Arca Botanical Garden & Restaurant.
Coffee Tour
Heredia has a long history of coffee farming. In fact, Nicolas Ulloa (mentioned above) was once one of the country’s largest coffee merchants.
For a short history of coffee in Costa Rica, along with a demonstration and tasting, make a visit to Cafe Britt right in downtown Heredia. Cafe Britt is one of Costa Rica’s largest coffee roasters. Read our post for more about the experience.
A little farther away (about 45 minutes) is Hacienda Alsacia, the Starbucks coffee tour. This is a more traditional coffee tour where you will get to walk the fields and learn how coffee is processed from bean to cup. They also do a nice tasting at the end.
Restaurants in Heredia
Heredia has many restaurants, cafes, and bars. Here are some that we have enjoyed.
Caribbean Corner
Food from Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is unique and flavorful. At Caribbean Corner, in downtown Heredia, it is as authentic as it gets. Flavors of coconut, chiles, and lime touch dishes like pollo caribeno (Caribbean chicken), sopa rondon (rondon soup), and more.
Rock & Burger
This small burger restaurant serves up artisan burgers stuffed with cheese on homemade bread. Each burger at Rock & Burger is named after legendary rock ‘n’ roll bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and more. There’s also a foosball table if you are up for a game.
Heladeria El Crucero
Probably the most popular ice-cream shop we have ever visited is Heladeria El Crucero. Customers here line up on afternoons and weekends for heaping portions of ice cream with special toppings like marshmallow sauce. Located a block north of the central park.
Pizzeria Rosso di Roma
For crispy wood-fired pizza, focaccia, and calzones, head to Pizzeria Rosso di Roma. This newer restaurant has quickly made a name for itself. We make sure to visit whenever we’re back in Heredia. They sometimes have live music. Take-out is available.
Passiflory
Get to this bakery early for sweet treats and fresh baked breads because they sell out fast. Passiflory has everything from traditional sourdough and wheat to interesting Japanese Shokupan bread, bagels, and croissants. For sweets, we love the chocolate eclairs and fruit tarts. We’ve driven out of our way to visit Passiflory more than once!
Hotels in Heredia
Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
The Marriott Hacienda Belen is our top hotel recommendation in Heredia. Although it’s a Marriott, the property has a lot of local character. A dramatic Spanish-style central courtyard, wooden architectural details, and antiques showing off Costa Rica’s history and culture give this large hotel an elevated local feel.
Rooms have been updated and are very comfortable. We have stayed a couple of times and enjoyed the onsite restaurant. This hotel would make a great home base if you plan to explore the area. $230-500/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn
Finca Rosa Blanca is a well-known hotel and coffee farm outside Heredia. It sits on a 30-acre property in the lush hills north of the city. The 14 villas and suites are well-appointed and incorporate traditional Costa Rican wood and artwork. There is a farm-to-table restaurant and organic coffee tour on site. Finca Rosa Blanca has attained a sustainability certification in Costa Rica. $240-750/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Bougainvillea
The highlight of a stay at Hotel Bougainvillea is the property’s 10-acre botanical garden with lush flowers and interesting trees. This upscale hotel is known for good service and a comfortable atmosphere. An on-site restaurant is available. Around $220/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Terrazas de Golf
A short drive west of Heredia is Hotel Terrazas de Golf. Overlooking a quiet golf course and close to the airport, this is a peaceful bed and breakfast with friendly, family-run staff. We have always enjoyed our stays. $110-150/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conclusion
A visit to Heredia offers a look back in history, a glimpse of today’s culture, and some fun activities as well. We recommend it to anyone looking to experience a true locals’ city in Costa Rica.
Explore More Local Cities in Costa Rica:
Atenas (Central Valley)
Ciudad Colon (Central Valley; suburb of San Jose)
San Isidro de El General (Southern Zone)
San Jose (capital city in the Central Valley)
San Mateo (inland near central Pacific coast)
San Ramon (Central Valley)
Destinations – View all our Costa Rica destination articles
Have a question about visiting Heredia? Have you been? Leave a comment below.
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Looking for more information to help plan your trip? Check out these articles:
Costa Rica Children’s Museum – Not far from Heredia, this museum is inside a castle-like building. It’s fun for kids and also shares some of Costa Rica’s history and culture.
The Truth About Visiting Poas Volcano – Is a visit to this famous volcano worth it? In this post, we share our thoughts and experiences.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens – This nicely done wildlife sanctuary with waterfalls is an easy day trip from Heredia.