While I adore beach life, during our trip to Costa Rica my favorite spot may have been our quest to keep cool in the Orosi Valley.
We left Tortuguero Village somewhat reluctantly. We had easily adapted to the slow pace of life, sultry temperatures, and spectacular scenery over the water. Having never traveled the country before, we knew each new spot had the potential to beguile or disappoint, and having grown fond of the village the temptation to extend our time was real. However, the highlands beckoned and we were back on the road eager to check out a new region.
After making our way back to San Jose we picked up our rental car and made it through the traffic of the capital en route to the extraordinary scenery of the Orosi Valley.
A mere 45km from San Jose, the drive nonetheless took nearly two hours but the slow traffic all became worthwhile as we first spotted the glorious valley that was home to Orosi, our home for the next four nights. At first sighting, a verdant valley surrounded by volcanoes, the hillside thick with stunning red blooms such as we had never seen before, I knew I was going to love it.
When planning the trip I hadn’t searched out Orosi itself so much but had seen an ad for the Orosi Lodge and immediately felt the vibe speaking to me. A lovely little German-owned lodge, Orosi Lodge has hotel rooms along with a casita and chalet. But what interested me most was their new Casa Blanca, their new two-story villa with gorgeous views of the valley and both the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes. Maybe even better was the fantastic breakfast option offered each morning on the lovely patio.
Sitting at an elevation of 3448, Orosi has a perfectly temperate climate, stunning scenery, and is conveniently located to hiking, waterfalls, Lankester Botanical Gardens, the Ruins of Ujarras, and Tapanti National Park. The small town of less than 10,000, it is easily walkable but has sufficient stores and restaurants to satisfy anything you may need. In my mind, perfection.
One of the oldest cities in Costa Rica, Orosi sits in the Cartago district and with Ujarras traces back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors called the area home due to the fertile land and abundant water in the valley. Today, the oldest church in Costa Rica, the Iglesia Colonial de Orosi built in 1743 is still standing strong in the middle of town.
Orosi Lodge welcomed us warmly and we immediately fell for the colorful entry and fun shop before we headed to our villa. Casa Blanca fit our needs perfectly with a superb location, a kitchen to keep snacks, and splendid views. We purchased Golden Rush, a local liquor made with golden berries, grabbed a seat on the balcony, and settled in for our next adventure.
