Heredia, Costa Rica

At A Glance

Pronounced: her-ray-dee-ya
Founded: 1705
Population: 123,616 (as of 2012)
Elevation: 3,770 feet above sea level
Avg. Annual Temp.: 74.4° F
Avg. Annual Rainfall: 93.4"

The city of Heredia one of the largest and most beautiful in Costa Rica's Central Valley, and located just off the Autopista between the airport and San Jose, the capitol. Heredia is large enough to have all basic services and amenities you could need, and if you're a sports fan, you won't find a population more passionate about their beloved futbol team.

Typical of the Central Valley, Heredia is also known for the outlaying jungles and pastures with verdant coffee covered hills and volcanic national parks. The Braulio Carrillo and Tapanti National Parks sit in the north of the province of Heredia. These parks are mostly tropical forests, due to frequent rainfall, and are packed with a plethora of wildlife. The region also includes a butterfly farm and a zoo.

Two of the more popular destinations in Heredia are the Poas and Barva volcanoes, surrounded by beautiful green pastures at their base, rising up to the majestic cloud forests near its summit. Barva is one of the few volcanoes in the country that can actually be climbed with a constant flow of visitors and adventure seekers year round. Heredia's central location and proximity to the airport makes it a popular stop-over, or base-camp for tourists and adventurers visiting Costa Rica, and also those who wish to settle in an secluded, private area, surrounded by nature, but never more than a short drive from the big city.

Proximities: Typical Drive Times From Heredia

0:20 - San Jose
0:20 - Escazu
0:25 - International Airport
0:30 - Poas Volcano
1:30 - Rainforests, tours, rafting
1:15 - Pacific Beaches

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