The village of Orosi is located in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful valleys. Approximately 40 kilometres from San Jose and 8 kilometres from Cartago it is quiet area where around 11,000 people live in this part of the Province of Cartago. Orosi is named after and indigenous chief whose Huetar tribe inhabited the area of Orosi before the arrival of the Spanish colonists. At a height of 1,00 metres above sea level the region has wonderful climate. The artificial lake Cachi is close by, where water sports like windsurfing and sport fishing are favourite. The Orosi region is also known for its thermal baths, originating from the volcanic activity of the mighty Irazu Volcano. The church of Orosi is declared a National Monument and is one of the biggest in the country. The church was founded by Franciscan monks, who came down the Talamanca mountains in 1562 after unsuccessfully trying to pacify the Indian tribes there. In Orosi their efforts were more successful, since they introduced the at that time progressive so called ‘new laws’ of the Spanish Crown, which prohibited the colonists to use the indigenous population as slaves and miners. The Franciscans lived and worked peacefully with the indigenous tribes for centuries, aided by its isolated location, since the Orosi region was covered with dense virgin rainforest. In 1734 the church of San Jose Orosi was built which has a beautiful must-see wooden altar. Today part of the old Franciscan convent of Orosi is the modest museum of religious artefacts which has a small but fine collection of magnificent silver objects, a collection of old books from the monk’s library, statues and some beautiful paintings. The church of Orosi has a well documented history of the missionary efforts during the centuries and for the ones interested in religious history there is a lot to discover. Orosi itself is a very quiet town. Accommodations can be found spread around in the valley and there are some very nice lodges. The near by Reventazon River has thrilling white water rafting tours for the more adventurous visitors.