-
Catie
Caties sprawling grounds, 2km east of Turrialba, encompass 1000 hectares dedicated to tropical agricultural research and education. Agronomists from all over the world recognize this as one of the most important centers in the tropics. You need to make reservations for one of sever
-
Ara Project
The hotels most recent sustainability project is a partnership with the Ara Project, a local NGO which is dedicated to the conservation of Costa Ricas two species of macaw: the Great Green Macaw and the Scarlet Macaw. The group rehabilitates injured or rescued birds and eventually
-
Zoo Ave
About 10km west of Alajuela, you’ll find this well-designed animal park sheltering more than 115 species of birds on colorful, squawking display in a relaxing 14-hectare setting. The zoo houses all four species of Costa Rican monkey, wild cats, reptiles and other native critters, m
-
Frogs Heaven
The frogs hop free in this lovely tropical garden, which provides a perfect habitat for more than 20 species. On guided tours youre likely to see old favorites like the red-eyed tree frog and poison-dart frogs, as well as some lesser-known exotic amphibians, such as the translucent
-
Barrio Amón
North and west of Plaza España lies this pleasant, historic neighborhood, home to a cluster of cafetalero (coffee grower) mansions constructed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent years, many of the area’s historic buildings have been converted into hotels, rest
-
Monteverde Theme Park
Formerly known as the Ranario, or Frog Pond, this place has recently added a butterfly garden and canopy tour – hence, its now a theme park. The frogs are still the highlight: about 25 species reside in transparent enclosures lining the winding indoor jungle paths. Sharp-eyed guide
-
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
This garden and hotel complex is host to 3.5km of hiking trails and five scenic waterfalls, the largest one of which – La Catarata de la Paz (Peace Waterfall) – is probably one of the most photographed sights in Costa Rica. Visitors can also tour a butterfly conservatory, an aviary
-
Tiskita Jungle Lodge
Set on a verdant hillside between Pavones and Punta Banco, Tiskita Jungle Lodge consists of 100 hectares of virgin forest and a huge orchard, which produces more than 125 varieties of tropical fruit. Trails wind through surrounding rainforest, which contains waterfalls and freshwat
-
Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva
This 200m-high waterfall is claimed to be the highest in the country. From here, it’s a steep 3km hike down into the valley; at the bottom, the river continues through a series of natural swimming holes. The falls are most dramatic at their fullest, during the rainy season, though
-
Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge
Consisting of include pristine beaches, riverbanks, mangrove estuaries, wetlands, secondary forests, primary forests, tree plantations and pastures, this 330-hectare nature reserve forms a key link in a major biological corridor called the Path of the Tapir.Explore the reserve by h
-
Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Ostional
This 248-hectare coastal refuge extends from Punta India in the north to Playa Guiones in the south, and includes the beaches of Playa Nosara and Playa Ostional. It was created in 1992 to protect the arribadas (mass nestings of olive ridley sea turtles) which occur from July to Dec
-
La Playita
At the far western end of Playa Espadilla, beyond a rocky headland (wear sandals), is one of Costa Ricas most famous gay beaches and a particular draw for young men. The beach is inaccessible one hour before and after the high tide, so time your walk well. Also, don’t be fooled – y
-
Fundacíon Santuario Silvestre de Osa
Run by Earl and Carol Crews, who began with a lodge that became a bird santuary, which then turned into a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals of all kinds, this nonprofit reserve now rehabilitates and releases all manner of local wildlife. Those that cant be reintroduced int
-
Cacao Trails
Halfway between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Hone Creek, this botanical garden and chocolate museum has a couple of small museums devoted to indigenous and Afro-Caribbean culture, a lush garden bursting with bromeliads and heliconias, as well as an onsite chocolate fact
-
Proyecto Asis
Its an animal rescue center. Its a volunteer project. Its Spanish classes... This community-based organization is doing a lot of good, and you can help! The introductory experience is a 90-minute tour of the wildlife rescue center, which is pricey, but it affords some up-close inte
-
Centro Turístico Cataratas Nauyaca
This Costa Rican family–owned and operated center is home to a series of wonderful waterfalls that cascade through a protected reserve of both primary and secondary forest. The family runs horseback-riding tours to the falls, where visitors can swim in the inviting natural pools. L
-
Parque Reptilandia
Though Parque Reptilandia is a reptile-lovers dream come true on any day, keep in mind that Friday is feeding day. If you’re traveling with kids who love slick and slimy reptiles and amphibians, or you yourself just can’t get enough of these prehistoric creatures, don’t miss the ch
-
Las Pumas
This wild-animal shelter was started in the 1960s by the late Lilly Hagnauer, a Swiss environmentalist. It’s the largest shelter of its kind in Latin America, housing big cats including pumas, jaguars, ocelots, jaguarundis and margays – plus a few deer, foxes, monkeys, peccaries, t
-
Lankester Gardens
The University of Costa Rica runs the exceptional Lankester Gardens , which was started as a private garden by British orchid enthusiast Charles Lankester in 1917, but was turned over to the university for public administration in 1973. Orchids are the big draw at this tranquil 11-
-
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
This stunner of a marine park protects coral and rock reefs surrounding Isla Ballena. Despite its small size, the importance of this area cannot be overstated, especially since it protects migrating humpback whales, pods of dolphins and nesting sea turtles, not to mention colonies
Total
334 -travel
FirstPage PreviousPage NextPage LastPage CurrentPage:
10/17 20-travel/Page Goto:
