Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Neily
Although it is Southern Costa Rica's second-largest 'city,' Ciudad Neily has retained the
friendly atmosphere of a rural town, much like neighboring Palmar. At just 50m above sea
level, steamy Neily serves as a regional transportation hub and agricultural center, but is
decidedly lacking in tourist appeal.
2783-3715, 2783-3784;
www.hotelandreacr.com
; d with/without air-con $46/37;
)
.
Paths of terracotta tiles lead guests to cool, whitewashed rooms. The heavy-handed
Romanesque columns might look a bit like Caesar's Palace (the Las Vegas one), but the
rooms are good value and very secure. Conveniently, the hotel's onsite restaurant is one of
the best in town.
PARADISE TROPICAL GARDEN
Indigenous groups use tropical flowers, herbs and plants to treat all kinds of illnesses,
from diabetes to a slipped disk. If you'd like to learn a bit more about rainforest medicine,
Río Claro; admission by donation; 8am-3pm with one day's advance notice), where Robert and
Ella Beatham have created a wonderfully sensual introduction to tropical fruits and rain-
forest remedies that they call the 'Tropical Fruit See, Smell, Taste & Touch Experience.'
Besides this interactive display, visitors learn about the production of African palm oil and
how it came to be the dominant crop of this region following the collapse of the banana
industry. Robert and Ella are wonderful hosts, but you should call a day in advance if you
want their full attention. The gardens are located just west of the town of Río Claro - fol-
low the Interamericana for 1km, cross the Río Lagarto and turn right at the end of the
bridge. From here, the garden is just 200m beyond.
Information
8am-3pm Mon-Fri)
, just southwest of
the
mercado
(market), with a 24-hour ATM.
Getting There & Away
