Orosi River Valley
Orosi River Valley
4.5
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21 within 3 miles
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11 within 6 miles
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4.5
277 reviews
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michcoop80
denver41 contributions
Costa Rica can be a bit touristy at times, so I really enjoyed my short visit to the Orosi Valley. It was a bit gloomy when I went, but it was wonderful to see the Cachi Reservoir and Dam once the clouds. Their's a giant suspension bridge you can walk along, or a dirt path following the reservoir. After passing the dam area, you can actually visit a deserted mission which they have upkept for visitors. Plenty of local people pass through this area so it's got a quaint feel. Highly recommended
Written December 15, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OwlCity808
Honolulu, HI71 contributions
We had one full day to spend in San Jose and wanted to go to Arenal area but with a 4 hour travel time one way by private car and only 1 daily mid afternoon flight each way.
So we chose Orosi Valley for a day of category I-II river rafting, visit to a family coffee plantation, and finally a soak in the most pristine and beautiful private estate hot springs. Thanks to fellow trip advisor recommendation from Ben from CA, we called Luis Palma of Aventuras Orosi who personalized our preferences for the activities and provided choices for lunch. They are small outfitters who take safety seriously. Modest equipment but very personable experience where they took photos and had GoPro video available for purchase if you liked it after viewing. The only disappointment was the coffee plant was closed that day so while it was one on one, there was not much to experience and no coffee to try so make sure the coffee plantation is open before you agree.
To arrange for transportation from courtyard by Marriott we contacted Frank of Costa Rica Reliable Tours and negotiated a rate for the day. frankchicas@hotmail.com He was reasonable, good driver, super fun family man and a knowledgable driver and guide.
In heavy morning traffic it took 2 hours to get there. On the way back it was only 1:15 before rush hour and we were back at hotel by 4pm.
So we chose Orosi Valley for a day of category I-II river rafting, visit to a family coffee plantation, and finally a soak in the most pristine and beautiful private estate hot springs. Thanks to fellow trip advisor recommendation from Ben from CA, we called Luis Palma of Aventuras Orosi who personalized our preferences for the activities and provided choices for lunch. They are small outfitters who take safety seriously. Modest equipment but very personable experience where they took photos and had GoPro video available for purchase if you liked it after viewing. The only disappointment was the coffee plant was closed that day so while it was one on one, there was not much to experience and no coffee to try so make sure the coffee plantation is open before you agree.
To arrange for transportation from courtyard by Marriott we contacted Frank of Costa Rica Reliable Tours and negotiated a rate for the day. frankchicas@hotmail.com He was reasonable, good driver, super fun family man and a knowledgable driver and guide.
In heavy morning traffic it took 2 hours to get there. On the way back it was only 1:15 before rush hour and we were back at hotel by 4pm.
Written December 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben A
Berkeley, CA5 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
Great value. Definitely do it. Luis Palma and his companion were excellent guides - very skilled and very professional. They did a fantastic job and made the trip memorable. If you are planning to go to Orosi then please ensure to arrange to stay overnight at the nearby private hot spring. Luis can help you. His telephone number is: 8345-6368
Written September 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterpiperpickedapec
London, UK496 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
As long as it isn’t raining there are some fine vistas otherwise it’s a pretty bleak place. Grotty town comprising single story dwellings protected by iron bars and razor wire laid out in grid pattern. Given their supposed ‘friendliness’ I can’t help wonder why Costa Ricans feel the need to live like this. Perhaps the whole Pura Vida thing is just one big tourist attraction?
Written April 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
London, UK185 contributions
Oct 2011 • Solo
If you want to save money, take a regular bus from San Jose to Cartago, then take
a smaller bus from a side street to Paraiso, and after seeing the Black Virgin, in the
Basilico, you can walk from there to the Orosi Valley, which will be about 1500 feet
below you. First walk towards the right, and you will be able to see the Orosi River,
bubbling along, about 1 mile to the right, and see where it suddenly hits the wall of
the canyon, and the resultant waterfall is quite spectacular. Then retrace your footsteps
to where you first saw the valley, and instead turn left. You will get to the small layby set
up by the tourist authorities for coaches to bring their standard tours, and can even eat in the local restaurant, there overlooking the valley. It's perfectly clean, like every restaurant in Costa Rica, decent food and quite reasonable, too.
a smaller bus from a side street to Paraiso, and after seeing the Black Virgin, in the
Basilico, you can walk from there to the Orosi Valley, which will be about 1500 feet
below you. First walk towards the right, and you will be able to see the Orosi River,
bubbling along, about 1 mile to the right, and see where it suddenly hits the wall of
the canyon, and the resultant waterfall is quite spectacular. Then retrace your footsteps
to where you first saw the valley, and instead turn left. You will get to the small layby set
up by the tourist authorities for coaches to bring their standard tours, and can even eat in the local restaurant, there overlooking the valley. It's perfectly clean, like every restaurant in Costa Rica, decent food and quite reasonable, too.
Written September 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunckrCalgary
Calgary, Canada60 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
The Orosi Valley is an amazingly beautiful piece of Costa Ricas central valley. Its avout an hours drive from San Jose, through Cartago and on to Paraiso. There is a scenic drive around the Reventazon river and Cachi Lake; this can be driven clockwise via Ujarras, Cachi, Orosi and back to Paraiso, or vice-versa. The roads are windy and steep, but you dont need a 4X4.
Stop at the Government Ujarras Mirador ( left turn on the way down) for great views over the valley. Turn into Ujarras to see the ruins of the 1693 church which is set in lovely gardens - also very good for birdwatching in the early mornings.
Continue on to Cachi Dam, stop to view the gorge from the bridge. On to Cachi, after which you will pass the coffee root carvers Casa del Sonador (they are mentioned in all the guide books, but their work is very primitive), and the Cassona del Cafetal restaurant - the setting is beautiful on the lake, but I haven't eaten there.
Continue around the lake - there are lots of little villages that snake up the mountainside. If you're feeling brave drive up as far as you can just to get the view. Then skitter down the gravel roads in first gear!!
Once over the river and in Orosi there are two commercial hot springs, both of which close at 4:00pm, so make sure you get there early enough if you want a dip. Local lore also says there are natural hotsprings in the area, but I heard stories that a) they were very dangerous because of robbers, and b) that the river levels were too high for the hot springs to be distinct. Who knows??
We spent many afternoons drinking coffee and eating a pastry at the Cafe Suiza on the main road. It is a good place to watch Orosi town go about its' laid back business. One day we thought we'd try coffee at the Orosi Lodge just down the street next to the hot springs - it was very tasty, and three times as expensive as Cafe Suiza!!
We used the local supermarket there for most of our shopping - take a look and see the varied supplies from rubber boots to sacks of animal feed, soup to nuts. The store is also surprisingly well stocked with North American food and snacks, probably for students at the Orosi language school.
Orosi church is the oldest in the country; it looks onto the soccer field in the centre of town. Both locals and tourists enjoy going inside and also taking in the small museum beside it.
Driving back to Paraiso is the uphill leg, again a windy road but fine for all vehicles. There is another Government Mirador at the top on the left overlooking Orosi, but many tourists opt to go a bit further up to the Sanchiri Restaurant and take in the view from there. And then back to Paraiso.
The entire journey is about 25 kms, and could be driven in less than an hour if you chose not to stop. If you eat ice cream in Ujarras, lunch at Casona del Caffetal, took a dip in the Orosi hot springs, coffee at Cafe Suiza and supper at sunset at Sanchirri Restaurant you'd a have a nice gentle day out.
Stop at the Government Ujarras Mirador ( left turn on the way down) for great views over the valley. Turn into Ujarras to see the ruins of the 1693 church which is set in lovely gardens - also very good for birdwatching in the early mornings.
Continue on to Cachi Dam, stop to view the gorge from the bridge. On to Cachi, after which you will pass the coffee root carvers Casa del Sonador (they are mentioned in all the guide books, but their work is very primitive), and the Cassona del Cafetal restaurant - the setting is beautiful on the lake, but I haven't eaten there.
Continue around the lake - there are lots of little villages that snake up the mountainside. If you're feeling brave drive up as far as you can just to get the view. Then skitter down the gravel roads in first gear!!
Once over the river and in Orosi there are two commercial hot springs, both of which close at 4:00pm, so make sure you get there early enough if you want a dip. Local lore also says there are natural hotsprings in the area, but I heard stories that a) they were very dangerous because of robbers, and b) that the river levels were too high for the hot springs to be distinct. Who knows??
We spent many afternoons drinking coffee and eating a pastry at the Cafe Suiza on the main road. It is a good place to watch Orosi town go about its' laid back business. One day we thought we'd try coffee at the Orosi Lodge just down the street next to the hot springs - it was very tasty, and three times as expensive as Cafe Suiza!!
We used the local supermarket there for most of our shopping - take a look and see the varied supplies from rubber boots to sacks of animal feed, soup to nuts. The store is also surprisingly well stocked with North American food and snacks, probably for students at the Orosi language school.
Orosi church is the oldest in the country; it looks onto the soccer field in the centre of town. Both locals and tourists enjoy going inside and also taking in the small museum beside it.
Driving back to Paraiso is the uphill leg, again a windy road but fine for all vehicles. There is another Government Mirador at the top on the left overlooking Orosi, but many tourists opt to go a bit further up to the Sanchiri Restaurant and take in the view from there. And then back to Paraiso.
The entire journey is about 25 kms, and could be driven in less than an hour if you chose not to stop. If you eat ice cream in Ujarras, lunch at Casona del Caffetal, took a dip in the Orosi hot springs, coffee at Cafe Suiza and supper at sunset at Sanchirri Restaurant you'd a have a nice gentle day out.
Written January 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Boston, MA87 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
We were headed to the Ruinas de Ujarras but ended up on the wrong bus (though the ride into the valley was beautiful so we didn't mind!) and stopped off in Orosi. What a wonderful surprise. The town had such a great feel to it--The people were very friendly, and the vibe was very relaxed; a nice break from the bustle of San Jose. It was so close to San Jose by bus that next time I would stay here instead of San Jose, which I didn't feel had too much to offer.
We stumbled upon a great smoothie/juice bar, explored the town, and nearby there are plenty of of restaurants (no chains, all authentic!), places to walk, hike and enjoy the view of the largest river in Costa Rica at the Orosi Overlook!
We stumbled upon a great smoothie/juice bar, explored the town, and nearby there are plenty of of restaurants (no chains, all authentic!), places to walk, hike and enjoy the view of the largest river in Costa Rica at the Orosi Overlook!
Written July 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
Ruskin, FL1,958 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
Living in Costa Rica we have been to many towns in the seven provinces. One of our favorite is the Orosi River Valley in Cartago. The towns, mountains, people, and coffee planttions manke it a wonderful place to visit.
A must see.
A must see.
Written June 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crafterincr
Heredia, Costa Rica208 contributions
Oct 2012
It is a nice drive from San Jose with several attraction in the area and several very good restaurants. Don't miss The Dreamer's House.
Written June 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norman C
Corryton, TN21 contributions
Jul 2011
Our day-trip excursion to Cartago, Lankester Gardens and the Orosi Valley was one of the highlights of our 8-day stay in Costa Rica. Our grandchildren (ages 14-22) said that they would not have missed this trip for anything. We had a private van and driver who showed us many of the out-of-way places around the area. The village of Orosi is very picturesque with a beautiful old church nestled at the base of mountains with coffee plantations all around. This place is well worth the time to visit. Don't forget to stop in Cartago and explore the ruins of the old Cathedral and visit Lankester Gardens nearby.
Written October 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling TI
Panajachel, Guatemala
How do I get their from Alajuela on public transportation and is their a fee, or can I hike it alone.
Written February 12, 2020
Nahomy M
Homestead, Florida
Quiero saber sobre las aguas termales y que precios tienen.
Written November 30, 2019
What does pricing look like if I want to do the hike without a tour guide? Is there an entrance fee?
Written March 25, 2017
-The valley itself doesn´t have a fee entrance and you can go without a tourguide. Just if you go to Tapantí National park you would have to pay for entrance but its not expensive. It´s a park in the valley. Regards,
Written March 27, 2017
How far of a drive is this from San Jose? I am staying in the city at hotel Presidente and am wondering how far of a drive is Orosi River Valley ( El Valle del Rio Orosi )?
Written May 17, 2016
sorry for the delay in my response to you question, the drive is about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is approximately 46 kilometers to get there
Hope you enjoy the sites
Written May 27, 2016
Would you share the name of the restaurant or hotel where you took the pictures looking down to the Valley. I am looking for a place to eat during our one day trip and the scenes in your albums are gorgeous. Thanks
Written July 21, 2015
Unfortunately, I did not take that picture SO I do not know the name of the restaurant you are referring to. Sorry to be of no help on your request. Enjoy your day trip of the Orosi Valley. It is beautiful!
Written July 22, 2015
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