Just outside of Turrialba is Sitio de Mata. This is one of our favorite small towns in Costa Rica. We established our popular homestay program here, many of our guides live in Sitio Mata or the surrounding area, and it’s a great jumping-off point for the Pacuare River, as it’s just over the hill. And when we say small town, we mean it. We have a soccer field, a couple of pulperias (small stores), and a few schools. But what it lacks in size it makes up for with the people and the things to do. The residents of Sitio de Mata are incredibly friendly, easy-going and in general, just nice people. They’re the best neighbors you could ever ask for. And in terms of things to do, Sitio de Mata has an extensive and eclectic bucket list. And that’s what this post is about, the bucket list of Sitio de Mata.
Visit the historic Siteo de Mata church
Arriving by ship from Italy, the historic Sitio de Mata Church is located at the hacienda property. This is one of the most iconic churches in the entire country and it’s easy to see why with the sweeping views.
Experience the Hacienda sugar cane tour
I am the neighbor of the Hacienda Sitio de Mata and while they are large Sugar-cane barrons in Costa Rica and I am just a tour guide I can’t say enough about the operation they have going on in the Hacienda. It is a true authentic rural Costa Rica experience. The family helps the local community in many ways so you can be sure your money is being well spent in a responsible tourism way.
The tour is about the old style of sugarcane processing, which is still used in many places today. You will get an up-close experience with the power of the oxen they use, the local farmers, and the start-to-finish steps sugar as we know it goes through from farm to table.
Go canyoneering
One of Costa Rica’s most sought-after adrenaline adventures is Canyoneering which for those that are not familiar with it is rappelling down different waterfalls in a canyon.
The town of Sitio de Mata has five different waterfalls offering an excellent canyoneering trip for first-timers, families, and those with experience to spend the day in the water. The adventure consist of rappelling a waterfall, hiking over some rocks, and then rappelling another waterfall. You do this for 5 different waterfalls with a surprise slide at the end of the trip.
Visit Doña Marta & Don Gerardo’s orchid garden
The orchid garden in Sitio de Mata might be one of the best kept secrets. Doña Marta and her husband Don Gerardo have been passionate about orchids long before visitors showed an interest in their collection.
In recent years they have taken it a little more seriously and now even have a donation box at the exit where you can leave a tip after getting to step into another dimension of a world of orchids from mini, medium, to giant orchids and even a chance to see the unique Turrialba Orchid named after the local town of Turrialba.
Eat the best ice cream and maracuya cheesecake in Costa Rica
If you are looking for a family-run restaurant that offers great food but only second to their homemade dessert then you will want to try Sitio de Mata Angostura. Here the family of three generations have over time and hard work made one of the most popular local spots in town and much of it has to do with their long list of dessert dishes. The ice cream is so delicious it’s hard to put into words. If you’ve ever had homemade ice cream, it’s similar to that, but with a professional flare of flavors to choose from. If you’re not topped out after a dish of their ice cream, see if they have any maracuya (passion fruit) cheesecake available. They sell out very quickly of this so if they have a slice, consider yourself lucky.
Walk along the Camino de Costa Rica
This beautiful and famous hike stretches from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Ocean. As it meanders its way towards our community, it crosses between Sitio de Mata and Silencio, our neighboring town. Hopping on and off the trail is easy as it’s well-marked, and if you can’t find it, just follow the people with backpacks!
Play soccer with the local kids
Like many small towns in Costa Rica, the hub of ours is our soccer field. And when the kids are out, it’s hard to walk by it and not join in on a quick game. This has become a rite of passage for many of the groups and schools that join us and a quick 15-minute game has often turned into an hour-long event that becomes the highlight of their Costa Rica vacation.