Orotina, Alajuela

The Central Valley of Costa Rica is a lush stretch of land that surrounds the small town of Orotina. Orotina may be little, but it is strategically located as a gateway to some of the best beaches and several national parks. Visiting this community is a great way to explore the real heart of Costa Rica; stay for a few days or create a base camp for exploring other parts of the country. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Orotina, this little town will greet you warmly and become a part of your Costa Rican travel that you look back on fondly.

The Land of Orotina

You can find Orotina located in the north Pacific region of Costa Rica, just at the foot of the Monte del Aguacate. This town is found about halfway between the other communities of Quepos and Atenas, west of Alajuela. You can reach Orotina by road; it is only an hour’s drive west from the capital city of San José. This picturesque agricultural community is known for its amazing wealth of produce; the amazing variety of fresh Costa Rica fruits and vegetables is made possible by the excellent year-round weather. In fact, Orotina is often referred to simply as “the fruit town,” a nickname it has richly earned thanks to its noteworthy agricultural output.

Sampling the Local Produce

Local growers operate numerous small stalls where vegetables and fruit are sold directly to customers. This allows travelers and locals alike to access the freshest that each season has to offer. March is a prime time to visit the area as an annual fruit festival occurs, where people enjoy agricultural lectures, concerts, rides, and of course, fresh produce.

You are sure to find desirable Costa Rica fruits like these for sale in the community:

• Soursop
• Guava
• Water apple
• Zapote
• Mango
• Avocado
• Marañón
• Limon dulce
• Starfruit
• Tamarindo

The local cuisine makes frequent use of these fresh ingredients; you are sure to encounter many delicious meals while spending time in Orotina. Restaurants catering to both visitors and locals can be found in the town, so this is a perfect opportunity to sample all your favorite traditional dishes and discover some new ones to enjoy. Additionally, the people of Costa Rica love dancing, so you are sure to find couples taking to the dance floor while others drink and dine; be sure to put your dance skills to the test by taking a turn around the floor at a local tavern.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Your Playa Jacó Base Camp

Getting to Playa Jacó will likely take you through the village of Orotina, so this community makes an ideal stopping point or base camp. The beach is a favorite destination of surfers and swimmers; ATV riding, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, and kayaking are other forms of recreation found at and near Playa Jacó. Because there is so much to do at Playa Jacó and in the neighboring Jaco beach town, many people choose to stay at Orotina. Accommodations in Orotina are competitively priced, and many people prefer the slower pace and laid-back character of the smaller town.

Exploring the National Parks

Costa Rica’s national parks are ecological treasures. They protect land, air, and water resources while providing a haven for hundreds of bird and animal species. Manuel Antonio National Park is found near Orotina, so many visitors to the town choose to visit the park, too. The national park is well-known for its exceptional snorkeling vistas.

A Gateway to Adventure

Experience a side of Costa Rica that few visitors ever see by visiting Orotina. This quaint agricultural community offers delicious fruits and vegetables, affordable accommodations, and the perfect base camp for exploring other locations.