Heredia, considered by many to be the most beautiful province in Costa Rica, is well known for its cooler temperatures, fresh air, mountains, lush greenery and sweeping views of the Central Valley. There are dense tropical forests, whispering pines, waterfalls, trickling streams and rushing rivers, making it the perfect place to live year round or to picnic on a warm day in the valley. Coffee is king in Heredia and plants can be seen covering steep hillsides everywhere – you can’t help but admire the coffee pickers who navigate the hillsides plicking the ripe berries and filling their baskets (coffee picking is done by hand).

The capital of Heredia province, Heredia, is one of the larger cities in the country and about 10 km north of San José. Heredia has modern shopping malls (i.e. Paseo de las Flores and Cariari Mall), a well-respected National University, upscale hotels (i.e. Marriott, Herradura, La Condesa and Cariari) and a variety of dining options, all without the hustle and bustle of the “big city,” yet still close enough to San José’s attractions when desired.

Barva Volcano is located within Heredia province and is one of the few volcanoes in the country where climbing is permitted.  With grassy plains at the bottom and a cloud forest at its summit, it provides a scenic hike, well worth the exertion.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens provide a colorful glimpse of Costa Rica's flora and fauna – butterflies, hummingbirds, snakes, frogs, etc. – in a picturesque setting traversed by walking trails (walking sticks provided!) and passing by tumbling waterfalls.  La Paz Waterfall plunges nearly 1400 meters (4500 feet) down the outside of Poás Volcano in less than eight km. (5 miles), creating a dramatic waterfall, observable and accessible from the road.

Just north of Heredia is Braulio Carrillo National Park, home to the quetzal, a magnificent bird important in Costa Rican lore.  Nearly constant rainfall in the area nurtures dense foliage, thus creating safe habitat for numerous wildlife. An aerial tram ride in the park offers a rare opportunity to silently pass through the rainforest canopy and observe animals without frightening them.

Well known communities in the province of Heredia include San Rafael, San Isidro, San Antonio de Belén, Santo Domingo, Barva, San Pablo, San José de la Montaña, Concepción, San Joaquín, Santa Barbara and Cariari.