If you're in the market for well made crafts, head to Sarchí, the most famous crafts centre in Costa Rica, where artists showcase the country's long standing woodworking tradition.

There are more than 200 workshops scattered around the countryside and, while some products might seem a bit touristy, you can meet different artists and even custom order your own creation or arrange some lessons.

Most tourists are interested in the carretas, the elaborately painted oxcarts which are the unofficial souvenir of Costa Rica. Sarchí is divided by the Rio Trojas into Sarchí Norte and Sarchí Sur and is strung out for several kilometres along the main road from Grecia to Naranjo.

Around and closeby
There is also a beautiful waterfall on the unpaved road near Bajos del Toro, on the road to Rio Cuarto. Look for signs to the "Catarata".

Sightseeing
The main plaza in the northern section is home to a church, a hotel, some restaurants and the Banco Nacional.