Sarchi Oxcarts & Souvenir Shopping Private Tour
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Visiting Sarchi is a great experience for anyone who wants to know and enjoy Costa Rican art, since this small town is considered the cradle of Costa Rican crafts.
A national symbol of Costa Rica, the oxcart plays a key role in the country’s history. They were used to transport coffee beans & other goods to nearby and faraway markets and ports. Starting in 1840’s most of the rural roads were very rough making the ox cart the sole means of transportation for families even though the trips could take weeks at times.
Highly ornate, these oxcarts are elegantly craved and are usually hand-painted with bright colors. The painting of the ox cart is a Costa Rican tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The largest and oldest oxcart factory is also found in Sarchi. The Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory was built in 1902, and is considered to be the birthplace of oxcart handicrafts in Costa Rica.
Our tour is operated in a 100% private basis.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 6 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English, Spanish
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Visit to Souvenir stores
- Private tour guide
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1
On this tour you will be visiting the picturesque town of Sarchi and its colourful souvenir stores and oxcart factories. Eloy Alfaro was the pioneer Oxcart Factory and till now they have the first water mill used in the factory. At this time it is a living musseum of the history of Sarchi. Now days, enjoy the large souvenir store with many and diverse souvenirs hand crafted.
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Stop 2
Alajuela is a province of Costa Rica located just besides the Capital City San Jose. It is the province where is located the international airport. The province offer many touristy attractions, including volcanoes, waterfalls, coffee plantations, dairy farms and more.
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Stop 3
Sarchi Norte and Sarchi Sur are the most famous craft center in Costa Rica. The city has more than 200 stores and small factories that function as family businesses for woodworking. They produce wooden bowls, tableware, folding furniture, wooden and leather rocking chairs and a wide variety of souvenir craft items. The most popular items are the elaborately painted "ox carts" that traditionally transported coffee from the Central Valley to the port on the Pacific coast. Today it is the canton where the world's largest cart is located. The Sarchí furniture have an internationally recognized design and quality and are a true national icon.
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Stop 4
Carretas Chaverri Sarchí's oldest and best-known factory is 1.5km southeast of the plaza in Sarchi Town. Here you can buy souvenirs and watch artisans hand-building and painting the area's famous oxcarts in the small studio in the back.
Meeting point & pickup
Hotel pickup included for all travelers
we pick up from all hotels in San Jose Costa Rica. If your hotel is not listed let us know and we will arrange the pick up
Open in Google MapsHow to get there
Pickup is available from 119 listed hotels. Exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Cancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day(s) before
- 0% refund if cancelled 0–1 day(s) before
- May be cancelled for bad weather
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $175.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
