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Finca Verde Lodge
Sloths, frogs, snakes and prolific birdlife inhabit the gorgeous grounds of this finca, worth a visit just to spot birds, admire the orchids and learn about the methods of a working organic farm. On the grounds, Finca Verde has four comfortable cabins and the recommended Hummingbir
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Sarapiquí al Natural
In the tiny village of Las Palmitas, Leo Herra welcomes guests to his family farm to spot frogs in the pond, to marvel at spiders, and – most intriguing – to spy on the amazing cutter ants as they go about their business in their nest. Aside from the critters, the farm is dedicated
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Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
Ever want to see a spider-monkey skeleton (theyre cool!) or a herd of taxidermied tapirs? This natural-history museum near Parque La Sabanas southwest corner has an extensive collection of stuffed animals and birds from Costa Rica and far beyond, alongside animal skeletons, mineral
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Spirogyra Jardín de Mariposas
Housing more than 30 species of butterfly – including the luminescent blue morpho – in plant-filled enclosures, this small butterfly garden is a great spot for kids. Visit in the morning to see plenty of fluttering. The garden is 150m east and 150m south of Centro Comercial El Pueb
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Ecocentro Danaus
This reader-recommended center, 2km east of town, has a well-developed trail system that’s good for birding, as well as spotting mammals such as sloth, coati and howler monkey. The price of admission also includes a visit to a butterfly garden, a ranarium featuring poison-dart frog
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Iglesia de San José Orosi
Orosi is one of the few colonial-era towns to survive Costa Rica’s frequent earthquakes, which have thankfully spared the photogenic village church. Built in 1743, it is the oldest religious site still in use in Costa Rica. The roof of the church is a combination of thatched cane a
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Parque Morazán
To the southwest of the Parque España is Parque Morazán, named for Francisco Morazán, the 19th-century general who attempted to unite the Central American nations under a single flag. Once a notorious center of prostitution, the park is now beautifully illuminated in the evenings.
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Teatro Melico Salazar
On the north side of Parque Central is this theatre, which was built in 1928 in a beaux-arts style. It is named after the well-known Costa Rican tenor Melico Salazar (1887–1950), who performed internationally (among other places, he sang at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City).
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Manuel Antonio Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge
Formerly known as Fincas Naturales, this private rainforest preserve and butterfly garden breeds about three dozen species of butterfly – a delicate population compared to the menagerie of lizards, reptiles and frogs that inspire gleefully grossed-out squeals from the little ones.
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Ecomuseo de las Minas de Abangares
Its not often that you see the terms ‘eco’ and ‘mining’ so close together. Set on 38 hectares, this little museum has exhibits of photographs and models depicting the old mining practices of the area. There are a picnic area and children’s play area on the grounds. A good system of
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Finca La Isla
West of town, this farm and botanical garden has been producing organic pepper, cacao, tropical fruits and ornamental plants for over a decade. Birds and wildlife abound, including sloths, poison-dart frogs and toucans. Informative guided tours (minimum three people) include admiss
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Jardín Pura Vida
In the town of Bijagual, this private botanical garden offers great vistas of Manantial de Agua Viva cascading down the side of a cliff, and there are some easy but altogether pleasant hiking trails. There is a small restaurant on the grounds, and you can also arrange horseback rid
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Nature Pavilion
Father and son Dave and Dave greet all comers to this 10-acre reserve on the Río Sarapiquí. Its a lovely setting in which to spy on feathered friends. There are several viewing platforms, with feeders attracting toucans, trogans, tanagers and 10 species of hummingbird. From here yo
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Butterfly Garden
Everything you ever wanted to know about butterflies, with four gardens representing different habitats and home to more than 40 species. Up-close observation cases allow you to witness the butterflies as they emerge from the chrysalis (if your timing is right). Other exhibits feat
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La Agonía
Six blocks northeast of the park youll find the oldest church in town, popularly called La Agonía. Its a gloriously decrepit mud-and-brick relic, locked and closed to the public. The adjacent park has become the defacto skate park – complete with poured-concrete ramps and charming
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Playa Cacao
Just a quick trip across the bay, this small beach offers a prime view of Golfito, with the rainforest as a backdrop. If you get stuck in Golfito, Playa Cacao is probably the most pleasant spot to spend the day. To reach the beach, catch a water taxi from Golfito for around US$6 pe
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Las Ruinas de la Parroquia
This now-ruined church was built in 1575 as a shrine to St James the Apostle (Santiago, in Spanish), destroyed by the 1841 earthquake, rebuilt a few years later and then destroyed again in the 1910 earthquake. Today only the outer walls remain, but ‘the Ruins’ are a pleasant spot f
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Plaza de la Democracia
Between the national museum and the Museo de Jade is the stark Plaza de la Democracia, which was constructed by President Oscar Arias in 1989 to commemorate 100 years of Costa Rican democracy. The concrete plaza is architecturally dull, but some of its elevated terraces provide dec
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Parque España
Surrounded by heavy traffic, Parque España may be small, but it becomes a riot of birdsong every day at sunset when the local avian population comes in to roost. In addition to being a good spot for a shady break, the park is home to an ornate statue of Christopher Columbus that wa
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Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática
This three-in-one museum houses an extensive collection of Costa Ricas most priceless pieces of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including historical currency and some contemporary regional art. The museum, housed underneath the Plaza de la Cultura, is owned by the Banco Cen
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