Heredia

The lively city of Heredia, capital of the important coffee province of the same name, contains some of the country's best-preserved colonial structures along with a contrasting, youthful buzz provided by a concentration of young people attending the National University (UNA) and century-old colegios (high schools) scattered around the town. Heredia is also known as the City of Flowers, referring to a leading founding family named Flores. It's also known for the beauty of its women. Founded in 1706, the city bears witness to how difficult preservation can be in an earthquake-prone country; most of its colonial structures have been destroyed by the tremors and tropical climate—not to mention modernization. Still, the city and neighboring towns retain a certain historic feel, with old adobe buildings scattered amid the concrete structures. Nearby Barva also has colonial and adobe buildings. From Heredia, scenic mountain roads climb east, passing through the pleasant, high-altitude coffee towns of San Rafael and San Isidro, each centered by a notable, Tico-style Gothic church and a pleasant central park.