Javi the Frog hanging with the locals in Turriabla
Javi the Frog hanging with the locals in Turriabla

After a long day luxuriating on Costa Rica's stunning beaches or exploring lush rainforests, nothing beats grabbing a cold brew with the locals. If you're planning on spending time in Cartago, you've got plenty of options when it comes to local watering holes. Come with me and let's find the best places to grab a drink!

The Orosi Valley

One of Costa Rica's most scenic areas, the Orosi Valley is a popular destination for tourists. Featuring spectacular vistas and lush tropical rainforests, the area boasts a wealth of small bars dotted throughout the region, perfect for grabbing a cold beer after a long trek.

The Black Bridge Bar is a popular watering hole, located around 24 miles southeast of San Jose. The establishment serves a variety of beers, both local and imported, as well as cocktails and spirits. Next door, the El Ranchito Restaurant is ideal for hungry tourists who want to sample the local cuisine.

In Orosi proper, the Bar Restaurante Coto is another bar popular with Ticos. The staff here is renowned for their friendly demeanor, treating guests as family and serving a wide variety of drinks and delicious food.

Cartago

Tourists who want to enjoy a drink alongside the locals in Cartago should head to the Metropolis Bar, located on the south side of La Parroquia. With an extensive drink menu and a variety of tasty bar snacks, this bar is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike.

Turrialba

Located conveniently on Highway 10, Turrialba is one of Costa Rica's smaller towns. Although the nightlife is not as vibrant as larger settlements, Turrialba is a great place to stop while touring Cartago. The town has two bars popular with Ticos - Charlie's Place and the Nazca Bar-Rest.

Both taverns serve a variety of drinks, including popular ales such as Pilsen and Imperial, while offering bar snacks and small bites. Don't expect to party late into the night, however, as both establishments tend to close a little earlier than bars in larger towns.

Regardless of where you end up on your adventures throughout Cartago, there are a variety of bars where you can grab a cold beer or colorful cocktail. The Costa Rican people are renowned for their hospitality, and enjoying a drink with Ticos is an ideal way for tourists to experience the laid-back Costa Rican lifestyle firsthand.