Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The hotels in Paso Canoas aren't particularly inviting, but
Cabinas Romy
(
pleasant courtyard, shiny rooms are decked with pastel-colored walls, wooden doors and
floral bedspreads, which add a surprising bit of warmth to an otherwise drab town.
Tracopa buses leave for San José (US$15.40, 7½ hours) at 3:30am, 8am, 11am and
dow really, is north of the border post, on the east side of the main road. Sunday-afternoon
buses are full of weekend shoppers, so buy tickets as early as possible. Buses for Neily
(US$0.75, 30 minutes) leave from in front of the post office at least once an hour from
6am to 6pm. Taxis to Neily cost about US$7.
Wilson Botanical Garden
Covering 12 hectares and surrounded by 254 hectares of natural forest,
Wilson Botanical
Garden
( 2773-4004;
www.ots.ac.cr/lascruces
; Las Cruces Biological Station; admission US$8,
half-/full-day guided tours US$28/54; 7am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat & Sun)
lies about 6km
south of San Vito. This world-class garden was established by Robert and Catherine
Wilson in 1963 and thereafter became internationally known for its collection.
In 1973 the area came under the auspices of the Organization for Tropical Studies
(OTS) and today the well-maintained garden - part of Las Cruces Biological Station -
holds more than 1000 genera of plants from about 200 families. Species threatened with
extinction are preserved here for possible reforestation in the future.
The gardens are well laid out, many of the plants are labeled and a trail map is available
for self-guided walks featuring exotic species such as orchids, bromeliads and medicinal
plants. The gardens are very popular among bird-watchers, who look for a number of rare
species.
If you want to stay overnight at the botanical gardens, make reservations well in ad-
vance: facilities often fill with researchers. Accommodations are in comfortable cabins
(singles/doubles including meals US$98/186) in the midst of the gorgeous grounds. The
rooms are simple but they each have a balcony with an amazing view.
Buses between San Vito and Neily pass the entrance to the gardens. Take the bus that
goes through Agua Buena, as buses that go through Cañas Gordas do not stop here.
