Things to do in Southern Costa Rica
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Thermal Hot Springs
If you need to recuperate after hiking, consider a soak in the thermal hot springs that are about 2km north of San Gerardo. Just above the ranger station the road forks; take the left fork and walk for about 1km on a paved road. Turn right and take the rickety suspension bridge over the river. A switchback trail will lead you another 1km to a house with a soda (inexpensive eatery), which is the entrance to the springs.
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Pizzería Restaurante Lilliana
This great spot for Italian fare is proud to offer more than a dozen different kinds of pizza, all of which are made from scratch. The lovely mountain views and old-world environs make this a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
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La Comida Típica Miriam
One of the first places you will pass in San Gerardo (about 6km from the Interamericana) is the cozy house advertising comida típica, or ‘typical meals.’ Eating is almost like receiving a personal invitation to dine in a Tico home: the food is delicious and abundant and the hospitality even more so. Miriam also rents a few cabins (US$35) in the woods behind the restaurant, which are a modest but comfortable place to spend a night or two.
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Café de Los Santos
If you are traveling south on the Interamericana, Café de los Santos, is a convenient place to stop and sample the fruits of the region, including fancy espresso drinks for less than a thousand colones. Incidentally, the gas station at this intersection is the last place to fill your tank before San Isidro de El General.
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Las Cavernas de Corredores
About 15km north of Neily on the road to San Vito, Las Cavernas de Corredores are a network of little-explored caverns on a private banana plantation. Besides the huge, impressive stalactites, several species of bats are also in the caves. It's not geared toward tourists, but it is usually possible to visit.
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Kafe de la Casa
Set in an old Tico house, this bohemian cafe features brightly painted rooms decorated with eclectic artwork, an open kitchen and shady garden seating. With a menu featuring excellent breakfasts, light lunches, gourmet dinners and plenty of coffee drinks, this funky place receives a stream of regulars.
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William Hidalgo
William Hidalgo is a local guide who leads travelers through Las Cavernas de Corredores. If you have a 4WD, turn off about 15km north of Neily, just before the school. The small pulpería (look for the 'telefono publico' sign) has more information.
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Restaurant/Bar La Cascada
Pleasant restaurant by day, happening bar by night. The well-stocked bar, massive TV screens showing music videos, and an extensive menu of pub grub attract plenty of local youth, who spend quality time getting to know the beer, the burgers and each other.
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Taquería México Lindo
For a welcome change of pace, stop by this taquería (taco shop) for tasty tacos as well as burritos, nachos and fajitas, not to mention homemade guacamole and several kinds of salsa. Photos of Mexico and festive piñatas set the ambience.
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Mercado Central
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Granite Spheres
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Wilson Botanical Garden
Wilson Botanical Garden lies about 6km south of San Vito. Covering 12 hectares and surrounded by 254 hectares of natural forest, this world-class garden was established by Robert and Catherine Wilson in 1963 and thereafter became internationally known for its collection.
In 1973 the area came under the auspices of the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) and today the well-maintained garden – part of Las Cruces Biological Station – holds more than 1000 genera of plants from about 200 families. As part of the OTS, the garden plays a scientific role as a research center. Species threatened with extinction are preserved here for possible reforestation in the future.
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Supermercado Térraba
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Paradise Tropical Garden
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Panadería Palenquito
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Finca Cántaros
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Altamira
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Rancho La Botija
A great option for families with kids, this is a working coffee and sugar farm. Trails traverse the grounds, and a daily guided hike departs at 9am and leads to the famous ‘Indian Rock,’ an ancient stone carved with pre-Columbian petroglyphs. There is entertainment for all ages, whether you paddle a kayak around the lake or a raft around the swimming pool. A restaurant and a few cabins are onsite. The rancho is 7km from the Interamericana along the road to San Gerardo de Rivas.
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Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary and museum are on the grounds of the farm that was once home to the great ornithologist Dr Alexander Skutch. Author of the bird-watcher’s bible, A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica, Dr Skutch enjoyed a long and fruitful career studying the birds of the tropics. Much of his work took place at this 78-hectare reserve, which is now open to the public. The grounds are wonderful for watching wildlife, wandering the trails and meditating on the mysteries of nature, as Dr Skutch often did. The great scientist’s home is due to open as a museum dedicated to his life and work. To get to Los Cusingos, drive 8km north on the road to San Gerardo de Rivas. Turn right at R…
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Galería Namu
This San José gallery – which specializes in indigenous art – can arrange tours to Boruca, which include homestay, hiking to waterfalls, handicraft demonstrations and storytelling. Transportation to Boruca is not included.
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Fudebiol Reserve
North of El General, Fudebiol is a community reserve along the Río Quebradas. Its 750-hectare grounds include extensive hiking trails, some with rewarding lookout spots, a cooling pond and a butterfly farm (always a treat for kids). Fudebiol offers volunteer opportunities for travelers who want to live with a local family and work at the reserve; this educational facility also has lodging for visiting groups. For more information, contact Ciprotur.
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Costa Rica Trekking Adventures
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Cloudbridge Nature Preserve
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Coopedota
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