Arenal & Northern Lowlands - Costa Rica - page 540

it has easy access to Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal. It also offers amazing, up-close
views of the looming mountain. It's best to have your own wheels out here, as buses don't
serve this little enclave.
Sights & Activities
El Castillo-Arenal Butterfly Conservatory WILDLIFE RESERVE
( 2479-1149; www.butterflyconservatory.org ; adult/student US$14/10; 8:30am-4:30pm)
This is more than just a butterfly conservatory (although it houses one of the largest butter-
fly exhibitions in Costa Rica). Altogether there are six domed habitats, a ranarium, an in-
sect museum, a medicinal herb garden, and an hour's worth of trails through a botanic
garden and along the river. The birding is also excellent at this peaceful place.
Arenal EcoZoo ZOO
(El Serpentario; 2479-1059; www.arenalecozoo.com ; adult/child US$16/10; 8am-7pm)
Meet 36 of the most dangerous snake species in the world, including Eliza, a 5m-long
Burmese python, then handle and milk a venomous snake. The EcoZoo is also home to vi-
brant frogs, amphibious lizards, spiny iguanas, shy turtles, vengeful scorpions, hairy
tarantulas and floating butterflies.
Big Forest Hike HIKING
( 2479-1747; per person US$130)
Offered by the adventurous folks at La Gavilana, this is a two-day round-trip 'extreme
hike' between El Castillo and San Gerardo (near Santa Elena). Traversing old-growth
forests and raging rivers, hikers stay overnight at the rustic Rancho Maximo in San Gerar-
do. Dinner and breakfast are provided, but hikers should bring food and water to sustain
them for the hike.
Tours
Rancho Adventure Tours BIKING, KAYAKING, HORSE RIDING