Part historic artifact and part artistic masterpiece, carretas are one of Costa Rica’s most iconic national symbols.
Originally used in the 1880’s to transport the country’s growing supply of coffee and other goods destined for export, these traditional wooden oxcarts slowly evolved into the country’s most celebrated craft.
Vibrant colors and intricate painted designs often involving flowers, geometric shapes, landscapes and mandala patterns are all hallmarks of these traditional carts. It is believed that painting the carretas originated as a means of protecting the wood from decay and later developed into a way of identifying carts by region and farm. By the 20th century, carreta painting had transformed into a veritable art form complete with cart design competitions that exist to this day.
Though carretas may no longer serve as a primary mode of transportation, they remain an integral part of the Costa Rican culture and identify. Visitors can take a ride on one of these colorful works of art at many of the nation’s coffee plantations or marvel at the designs during a festive ox-cart parade. If nothing else, travelers are sure to encounter carretas in some shape or form as a souvenir: from carreta-inspired table tops to miniature oxcart planters for the garden.