Under one hour from San Jose and the International Airport (SJO), 30 minutes from the Pacific beaches of Playa Herradura, Punta Leona and Playa Hermosa, Valle de Machuca is superbly located.   20 minutes to the east is the town of Atenas (pop. 15,000), known as the city with the "best weather in the world" (National Geographic).  A haven for ex-pats from Canada, Europe and the US, Atenas is a rapidly growing town with several markets, banks, medical professionals, restaurants, etc.    10 minutes to the west of Valle de Machuca is the town of Orotina.  Known for its agricultural abundance and quality, Orotina is famous for its fruits throughout Costa Rica.  Each day, thousands of cars pass through town, oftentimes stopping for a meal or to buy handmade goods from any of the road-side stands.  Also a rapidly growing town (pop. 15,000), Orotina offers residents several grocery stores, markets, banks, clinics, restaurants, etc.  The new Caldera Highway, connecting this region to San Jose, has its terminus in Orotina - making the drive to the capital quick and easy.  

Many attractions and exciting things to do are located in the Valle de Machuca vicinity.  The Panaca - a theme-park celebrating the domestication of farm animals and their impact on our society, economy and culture - is located only 3km from us.  Visitors can spend all day at there, enjoying the beautiful park, its animals and any (or all) of their (three) daily shows!   There is also a restaurant located at the Pananca.  

A short drive from Orotina towards the Pacific Beaches is the Tarcoles River - a large, beautiful river.  Located along the Tarcoles is Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park - the largest tropical park in Costa Rica.  Within the park's 595 acres of unspoiled natural environment, you will discover butterflies, botanical collections, amazing forest trails, exciting adventure tours, etc.  An aerial tram, canopy tours, bamboo gardens, ziplines, horseback riding, bird watching, crocodile tours and much more are all available to locals as well as to visitors to this very special region of Costa Rica.  

There is truly so much to do in our area, in and around San Mateo.  Our residents will never be left without options, whether it be at home, with others in our community, in San Mateo or in a nearby town - the choices are abundant!