At around 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) in the mountains of the Cordillera Central north of San Jose and near San Ramon, the Zarcero area has an almost Alpine feel. The town is most famous for its bizarre Dali-esque topiary in front of the church. Local artist Evangelisto Blanco has sculpted dozens of trees into various human and animal shapes, and surreal arches. Look out also for regional food specialties such as palmito cheese and peach preserves. Discover the spectacular mountainous countryside around Zarcero with its verdant hills and valleys on a horse-riding tour run by Laguna Horseback Riding at Cabinas la Pradera in nearby Laguna.
