The Orosi Valley, southeast of Cartago is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Costa Rica. It is about 35 km (21.7 miles) south of the capital San Jose. The Reventazón River goes through this steep-sided valley until it collects in the lake formed by the Cachí Dam.

There are scenic overlooks near the town of Orosi, which is at the head of the valley, and in Ujarrás, which is on the banks of the lake. Near Ujarrás are the ruins of Costa Rica's oldest church (built in 1693), whose tranquil gardens are a great place to sit and gaze at the surrounding mountains. In the town of Orosi itself, there is yet another colonial church and convent, built in 1743. A small museum here displays religious artifacts. The name "Orosi" comes from a Huetar Indian Chief who lived here at the time of the Spanish Conquest. The area offers a wealth of water, rich soil and perfect climate - making it an attractive place to settle for centuries. Here you will find one of the last colonial towns that have survived the test of time.

Near the town of Cachí, you will find La Casa del Soñador (the House of the Dreamer), the home and gallery of the late sculptor Macedonio Quesada and his sons, who carry on the family tradition.

From the Orosi Valley, it is a quick drive to the entrance to the Tapantí National Park This park covers about 600 km² (373 square miles) and forms the northernmost section of a massive collection of nature parks that extends into Panamá (the largest of which is the Parque Internacional La Amistad). As a result, wildlife abounds. The park is comprised of thousands of acres of magnificent primary rainforest/cloudforest, with trails and picnic areas near the entrance. The park is home to many endangered species, including the tapir, paca, ocelot, jaguarundi and the small tiger cat. Jaguars, toucans, monkeys and many more animals also abound. The abundance of birds makes it a popular place for ornithology studies. Part of the reason for the abundant growth is the heavy rainfall, which ranges up to 7000 mm (275 inches) in the mountains. Lago de Cachi lies to the northeast.

Orosi is a very well known valley in Costa Rica because of its beautiful coffee plantations and also because of its Hot Springs. One of the most famous of these private farms is Chucaras Hotsprings Estate, where tourists can learn about coffee production and enjoy its Hot Springs swimming pools.

It is a quiet place to enjoy some amazing beauty boating along the Lake Cachi or trout fishing. Orosi is also a great place for adventure sports with some excellent white water rafting along the Rio Reventazón. The weather is very breezy with temperatures ranging from 55-79°F with an altitude of 4,300 feet above sea level.

Most people visit the Orosi valley for the day from San Jose or Cartago, but there are several nice hotels in the area for every budget for those who want to stay longer and enjoy the area.

With its rain forests, volcanoes, hills and valleys lined with rows upon rows of coffee plants and sugar cane the Orosi region offers some of the richest scenery to be found in Costa Rica. But the region is also rich in history and contains a number of monuments to the past. Although this area was one of the first in the country to be settled, it has been one of the last to be developed for tourism, which makes it all the more a desired destination to visit. The Orosi Valley of Costa Rica is an undiscovered paradise, offering a serene and peaceful setting to the few visitors who manage to make it here. Many feel that this area is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful, truly a hidden jewel waiting to be discovered!