Amusing Fantasy Bushes and
Delicious Peach Jam & Cheese

In the province of Alajuela, high in the mountains a bit North of Sarchí, Zarcero, known for its homemade cheese and peach jam, winds its way through narrow hills, nestled in the Cordillera de Tilaran.

Named after the aromatic zarzaparilla fruit found in the region and erected as a city in 1918, Zarcero is home to a famous wooden, gothic, and renaissance parish church constructed in 1895, dedicated to the archangel of San Rafael. This divine symbol stands decorated in front by world renowned topiary creations (bulbous bushes clipped in fantasy shapes), which are quite amusing and come in various shapes and sizes. This menagerie of sculpted shrubs includes a monkey on a motorcycle, people and animals dancing, an ox pulling a cart, a man wearing a top hat, and a large elephant.

The caretaker is world known, as Disneyworld attempted to lure him away form his homeland to care for their gardens. In the end he decided to stay with his community. A small victory for preservation of local cultures.

There is much more to discover, however, in this picturesque region said to be the cuna (cradle) of organic agriculture under the fog and mist natural to its cloudy forest climate, hide 3 protected areas: Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco to the northeast, Zona Protegida Río Toro to the east, and Zona Protegida El Chayote to the southeast. Many natural trails open to the public in nearby towns boast orchids, bromeliads, vibrant wildlife, and incredible vistas from the Central Valley, spinning out from the plains of San Carlos to Guanacaste, to the Gulf of Nicoya. The high-altitude weather fresh, clean, and cold for Costa Rica helps preserve Zarcero’s charm.

All of these curious attractions invite us to enjoy a pleasant day trip to the region of Zarcero, taking advantage of the beautiful countryside along the way.