What to see and do in Zarcero, Costa Rica

Zarcero, Costa Rica is famous for its topiary gardens in the Parque Francisco Alvarado park 

The park is located in front of the Iglesia de San Rafael church. Zacero is a small town located in the province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica which is located in the central mountain range and is 5,696 ft above sea level.  

On 8/21/2016, we stopped in the town of Zarcero and visited the church and topiary gardens. The topiaries of arches, monkeys, dinosaurs, elephants and other animals are the creations of Don Evangelista Blanco.  Inside the Iglesia de San Rafael church is a shrine with a small statue.  We were not able to find any information about it.

Zacero was originally given the name "Alfaro Ruiz" in remembrance of Juan Alfaro Ruíz, a hero from the National Campaign of 1856 (Filibuster War).  The town is also known for its colorful and unique street art, which has transformed the town into an open-air art gallery. Many of the murals were created by local artists and are inspired by the town's culture and traditions, as well as its natural surroundings.

The town has become a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience Costa Rican art and culture in a charming and authentic setting.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Zarcero area.  Click here for details.

View from the front of the church to the topiary gardens.

Topiary monkeys

Topiary elephant

Topiary dinosaur

The Iglesia de San Rafael church.

A small shrine in the church.

A view of the inside of the church.