With a territory of 2.656 km2 and a population of 75 000 inhabitants, Heredia is Costa Rica's smallest province, town appreciated for its colonial heritage and traditional architecture.
A great number of adobe houses may be appreciated along the communities of Barva and Santo Domingo. The city of Heredia, best known as 'City of the Flowers', was founded in 1706, pursuant to an initiative of some 150 families dwelling there.
In Heredia you still find an important number of coffee plantations, many of which have been adapted to perform guided visits with tourists. It can be delightful to enjoy the captivating process of harvesting, drying and roasting of coffee beans.
Among the natural wonders of the province of Heredia, we find Barva volcano, a formidable colossus located at the west part of Braulio Carrillo National Park, which rises 2.906 meters over sea level. The vegetation surrounding this sleeping giant is astonishing; an ideal place for bird watching, especially for those who dream with the magnificent quetzal.
On the other hand, Braulio Carrillo National Park represents the greatest natural richness near the Central Valley. A tropical rainforest home to hundreds of plant and animal species.
The dense vegetation of the park safeguards many cascades and rivers, some of which are used in sports adventures. Sarapiqui� River is another of the attractions of the province. This imposing river travels through dense vegetation, where birds are abundant and has an ideal current for those who enjoy the rapids, with a moderate degree of difficulty.
The mountainous areas of Heredia, just before crossing the Central Mountain Range, are characterized by vast extensions of forest and fair climate. Many people choose these green and fresh sites to establish themselves, to live far away from the city crowds.
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