Explore San Vicente, Ciudad Quesada – A gem of community-based rural tourism
San Vicente, about 7.5 miles from the centre of Ciudad Quesada, is a picturesque community of about 800 inhabitants located at an altitude of about 5,750 feet above sea level. It retains its agricultural and livestock essence but has enthusiastically embraced community-based rural tourism, an initiative that directly benefits its residents.
Cloud forest and hiking in Montaña Sagrada
From this enclave, you can access the Juan Castro Blanco Water Reserve and the surrounding cloud forest, with trails leading to waterfalls and a rich biodiversity of ferns, orchids, mosses, and native birds.
Here you will walk through the mist, breathing pure air while the sounds of the forest whisper as you pass by: an intimate contact with nature that surprises with its mystical atmosphere.
Horseback riding in San Vicente is an ideal way to explore the rural landscapes and cloud forest in a peaceful way and close to nature. On the backs of gentle, well-cared-for horses, you will ride along trails through pastures, forests, streams, and viewpoints with panoramic views of the Platanar volcano and other mountains in the area. Local guides, knowledgeable about the environment and its history, accompany the tour, sharing anecdotes and interesting facts about the flora, fauna, and traditions of the area.
Artisanal cheese experience: Lácteos Sanvi, a local venture led by young people from the community such as Diego Vargas, opens its doors to those who want to experience the artisanal cheese-making process up close. The tour begins with a visit to the dairy, where you can watch—and even participate in—the milking of cows, followed by a detailed explanation of how the milk is transformed into different types of cheese. In a warm and family-friendly atmosphere, visitors learn about traditional techniques, sustainable practices, and the value of farm work. At the end, the experience is crowned with a tasting of fresh products, straight from the field to the table, making this visit a delicious introduction to the rural roots of San Vicente.
The Rancho Alegre Ecotourism Farm in San Vicente combines nature, tradition, and hospitality. Its family-run restaurant, staffed by locals, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring traditional recipes cooked over a wood fire. Visitors can also hike trails, interact with farm animals, relax by the river, and enjoy a welcoming and authentically rural atmosphere.