Indigenous groups use tropical flowers, herbs and plants to treat all kinds of illnesses, from diabetes to a slipped disk. If you'd like to learn a bit more about rainforest medicine, pay a visit to the Paradise Tropical Garden, where Robert and Ella Beatham have created a wonderfully sensual introduction to tropical fruits and rainforest remedies that they call the ‘Tropical Fruit See, Smell, Taste & Touch Experience.’ Besides this interactive display, visitors learn about the production of African palm oil and how it came to be the dominant crop of this region following the collapse of the banana industry. Robert and Ella are wonderful hosts, but you should call a day in advance if you want their full attention. The gardens are located just west of the town of Río Claro – follow the Interamericana for 1km, cross the Río Lagarto and turn right at the end of the bridge. From here, the garden is just 200m beyond.
