Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ary 2009 a massive earthquake struck the area, destroying the road from Vara Blanca to
San Miguel along with the family's home and dairy. This wonderful family rebuilt the
ranch from scratch and incorporated a tourism component. Guests stay in one of three cozy
A-framed cabins, from which you can explore 4km of trails in primary and secondary rain-
forest. It also has a working dairy. Kids (and grown-ups) can milk the cows and ride
horses.
La Virgen
Tucked into the densely jungled shores of the wild and scenic Río Sarapiquí, La Virgen
was one of a number of small towns that prospered during the heyday of the banana trade.
Although United Fruit has long since shipped out, the town remains dependent on its
nearby pineapple fields, and it still leans on that river. For over a decade, La Virgen was
the premier kayaking and rafting destination in Costa Rica. Dedicated groups of hard-core
paddlers spent happy weeks running the Río Sarapiquí. But a tremendous 2009 earthquake
and landslide altered its course and flattened La Virgen's tourist economy. Some busi-
nesses folded, others relocated to La Fortuna. But independent kayakers are starting to
come back and there are now three river outfitters offering exhilarating trips on Class
II-IV waters. There are cheap digs in town, or consider staying in one of the more interest-
ing lodges on the outskirts or on the road to Puerto Viejo.
Sights
Snake Garden
ZOO
( 2761-1059;
snakegarden@hotmail.com
; adult/student & child US$15/10, night tour US$24/18;
9am-5pm)
This wildlife center is an entertaining rainy-day outing. Get face to face with 50 species of
reptiles and amphibians, including poison-dart frogs, rattlesnakes, crocs and turtles. The
star attraction is a gigantic 80kg Burmese python.
Nature Pavilion
WILDLIFE RESERVE, BIRD-WATCHING
(
2761-0801;
www.costaricanp.com
; without/with guide US$20/30;
7am-5pm)
