About: This rescue center hosts international volunteers but also allows day visitors looking to see some local wildlife that maybe they haven’t gotten lucky enough to see in the wild. You will get a guided tour teaching you about the animals in general as well as giving you their personal stories about how these animals…
Author: Ultimate Guide
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
About: One of the largest animal sanctuaries in Costa Rica, this rescue center boasts a wide variety of animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians that you can observe up close. They are focused on the rehabilitation of injured animals with the goal of returning them to the wild if possible. They have over 650…
Museo Vivo de Abejas
About: Just off Highway 3, this living museum of bees offers a short but informative guided tour of their bee garden that hosts 17 different species of bees. Of course, they have honey for sale that you would be remiss not to purchase. Province: Alajuela Starting from: Downtown Alajuela Time to reach from starting location:…
Mariposario Vida de Colores
About: At this butterfly garden you will get an educational and interactive tour that illustrates all parts of the butterfly life cycle. The owners are passionate and knowledgeable and you will walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for these beautiful creatures. Province: Alajuela Starting from: Downtown Alajuela Time to reach from starting location:…
La Casa de la Morpho Azul
About: This is a butterfly garden that offers interactive tours. They highlight the Blue Morpho butterfly although they also have other butterfly species. They will show you all stages of the life cycle, including the eggs, caterpillar, pupa, and of course, butterfly. They have a beautiful cafe and gift shop with unique souvenirs by local…
Jardin Botanico La Catalina
About: This botanic garden offers a guided tour teaching about orchids and an array of other local plants as well as important pollinators as you walk through the property. There is a river with a waterfall at the end. They provide a snack and drink at the end of the tour. Province: Alajuela Starting from:…
Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
About: This animal sanctuary houses rescue animals that people have found in hurt conditions and brought in for care. The ultimate goal is re-release into the wild when possible, though for various reasons this cannot always happen and they end up staying at the rescue center for life. They offer a tour that explains how…
Capilla Ambar
About: With claims to be the only glass chapel in the world with a butterfly garden inside, this property also offers trails with manicured gardens. They offer tours that cover both their butterfly exhibit as well as their coffee plantation. They also have a cafe, farm animals, and bee houses focused on conservation. Province: Alajuela…
Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita
About: This botanical garden offers trails, playgrounds for children, a koi pond, and an orchid garden. They offer lunch or you can bring your own food for a picnic. Province: Alajuela Starting from: Downtown Alajuela Time to reach from starting location: 23 minutes Time needed for activity: 1+ hour Kid friendly: Yes Wheelchair accessible: Yes…
Downtown Alajuela Waterfalls
Options for waterfalls in Downtown Alajuela: