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Located just 30 minutes from Heredia, Costa Rica, Finca Vikingos offers a pleasant escape from the urban hustle and bustle. With hiking trails, a friendly animal farm, a butterfly garden, and panoramic views, this place is the perfect destination for a relaxing and enjoyable day.
Getting to Finca Vikingos
By Car:
Located only 10 km (6.2 miles) from Heredia and 22 km (13.6 miles) from San José, the trip to this coffee farm is easy thanks to the paved roads in good condition and accessible to all types of vehicles.
Once you arrive, parking will not be a problem; Finca Vikingos offers on-site parking at no additional cost.
By Public Transportation:
For those who opt for public transportation, buses from San Jose to Heredia run frequently, and from downtown Heredia, you can take the bus to Carrizal which makes a stop in the area near Finca Vikingos.
You might need to walk or take a taxi for the last stretch, as the bus doesn’t drop you off directly at the entrance.
For those who prefer not to take an Uber – Didi or a cab is an easy alternative. From Heredia, fares to Finca Vikingos range from ¢2,600 to ¢5,500 each way, making it an affordable option for individuals or small groups. If you are coming from San Jose, the cost increases slightly, with rates estimated between ¢6,600 and ¢12,000 per way.
Entrance Fee & Opening Times
Finca Vikingos operates from Wednesday to Monday, opening its doors at 8:00 and closing at 17:00, with a closing day on Tuesdays.
The farm restaurant is only open on weekends, from 8:00 to 16:00. The menu is reduced, but there are options for all tastes.
As for the entrance, adults are admitted for ¢5000 and children for ¢3000, with the option to pay via cash or card.
Things to do at Finca Vikingos
At Finca Vikingos, visitors have a variety of activities to choose from, ensuring that there’s something for everyone
Hiking
Upon paying the entrance fee at Finca Vikingos, visitors are provided with a detailed map of the entire property, serving as the starting point for their exploration.
The farm’s layout includes a network of trails, each ranging from 3 to 5 km (1.8 to 3.10 miles), that is not only well-marked but also equipped with drinking water outlets.
On these trails, in addition to observing the coffee plants, you will also see a variety of fruit trees. During the right season, these trees bear fruit, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy these fresh fruits straight from the branch, adding a delicious and unexpected twist to the hiking experience.
The trails lead to two strategic lookout points that offer impressive views of the Central Valley, and in one of them, there is a giant hammock.
Animals Farm and Butterfly Garden
For animal lovers, the farm at Finca Vikingos is the perfect place.
Among the trails, visitors will find a small animal farm, from free-roaming hens and roosters to peacocks and sheep. One particularly charming inhabitant is Petunia, a friendly little pig known to greet visitors warmly.
Just beyond the animal farm is a butterfly garden. This garden serves as a sanctuary for various butterflies, which fly among various plants specifically chosen to support their life cycle.
Picnic
The farm has several designated picnic areas. Near the colonial-style house that houses the restaurant, visitors can find picnic tables. Similarly, in front of the small animal farm, there are several tables available under the shade of the trees. In addition, when the restaurant is not operational, the tables surrounding the colonial-style house are available for picnics, allowing visitors to enjoy a more comfortable space.
However, the farm also has corners covered with grass and in the shade of the trees, ideal to lay a blanket and enjoy a quieter picnic. In particular, the area surrounding the viewpoint, near the giant hammock and the ruins, offers a serene atmosphere for those wishing to picnic.
It’s important to note that bringing outside food to the farm is not permitted. But Finca Vikingos offers a solution with their picnic baskets, available from Wednesday to Monday, 8:00 to 16:00, ensuring that guests can still enjoy a meal.
Restaurant
Although the Finca Vikings do not have a full-service restaurant every day, it does offer a restaurant option on weekends.
The restaurant, open from 8:00 to 16:00, offers a small menu that includes breakfast options, sandwiches, salads, and bowls for lunch. It also includes vegetarian options and a children’s menu.
During working days, when the restaurant is not operational, visitors have the opportunity to buy small picnic baskets with various types of sandwiches, seasonal fruits, salads, and drinks.
These baskets, like the restaurant’s dishes, include ingredients grown in the farm garden.
Best time to go
Finca Vikingos can be appreciated year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April. This period promises sunny days ideal for hiking and exploring the farm in comfortable conditions.
If you visit during the dry season in March and April, it is best to start the hike early morning or during the afternoon, as these are the hottest months of the year and most of the trails are not very shaded.
Tips for Visiting Finca Vikingos
As a local, these are some tips for visiting Finca Vikingos
- Shoes: Trails are in good condition but wear comfortable, appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain.
- Gear: Bring insect repellent and a bottle of water, as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Most trails have no shade. If you plan to picnic, bring a blanket.
- Clothing: Opt for light, breathable clothing, especially if you go during the dry season.
- Remember to respect the farm’s rules and the animals. Keep the farm clean by disposing of trash properly.
- Do not leave the trails and avoid stepping on piles of dry leaves, this way you will avoid encounters with unwanted animals.
- The farm also offers camps and various activities for children, as well as accommodation in small cabins, but for these activities, it is best to contact them directly.
- You can check the official page of the farm and its social networks to see more information and review updates
Finca Vikingos Tourist Map
Below you will find a map of Finca Vikingos, as well as recommended locations of other attractions, restaurants, hotels/Airbnb’s nearby and public transportation.
