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Costa Rica Natural Attractions
 Botanical Gardens
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Las Cruces Biological Station and Wilson Botanical Gardens
Located in southern Costa Rica near the Panamanian border at an elevation of 4500 feet above sea level, these botanical gardens cover an area over 25 acres. A paradise for plant enthusiasts and birders alike, the gardens feature an extensive variety of tropical and subtropical ornamentals, representatives of unusual plant families and rare and endangered plants from Costa Rica and elsewhere. More than 1000 genera in 212 plant families can be observed along the trails that wind around the hillside and under the rain forest canopy. Particularly well represented are ferns, bromeliads, gingers, heliconias and palms; there are over 700 species of palms alone, the second largest collection worldwide. In addition, over 320 species of birds have been identified in the gardens and the adjoining forest reserve. The gardens are operated by the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) as a center for research, scientific study and public education in tropical botany.
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Lankester Botanical Gardens
Located in the Central Plateau near the historic colonial city of Cartago (about 20 miles east of San Jose), Lankester Gardens were founded in the early 20th century by English botanist, Charles Lankester. The University of Costa Rica now manages the facility Featuring over 800 species of native and imported orchids as well as bromeliads, palms, bamboos, heliconias, bromeliads, palms, and conifers, the gardens are spread over 30 acres of forest. Peak flowering month for the orchids are February through April. The gardens are surrounded by a tropical premontane forest and attract many animals, birds, and insects to this protected sanctuary. Hummingbirds in particular are frequent visitors to the garden attracted especially to the nectar rich flowers in the butterfly enclosure.
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Arenal Botanical Gardens
Located near the majestic Arenal volcano, Arenal Gardens is a small but appealing facility and is primarily a native species preservation project, featuring over 2,200 species of plants. Walking through the gardens, you'll encounter a variety of bromeliads, heliconias, anthuriums and ferns. There is even an Asian garden with waterfall.
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National Parks
A brief description of some of the most interesting and popular National Parks.
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Manuel Antonio National Park
Known for its splendid white sandy beaches with a lush jungle backdrop, dramatic tropical landscapes, good snorkeling and well-marked trails, Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular vacation spots in Costa Rica. Three species of monkeys reside in Manuel Antonio - the Howler, capuchin and spider monkeys.
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Santa Rosa National Park
Located in Northwest Costa Rica in Guanacaste province, this park features a protected tropical dry forest and two important turtle nesting sites along the Pacific Coast, Nancite and Naranjo.
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Braulio Carrillo National Park
Located in the highlands between San Jose and the Atlantic Coast, this park encompasses rugged mountains, lush rainforests, many rivers and countless waterfalls. In addition, two extinct volcanoes and two small lakes are located within the park. Birders will love this park - over 347 species of birds have been identified here.
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Tortuguero National Park
Located on the Northeast Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero is an area of dense mangrove swamps, inland waterways and canals and lush rainforests. In addition to being the most important nesting site of the Green Sea Turtle in the western Caribbean, the region is also an excellent locale for birding.
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Palo Verde National Park
Located in the Pacific Lowlands, this park encompasses swamps, grasslands and woodland forests and is a major sanctuary for migratory waterfowl in Central America.
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Cahuita National Park
Located on the Caribbean Coast, Cahuita has beautiful white sand and volcanic black sand beaches and a large coral reef that is rich with marine life.
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Corcovado National Park
Located on the Osa Peninsula on the Southwest Coast of Costa Rica, Corcovado is a remote and biologically diverse region, rich in fauna and flora, encompassing beautiful beaches and virgin rainforest. Many endangered species inhabit the park including ocelots, cougars and jaguars. Also the largest population of Scarlet Macaw in the country resides here.
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