The scenic road that winds through the high-altitude valley from Empalme to San Pablo de León is appropriately called La Ruta de Los Santos (Route of the Saints). It's well paved to facilitate shipping the coffee produced in the region, which is central to Costa Rica's economy. On the 30-minute (24-km ) drive from Santa María de Dota to San Pablo de León Cortés, you see misty valleys ringed by precipitous mountain slopes terraced with lush, green coffee plants. The route also captures the essence of a traditional Tico way of life built around coffee growing. Stately churches anchor bustling towns full of prosperous, neat houses with pretty gardens and 1970s Toyota Landcruisers in a rainbow of colors parked in front.
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