About The City

The bustling city of Heredia lies just 11 kilometers northwest of the capital, San José, and is situated in the foothills of the extinct Barva Volcano, near many coffee plantations. The city of Heredia was first founded in the beginning of the 18th century and boasts some of the best colonial architecture in the country, including several churches. While preserving much of its historical appeal, the city continues to grow, especially in its sizeable student population. Students and locals enjoy the advantages of this mid-size city including excellent cafés, boutiques and ice cream parlors, while retaining a more relaxed pace than the capital city of San José.