By  Rosa Monge Alvarez. Photos by James Marshall

Sarchí, an idyllic town located about an hour away from San Jose, is known around the world for its extensive dedication to furniture making and handcrafts. Ask anyone in Costa Rica where the finest furniture can be found, and the answer will always be Sarchí.

Sarchí is small municipality within the Valverde Vega canton; it is not far from the city of Grecia, province of Alajuela. This town is situated in the green mountains at the edge of the Central Valley, and it is one of the most colorful places of Costa Rica. This is a place brimming with creativity and artisanship; Sarchí is blessed with intricately painted ox carts, masterful furniture and woodwork, traditional food, and very friendly people.

One of the best times to visit Sarchí is from July 2^nd to the 11^th, which is when a major furniture festival takes place. This festival is visited by people from around the world; many foreign visitors are furniture connoisseurs who come to Costa Rica once a year specifically to see (and often acquire) new creations.

Furniture makers in Sarchí use the finest and most precious woods to ply their craft. Two popular choices are Cedrela odorata (a cedar) and Albizia saman (rain tree); with these species they make dining room sets, desks, bedroom sets, canes, cabinets, rocking chairs, ornaments, and much more. Two of the most recognized craftsmen in Sarchí at this time are Junior Chavarria, who is known for his sublime sculpture Monument to the Ox Cart, and Miguel Salazar, a master ox cart maker.

Savvy travelers in Costa Rica include Sarchí in their itineraries along with a visit to Grecia, the Poas volcano and the revitalized city of Alajuela.