Oxcarts of Costa Rica

Oxcart in Sarchí, Costa Rica

Oxcarts were the most important mode of transportation in Costa Rica for a century, from about 1840 to 1940. Their tall wheels and sturdy frames were designed to navigate the rough and often muddy local roads, allowing farmers to get their coffee crop to market. Then, along came trains, tractors, and other more efficient modes of conveyance, and the oxcart became obsolete. 

Artist working in Sarchí, Costa Rica

Today, the oxcart is revered for its cultural importance and as an art form. And, in the town of Sarchí, you can see oxcarts being made.

Oxcart in Sarchí, Costa Rica

The best part of the oxcart making in Sarchí is that each cart is handmade and painted with a unique design. Some carts are painted with decorative symbols, other with patterns for specific families. All are incredibly beautiful.

Sarchí, Costa Rica

If you go: There are two oxcart factories (Eloy Alfaro and the Mercado de Artesanías) in Sarchí that you can visit. You can watch the artisans as they build the oxcart and paint the intricate designs. You can even buy an oxcart if you are so inclined. There's also a giftshop at the factories if you want a slightly smaller souvenir. There are also hundreds of other craftspeople who ply their trade in Sarchí, creating everything from handmade wood furniture to leathergoods. There are stores selling these items all over town. Sarchí is only about an hour by car from San Jose.
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