Zarcero Canton, Administrative canton in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica.
The territory spans 155 square kilometers across seven districts, including Zarcero, Laguna, Tapesco, Guadalupe, Palmira, Zapote, and Brisas at 1769 meters elevation.
Created by decree 27 on June 21, 1915, the canton was originally named Alfaro Ruiz to honor Juan Alfaro Ruíz, a hero from the 1856 National Campaign.
The name Zarcero derives from zarzamora, referring to the abundance of elmleaf blackberry plants that grow throughout the region's mountainous landscape.
The canton maintains National Routes 141 and 741, connecting residents to agricultural markets where they sell coffee, vegetables, and dairy products from local farms.
The canton registers one of the lowest crime rates in Costa Rica, with a 93 percent literacy rate and a population of 15,153 residents as of 2022.
Location: Alajuela Province
Capital city: Zarcero
Elevation above the sea: 1,769 m
Shares border with: Sarchí Canton, San Ramón Canton, Naranjo Canton, San Carlos Canton
Website: http://zarcero.go.cr
GPS coordinates: 10.21667,-84.40000
Latest update: March 5, 2025 11:03
Central Conservation Area
37 km
Arenal Volcano
43 km
Poás Volcano National Park
17.4 km
Poás Volcano
18.7 km
La Selva Biological Station
48 km
La Sabana Metropolitan Park
45.3 km
Barva Volcano
33.5 km
Arenal Volcano National Park
43.1 km
Parque de Diversiones
41.3 km
Fortín de Heredia
39.3 km
Chato Volcan
40.4 km
La Paz Waterfall
26.2 km
La Fortuna Waterfall
39.2 km
Platanar
9.8 km
Arenal Hanging Bridges
42.8 km
Cerro Zurquí
44.3 km
San José Costa Rica Temple
34.8 km
Volcán Cacho Negro
38.8 km
Volcán Congo
19.4 km
Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral, Alajuela
30.3 km
Iglesia de la Inmaculada
39.5 km
Bocaraca
41.3 km
Museo de Cultura Popular
38.3 km
Vistas de Nunciatura
44.1 km
Aguas Zarcas meteorite
6.6 km
Curi Cancha Wildlife Refuge
45.2 km
Centro de Conservación de Santa Ana
38.6 km
Butterfly Conservatory
45 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes