Just 11km northeast of San José is the lively town of HEREDIA , boosted by the student population of the Universidad Nacional (UNA) at the eastern end of town. The town centre is prettier than most, with a few historical buildings, though a bit run-down. It's a natural jumping-off point for excursions to the nearby historical hamlet of Barva and to the town of San José de la Montaña, gateway to Volcán Barva . Many tourists also come for the Café Britt Finca tour, hosted by the nation's largest coffee exporter, about 3km north of the town centre.