Sarchi Oxcarts & Souvenir Shopping Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Fabrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro
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.
Alajuela
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.
Options
Sarchi Oxcarts & Souvenir Shopping Private Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Lunch
Visit to Souvenir stores
Private tour guide
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very interesting
LittleSwissLou,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Worth seeing the ‘factory’ behind the shop. One of the craftsman explained how they work. Very interesting. Worth a visit if nearby.
A special place and a great time
O6071KClaural,Dec 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I didn't go with this day tour, part of my tour, but the experience in Sarchi was wonderful. I was surprised to find that it was really enjoyable to paint your own small oxcart wheel - not usually my type of thing. But the artist was amazing and he also played the guord and a rubber chicken - seriously. Great time, great fun
Pleasant and informative tour
Elaf S,Apr 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour began with an on-time pick up at our hotel. Our driver and tour guide, Luis, had a sign with my name on time. He was very nice, hospitable from the beginning. He gave us facts about Costa Rica and we had such a good conversation throughout the tour. He first stopped to show us coffee plantations and then we were on our way to Sarchi. We stopped to see the world’s largest Oxcart and even saw the church nearby. Afterwards, we had a tour of the Oxcart making factory. And took time to see the souvenir shop. This was followed by a buffet lunch and a pleasant ride home. The only road block was a flat tire happed while we shopped, but that was fixed.
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