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Costa Rica
Alajuela
Grecia

Tacares

Attractions and Places To See in Tacares - Top 17

Best attractions and places to see in Tacares, a district in Costa Rica's Alajuela Province, include a mix of natural features and cultural sites. The region offers diverse flora, picturesque waterfalls, and local cultural venues. While some notable sites are in neighboring towns, they are accessible points of interest for those exploring Tacares. This area provides opportunities for nature exploration and a glimpse into local Costa Rican life.

Best attractions and places to see in Tacares

  • The most popular attractions is Virilla River Canyon, a canyon that offers picturesque round trips through the mountains of the Central Valley. It features gravel roads and single track trails with sightseeing points to the Rio Grande Valley.
  • Another must-see spot is Church of Our Lady of Mercy of Grecia, a religious building and national monument in the nearby city of Grecia. This neo-Gothic style Catholic temple, built in 1840, is constructed entirely of iron.
  • Visitors also love Picagres River, a river offering a challenging climb from Chucás to Picagres. It includes a notable crossing bridge point.
  • Tacares is known for its canyons, rivers, and historical religious buildings. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to man-made monuments.
  • The attractions in Tacares are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 2 photos contributed by visitors.

Last updated: May 24, 2026

Church of Our Lady of Mercy of Grecia

Highlight • Religious Site

The church of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes is a Catholic temple and parish in Costa Rica that is located in the city of Grecia, in the province of Alajuela, in the west of the country. It is a building built in the year 1840, dedicated for Catholic worship in that population, to the Virgin Mary under the invocation of Our Lady of Mercedes. It is a neo-Gothic style construction, built entirely of iron. It is the country's national monument.

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Fallen Bridge of Carrizal

Highlight • Bridge

On this route you can enjoy nature, the bridge that has fallen, when you leave the asphalt road that goes to Alajuela Carrizal, take a left and there is a bridge that fell, you pass the bridge carefully and follow the path , you pass a gate on one side and continue out to Pavas de Carrizal, in the left square and you enter passing through one side of the gate, you follow the path until you reach a river, you cross carefully and you continue following the right trail. it passes through two gates that are passing an asphalt road and continue following the route and exit at five corners of Carrizal. Preferable to lower the route for a better location.

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Virilla River Canyon

Highlight • Canyon

This is a picturesque round trip thru the west side of the mountains in Central Valley. Grava Roads and single track trams will surprise you. Nice sightseeing points to Rio Grande Valley.

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Picagres River

Highlight • River

Nice crossing bridge point.

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Turrúcares Park

Highlight • Rest Area

It is a relatively easy route, the path is very flat and there is hardly any difference in level, very useful for a day of relaxation and a good walk

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Popular around Tacares

Road Cycling Routes in Tacares

Cycling in Tacares

MTB Trails in Tacares

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Tips from the Community

Bikers Costa Rica
November 23, 2024, Río Picagres

Demanding climb from Chucás to Picagres. Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen. Go at a pace that is appropriate for your physical condition. Watch our video on Youtube. As Bikers Costa Rica.

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A great route

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Plenty of water or moisturizer as it is quite hot

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excellent place

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The church of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes is a Catholic temple and parish in Costa Rica that is located in the city of Grecia, in the province of Alajuela, in the west of the country. It is a building built in the year 1840, dedicated for Catholic worship in that population, to the Virgin Mary under the invocation of Our Lady of Mercedes. It is a neo-Gothic style construction, built entirely of iron. It is the country's national monument.

Translated by Google

1

0

It is a relatively easy route, the path is very flat and there is hardly any difference in level, very useful for a day of relaxation and a good walk

Translated by Google

1

0

On this route you can enjoy nature, the bridge that has fallen, when you leave the asphalt road that goes to Alajuela Carrizal, take a left and there is a bridge that fell, you pass the bridge carefully and follow the path , you pass a gate on one side and continue out to Pavas de Carrizal, in the left square and you enter passing through one side of the gate, you follow the path until you reach a river, you cross carefully and you continue following the right trail. it passes through two gates that are passing an asphalt road and continue following the route and exit at five corners of Carrizal. Preferable to lower the route for a better location.

Translated by Google

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Rudy
May 22, 2020, Río Picagres

Nice crossing bridge point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore in and around Tacares?

Tacares and its surroundings offer several natural highlights. You can visit the Virilla River Canyon for picturesque round trips through the mountains with sightseeing points to the Rio Grande Valley. The Picagres River offers a challenging climb and a notable crossing bridge point. Additionally, the Parque Recreativo Municipal Los Chorros in Tacares de Grecia features stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, while the Jardín Else Kientzler in nearby Sarchí is a botanical garden with over 2,000 plant species.

Are there any historical or cultural landmarks near Tacares?

Yes, a significant cultural landmark nearby is the Church of Our Lady of Mercy of Grecia. This iconic neo-Gothic style Catholic temple, built entirely of iron in 1840, is a national monument located in the nearby city of Grecia. You can also find the Teatro Jardín del Cuento, which hosts various performances, offering a glimpse into local cultural life.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Tacares' attractions?

The region around Tacares is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including road cycling, touring bicycle, and mountain biking trails. For example, there are challenging road cycling routes like the "Poás Town Center – El Tambor loop from Garita" and mountain bike trails such as the "Turrúcares Park – Ciruelas River loop from Garita." You can explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes in Tacares, Cycling in Tacares, and MTB Trails in Tacares guides.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Tacares area?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Church of Our Lady of Mercy of Grecia is considered family-friendly. Turrúcares Park is also a great option, offering a relatively easy and flat path perfect for a relaxing walk. Additionally, the Jardín Else Kientzler and the Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita feature accessible and easy-to-navigate paths, making them enjoyable for all ages.

What is the best time of year to visit Tacares for outdoor activities?

While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided, Costa Rica generally experiences a dry season from December to April, which is often ideal for outdoor activities due to less rain and more sunshine. The wet season, from May to November, can bring lush greenery but also more challenging conditions for some trails due to rain.

Are there any waterfalls or rivers to visit in Tacares?

Absolutely. The Parque Recreativo Municipal Los Chorros, located directly in Tacares de Grecia, is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, some plummeting up to 60 meters (180 feet), and offers opportunities for swimming in its cold waters. You can also explore the Picagres River, known for its scenic crossing bridge point.

What kind of terrain can I expect on trails near Tacares?

Trails around Tacares offer varied terrain. For instance, the Virilla River Canyon features gravel roads and single-track trails. The route involving the Fallen Bridge of Carrizal includes natural paths, river crossings, and gates, requiring careful navigation. Many cycling routes also involve challenging climbs, indicating hilly and sometimes rugged landscapes.

Are there any botanical gardens or places to see diverse plant species?

Yes, the Jardín Else Kientzler in nearby Sarchí is a significant botanical garden spanning 17 acres, showcasing over 2,000 plant species from around the world. Another excellent option is the Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita, dedicated to the conservation of hundreds of orchid species along with various tropical trees and plants.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Tacares?

Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and the opportunities for outdoor exploration. Highlights like the Virilla River Canyon are praised for their picturesque round trips and nice sightseeing points. The Church of Our Lady of Mercy of Grecia is valued as an "excellent place" and a national monument. The area's diverse flora, waterfalls, and local cultural venues also contribute to a rich visitor experience.

Is there an entrance fee for natural parks or gardens?

Yes, for some natural attractions, there is an entrance fee. For example, the Parque Recreativo Municipal Los Chorros, known for its waterfalls and hiking trails, is privately owned and requires an entrance fee.

Can I find easy hiking trails near Tacares?

While some trails can be demanding, options like Turrúcares Park offer a relatively easy route with a very flat path and hardly any difference in level, making it suitable for a relaxing walk. The Jardín Else Kientzler and Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita also feature accessible and easy-to-navigate paths.

What should I wear for outdoor activities in Tacares?

Given the varied terrain and potential for warm weather, it's advisable to wear comfortable, breathable clothing. For hiking and cycling, appropriate footwear is essential. If you plan to visit areas like the Picagres River, which involves demanding climbs, remember to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen. Layers might be useful for changing conditions.

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