Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San José and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, though irregular maintenance can make for a
bumpy ride.
La Virgen to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
This scenic stretch of Hwy 126 is home to a few excellent ecolodges. Good news for
budget travelers: you don't have to stay at them to take advantage of their private trails and
other interesting attractions. Any bus between La Virgen and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
can drop you off at the entrances, while a taxi from La Virgen will cost from US$8 to
US$10.
WORTH A TRIP
CINCO CEIBAS
On the grounds of the huge, 1100-hectare Finca Pangola there is a swathe of dense green
primary rainforest, home to some of the oldest and largest trees in all of Costa Rica. This
yes, there are five glorious ceiba trees that you can gawk at as you walk 1.2km along the
raised wooden boardwalk through the jungle. The stroll is paired with horseback riding,
kayaking, or an ox-cart ride, plus lunch, for a carefully choreographed adventure.
Cinco Ceibas offers transportation for day-trippers from San José or La Fortuna. If you
have your own wheels, it's a one-hour drive on mostly gravel roads from La Virgen. From
the highway north of town, take the turn off to Pueblo Nuevo. There is supposed to be a
new highway in the works, which will make this journey faster and easier, so ask around
before you set out.
Sights
Sarapiquí al Natural
FARM
( 8635-7645; admission US$10; 7am-5pm Mon-Fri & 8am-5pm Sat & Sun)
In the tiny village of Las Palmitas, Leo Herra welcomes guests to his family farm to spot
frogs in the pond, to marvel at spiders, and - most intriguing - to spy on the amazing cut-
ter ants as they go about their business in their nest. Aside from the critters, the farm is
