Barva Canton, Administrative canton in Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Barva Canton is an administrative region in Heredia Province that extends across mountainous terrain from urban settlements to the slopes of Barva Volcano. It comprises six districts connected by National Routes 113 and 114, creating a patchwork of communities spread across different elevations.
The name comes from Cacique Barvac, a regional ruler in 1569 who left his mark on the territory. The area was officially designated as a canton on December 7, 1848, establishing its status as an independent administrative unit.
The Parish of Saint Bartholomew sits at the heart of town and serves as a gathering place for the community. People meet here for annual celebrations on August 24 and on weekends to shop at traditional stores and markets in the central district.
Access is via National Route 113 from the eastern side or Route 114 from other directions, with both roads serving different districts. The higher elevation communities require more travel time, so planning your route ahead is helpful.
The area is known for coffee plantations and dairy farming on the volcanic slopes, which define much of its rural character. Colonial adobe buildings still stand in the central district, giving the main town its historical look.
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