Sights in Northern Lowlands
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Venado Caves
Four kilometers south of Venado (Spanish for ‘deer’) along a good dirt road, the caves are a popular rainy-day attraction that can be organized as a day trip from La Fortuna, San José and many other cities for US$50 to US$80 per person (including transportation and lunch). Alternatively, visit with your own car, as bus service is inconvenient.
The caves were discovered by chance in 1945 when a farmer fell through a hole in the ground and found himself in an underground chamber surrounded by stalactites (hanging tight to the ceiling) and stalagmites (that might reach the ceiling…get it?). The exploration that followed uncovered an eight-chamber limestone labyrinth…
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Serpentario
Get face-to-face with 50 different species of reptiles and amphibians, including a poison-dart frog, an anaconda and the star attraction, an 80kg Burmese python.
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Heliconia Island
This self-proclaimed ‘oasis of serenity’ is arguably the most beautiful garden in all of Costa Rica. Heliconia Island is a masterpiece of landscape architecture that was started in 1992 by New York City-native Tim Ryan, a former professor of art and design. Today, this 2.3-hectare island overlooking the Rio Puerto Viejo is owned by Dutch couple Henk and Carolien, and is home to more than 80 varieties of heliconias, tropical flowers, plants and trees. The grounds are a refuge for 228 species of birds (hummingbirds are the sole pollinators of heliconias). There are also resident howler monkeys, river otters, sloths, and a few friendly dogs that will greet you upon…
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Centro Biológico Santuario De Mariposas Aguas Silvestres
You’ll need your own wheels, or you can make arrangements through Rancho Leona, to visit this butterfly sanctuary in the mountains, run by the energetic Edgar Corrales. Guided hikes (in Spanish; US$12) take you through the rainforest along a waterfall trail and include a tour of the butterfly garden.
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