Heredia itself is a mid-sized, sprawling city. Like the nearby capital city, Heredia has a comfortable temperature and generally pleasant climate year round. The city of Heredia was first founded in the beginning of the 18th century by inhabitants of the nearby province of Cartago. Heredia lies just 11 kilometers to the northwest of the capital, San José and is situated in the verdant tropical foothills of the extinct Barva Volcano, near many coffee plantations. Heredia boasts some of the best colonial architecture in the country, including several churches. While preserving much of its historical appeal, the city continues to grow. Heredia is a university city and its sizeable student population includes many who come to study the Spanish language. Students and locals enjoy many of the advantages of a big city, including excellent cafés, ice cream parlors, vegetarian and health food, and several options for nightlife, while retaining the more relaxed pace of a mid-sized city.

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