Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
looking for good country eats. The road is dotted with little family-run establishments
where you can sample these regional treats.
www.zooavecostarica.org
; La Garita; adult/child US$11/5; 9am-5pm; )
, a well-designed
animal park sheltering more than 115 species of birds on colorful, squawking display in a
relaxing 14-hectare setting. The zoo houses all four species of Costa Rican monkey, wild
cats, reptiles and other native critters, many of which are rescues. Though technically a
zoo, it is also an important animal-breeding center that aims to reintroduce native species
into the wild; admission fees fund wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release and conservation
programs.
Continue west and the road slides over the Interamericana. Just north of the intersection,
jam-packed with families enjoying the spectacular Tico country cooking. The menu is
heavy on grilled meats and corn dishes, though there are veggie
casados
(set meals) as
well. The
chorreadas
are excellent, but don't leave without sampling the tasty corn soup,
studded with sweet, fresh kernels, or the falling-off-the-bone
costillas de cerdo
(pork ribs).
Buses (US$1, 30 minutes) run between Alajuela and La Garita, via Zoo Ave, every half-
hour.
Atenas
This small village, on the historic
camino de carretas
(oxcart trail) that once carried coffee
beans as far as Puntarenas, is best known as having the most pleasant climate in the world,
at least according to a 1994 issue of
National Geographic
. It's not too heavy on sights, but
springtime is always in the air, and the sizable expatriate community gives the town a cos-
mopolitan feel.
About 1km before the center of town, you'll see the
Monumento al Boyero
(Monu-
ment to the Oxcart Driver) on the north side of the road.
Atenas' social hub is its appealing, shady central plaza, just a couple blocks up from the
main road through town. On the plaza's west side, the astroturf-carpeted gelatería-cafe
US$3-6; noon-8pm Tue-Sun; )
is a great spot for Italian-style gelato, sweet and savory
crepes, burritos, salads and - if you're lucky - a touch of magic; Mexican owner and pro-
fessional magician Alex Solis sometimes regales guests with improvised shows.
