Visit a historic oxcart factory
Watch craftsmen hand-paint the intricate geometric designs that made Sarchí famous worldwide.
Alajuela
Sarchí
6+ tours available
Overview
Costa Rica’s craft capital
Sarchí is Costa Rica’s most famous artisan town, known worldwide for its hand-painted oxcarts — a national symbol — and its woodworking and furniture workshops. Bursting with colour, it makes a perfect cultural stop between the airport and the northern volcanoes.
Highlights
- World-famous hand-painted oxcarts
- The world’s largest oxcart
- Traditional woodcraft workshops
- Colourful artisan souvenirs
- Gateway to the northern highlands
Sarchí
Watch the experience
Things to do
See the giant oxcart
Photograph the colourful, record-breaking oxcart that stands in the town’s central park.
Shop for handmade crafts
Browse leather-and-wood rocking chairs, bowls and souvenirs straight from local workshops.
Tour a furniture workshop
Learn how local artisans turn tropical hardwoods into hand-crafted furniture and art.
Enjoy a traditional lunch
Sample classic Costa Rican home cooking at a local soda surrounded by mountain views.
Best time to visit
Sarchí is enjoyable year-round thanks to its mild highland climate. Workshops are busiest and fully open on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Getting there
About 45 minutes to an hour northwest of San José and the airport, right on the way to La Fortuna — an easy add-on to any northern itinerary.
Travel tip
Crafts can be shipped or boxed for travel — ask the workshop about packing a painted oxcart or rocking chair to take home safely.
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