Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
THE CENTRAL VALLEY FOR CHILDREN
Family-friendly attractions abound in the Central Valley. Here are a few spots guaranteed
to please kids and adults alike.
Topiary gardens, Zarcero
Kids will love zigzagging through rows of bushes sculpted into
stegosauruses and other fantastic shapes.
Río Pejibaye
Turrialba outfitters lead rafting trips on this Class I-II river that's plenty
scenic but not too rough.
Zoo Ave
Stroll the grounds alongside peacocks and giant lizards, visit with monkeys or
take the canopy tour at this zoo and animal-rescue center.
Parque Nacional Tapantí-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte
Easy hiking trails lead down to
sandy beaches where kids can splash in a boulder-strewn river.
Volcán Turrialba Lodge
Cuddle with lambs and ride horses at the foot of Costa Rica's
most active volcano.
Orosi to Paraíso
From Orosi, a scenic loop circles the artificial
Lago de Cachí
. The lake was created fol-
lowing the construction of the
Represa de Cachí
(Cachí Dam), which supplies San José
and the majority of the Central Valley with electricity. Buses run from Orosi to the dam
and nearby ruins, though this stretch is best explored by car or bicycle - and it's worth ex-
ploring as this is beautiful countryside.
Sights here are all listed traveling counter-clockwise around the lake, from Orosi to
Ujarrás. After Ujarrás, the road continues west for a few kilometers back to Paraíso, where
you can catch the main road south to Orosi.
Near the town of Cachí, on the left-hand side of the road about 2km southeast of the
dam, the charming lakeside
La Casona del Cafetal
( 2577-1414, 2577-1515;
www.lacasonadelcafetal.com
; mains US$8-29; 11am-5pm; )
is situated in the middle of a
coffee plantation and is especially popular with local families on buffet Sundays. Special-
ties include fresh river trout and coffee-laced desserts. There's a small playground, short
trails and a lagoon with paddle boats for rent (in high season).
