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If you are looking for a place to escape the stress of the city and connect with nature, Monte de la Cruz is an excellent option. This municipal park is located in San Rafael de Heredia and has ample green spaces, playgrounds, gardens, wooded trails, picnic areas, and a panoramic viewpoint that allows you to appreciate the Costa Rica central valley. It is a very popular place among locals, where you can spend a fun and cultural day.
Getting to Monte de la Cruz
By Car:
From San José, the drive takes approximately an hour, depending on traffic. The route is well-marked, and as you ascend into the mountains, you’ll be greeted by cooler temperatures and breathtaking views. The road to Monte de la Cruz is paved, so a 4×4 vehicle is not necessary.
Once at Monte de la Cruz, you need to pay a fee for the parking lot ¢2.500 ($4.8).
If driving is not your thing, you can also take an Uber or a taxi. Prices from Heredia are between ¢4.000-¢6.000 per way ($7.6-$11.5) and prices from San José, are between ¢7.000-¢10.000 per way ($13.4-$19.2).
Monte de la Cruz Directions:
By Public Transportation:
For those preferring public transportation, buses depart from San José to Heredia regularly, every 15 to 20 minutes.
You can also take the train from San Jose to Heredia. The train departs in the morning from 4:50 to 9:05 and during the afternoon from 15:30 to 19:30.
Once in Heredia, you can take another bus to Monte de la Cruz. This second bus generally runs every hour from Monday to Friday and every two hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bus from San Jose to Heredia: ¢815 ($1.6)
Train from San Jose to Heredia: ¢545 ($1.05)
Bus from Heredia to Monte de la Cruz: ¢690 ($1.3)
Entrance Fee & Opening Times
Monte de la Cruz is accessible to the public with a modest entrance fee, contributing to the maintenance and preservation of this natural place.
The park is open every day of the week and holidays, from 8:00 until 16:00, but it’s best to arrive early to make the most of your day, especially if you’re planning to have a picnic.
There are not many picnic spots and they tend to fill up very quickly. There is no reservation system so they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Entrance Fee:
- Nationals and residents: ¢1.200
- Foreigners: ¢2.500
- Children: ¢750
Things to do
Hiking
The park has several trails that allow you to explore the surrounding tropical rainforest. Some are short and easy, others are longer and more demanding, which take you into more dense and wild areas, where you can observe different species of plants and animals.
Picnic
The Monte de la Cruz is a popular picnic spot for locals. There are some areas where you can find ranches that are equipped with tables, benches, grills, drinking water, and electricity allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal outdoors.
If you arrive and don’t find any ranch, there is nothing to worry about, just bring a blanket and look for the space you like best. There is also a small soda, where you can buy food and some drinks.
Enjoy Central Valley View
One of the main attractions of Monte de la Cruz is its panoramic viewpoint, from where you can appreciate an impressive view of the central valley.
The viewing platform is located on the site of a former Christian chapel, built in the 1930s and demolished in the 1970s because it was desecrated. In its place, a large concrete cross was erected, which is now a symbol of the park.
Waterfall
Right beside the property, there’s a little river that tumbles down into a small waterfall.
The path to the waterfall starts well after the soda, but it is not very well signposted.
It is recommended to go at the beginning of the rainy season because, in the dry season, the river has no water.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Monte de la Cruz is during the dry season, from December to April when the trails are less muddy and the views are unobstructed by clouds. However, the park’s lush landscape is a beautiful sight year-round, with each season offering its unique charm
If you want to see the small river and the waterfall, it would be better to go during the rainy season, because during the dry season, they dry up completely.
Tips for Visiting Monte de la Cruz
- Shoes: Wear comfortable, all type of sneakers works here. Except during the rainy season, when shoes with non-slip soles and good grip are better
- Gear: Bring along a backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Clothing: Dress in layers, as the weather can be cool in the morning and evening but warmer during the day. Rain gear is advisable if visiting during the rainy season.
- If you’re planning to picnic, pack a blanket and any utensils you might need.
- Check weather conditions before your visit and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Also, respect the natural environment by staying on marked trails and disposing of trash properly.
