Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Buses for San José and Sarchí stop at the TUAN bus terminal, 150m north of Grecia's
central plaza.
San José
US$2.15, one hour, departs at least half-hourly from 5:30am to 8:30pm.
Sarchí, connecting to Naranjo
US$1, 20 minutes, departs half-hourly from 5am to
8:30pm.
SHOPPING SARCHÍ
Most travelers come to Sarchí for one thing only:carretas,the elaborate, colorfully
painted oxcarts that are the unofficial souvenir of Costa Rica - and official symbol of the
Costa Rican worker. In Sarchí, these come ready for the road (oxen sold separately) or in
scaled-down versions. But the area produces plenty of other curios as well: leather-and-
wood furniture (including those incredible rocking chairs that collapse for shipping),
wood tableware and trinkets emblazoned with the colorful mandala-design popularized
bycarretas.
There are more than 200 vendors, and prices and quality vary, so it pays to shop
around. Workshops are usually open from 8am to 4pm daily; they accept credit cards and
US dollars; and they can arrange international shipping for you. Listed below are two of
the most respected and popular spots.
Fábrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro
HANDICRAFTS
( 2454-4131; Sarchí Norte)
Just west of the town center (100m north of the Palí supermarket); produced the massive
oxcart in Sarchí's main plaza.
Fábrica de Carretas Joaquín Chaverri
HANDICRAFTS
( 2454-4411; Sarchí Sur)
Sarchí's oldest and best-known factory, 1.5km southeast of the plaza; watch artisans do-
ing their meticulous work in the small studio in the back.
Sarchí
Pop 12,300
