Stroll the topiary garden
Wander among sculpted cypress arches and animal figures in the town’s iconic central park.
Alajuela
Zarcero
5+ tours available
Overview
Topiary gardens in the highlands
The cool highland town of Zarcero is famous for the whimsical topiary garden in front of its pastel-coloured church, where sculpted hedges form arches, animals and figures. Green, charming and refreshingly crisp, it is a delightful stop in Costa Rica’s dairy country.
Highlights
- Francisco Alvarado topiary park
- The pastel San Rafael church
- Hand-painted church interior
- Cool, fresh mountain climate
- Local cheese and dairy country
Zarcero
Watch the experience
Things to do
Step inside the church
Admire the hand-painted wooden interior and pastel facade of the San Rafael church.
Taste local cheese
Sample Zarcero’s famous palmito cheese and fresh dairy from the surrounding highlands.
Breathe the mountain air
Enjoy the crisp climate and green countryside on a relaxed walk through town.
Buy fresh produce
Pick up strawberries, vegetables and artisan goods grown in the fertile hills nearby.
Best time to visit
Pleasant all year thanks to its altitude, with cooler temperatures than the lowlands. Dry-season mornings (December to April) are clearest for photos.
Getting there
About a 1.5 to 2 hour drive north of San José, often combined with Sarchí or the Poás area on a highlands day tour.
Travel tip
Bring a light jacket — Zarcero sits high in the mountains and is noticeably cooler than San José or the coast.
ZarceroPlan your trip to Zarcero
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