Grecia
9km (12 miles) NW of Alajuela; 37km (23 miles) NW of San José
Getting There:
By Car: Grecia is located just off the Inter-American Highway (CR1), on the way from San José to Puntarenas.
By Car: Grecia is located just off the Inter-American Highway (CR1), on the way from San José to Puntarenas.
By Bus: Tuan (tel. 2494-2139) buses leave San José half-hour for Grecia from Calle 18 between avenidas 3 and 5 (on the east side of the Abonos Agros building). The fare is C1,125.
Sarchí
7km (4 miles) NW of Grecia; 44km (27 miles) NW of San José
Getting There:
By Car: If you’re going to Sarchí from San José, head north on the Inter-American Highway (CR1), and take the exit for Grecia. From Grecia, the road to Sarchí heads off to the left as you face the main church, but because of all the one-way streets, you’ll have to drive around the church. Rural roads connect Sarchí to Naranjo, San Ramón, and Zarcero.
By Car: If you’re going to Sarchí from San José, head north on the Inter-American Highway (CR1), and take the exit for Grecia. From Grecia, the road to Sarchí heads off to the left as you face the main church, but because of all the one-way streets, you’ll have to drive around the church. Rural roads connect Sarchí to Naranjo, San Ramón, and Zarcero.
By Bus: Tuan (tel. 2494-2139) buses leave San José for Grecia, with connections to Sarchí from Calle 18 between avenidas 3 and 5. Fare is C1,000. Or you can take one of the Alajuela-Sarchí buses, leaving every 30 minutes from Calle 8 between avenidas Central and 1 in Alajuela.
Zarcero
60km (38 miles) NW of San José
Getting There:
By Car: Zarcero is located along the popular route from San José to La Fortuna. Take the Inter-American Highway (CR1) north to Naranjo, and follow signs to Ciudad Quesada and Zarcero.
By Car: Zarcero is located along the popular route from San José to La Fortuna. Take the Inter-American Highway (CR1) north to Naranjo, and follow signs to Ciudad Quesada and Zarcero.
By Bus: Daily buses (tel. 2255-0567) for Zarcero leave from San José hourly from the Atlántico del Norte bus station at Calle 12, Avenidas 14 and 18. This is actually the Ciudad Quesada–San Carlos bus. Just tell the driver that you want to get off in Zarcero, and keep an eye out for the topiary. The ride takes around 1 1/2 hours, and the fare is C1,900.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
