Things to do in Southern Costa Rica
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Cerro Urán
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Cerro Terbi
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Cerro Chirripó
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Aratinga Tours
Pieter Westra runs this highly recommended company and specializes in bird tours in his native Dutch, but he is fluent in English, Spanish and many dialects of bird. His website provides an excellent introduction to bird-watching in Costa Rica. He is based at Talari Mountain Lodge. Inclusive 2-week tours start at US$1800, though shorter and less expensive trips can be arranged by appointment.
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Granite Spheres
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Wilson Botanical Garden
Covering 12 hectares and surrounded by 254 hectares of natural forest, lies about 6km south of San Vito. 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. Species threatened with extinction are preserved here for possible reforestation in the future.
The gardens are well laid out, many of the plants are labeled and a trail map is available for…
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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…
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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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Cloudbridge Nature Preserve
About 2km past the trailhead to Cerro Chirripó you will find the entrance to the mystical, magical Cloudbridge Nature Preserve. Covering 182 hectares on the side of Cerro Chirripó, this private reserve is an ongoing reforestation and preservation project spearheaded by New Yorkers Ian and Genevieve Giddy. A network of trails traverses the property, which is easy to explore independently. Even if you don't get far past the entrance, you'll find two waterfalls, including the magnificent Catarata Pacifica. Volunteer reforestation and conservation opportunities are listed on the reserve's website.
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Coopedota
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