A Natural History Theme Park in the Making -- The Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquís is working toward the creation of one of the most unique natural-history projects in the region. The Alma Ata Archaeological Park is basically an ongoing dig of a modest pre-Columbian gravesite; so far, 12 graves, some petroglyphs, and numerous pieces of ceramic and jewelry have been unearthed. Plans for the park include the reconstruction of a small indigenous village. The hotel also has a small museum that displays examples of the ceramics, tools, clothing, and carvings found here, as well as other natural-history exhibits. Just across the hotel's driveway, you'll find the Chester Field Biological Gardens, which feature well-tended and displayed examples of local medicinal and ornamental plants and herbs, as well as food crops. Admission to the archaeological park, museum, and gardens costs $19. If you just want to visit the small museum, the cost is $12. A self-guided walk through the botanical gardens is free
Across the Sarapiquí River from the Centro Neotrópico is the 300-hectare (741-acre) private Tirimbina Biological Reserve (tel. 761-1579; www.tirimbina.org), which features a small network of trails and several impressive suspension bridges, both over the river and through the forest canopy. A self-guided walk of the bridges and trails of the reserve costs $10 per person, and a 2-hour guided tour costs just $15 per person -- definitely worth the extra $5.
Snakes Under Glass -- Just a few blocks west of the Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquís, you'll find Snake Garden (tel. 761-1059), a collection of over 50 local snakes, both venomous and nonvenomous, and other reptiles and amphibians. All are kept in clean, well-lit displays. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children.
Two Major Attractions En Route -- If you're driving to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí via the Guápiles Highway, you might want to stop at the Aerial Tram. You'll see the entrance to the Aerial Tram on your right shortly after passing through the Zurquí tunnel. If you're traveling via Varablanca and La Virgen, you'll want to visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which is right on the winding road to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, about 6km (3 3/4 miles) beyond Varablanca.