Rancho San Miguel: This stable comes into its own at night when it hosts an Andalusian horse show offering a dramatic display of fine horsemanship.

Flor de Mayo: Visits are strictly by appointment at this private breeding center for endangered macaws. Serious birders and nature lovers will be enthralled.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The world’s largest butterfly enclosure, an aviary, snake and frog exhibits, hiking trails, and spectacular waterfalls highlight a visit to this nature theme park. It also has a fine restaurant and luxurious accommodations.

Poás Volcano National Park: Imagine a drive-in volcano! You can park near the summit, then walk to the crater rim of this steaming volcano. As a bonus, you’re blessed with stupendous views.

Bosque de Paz Rain/Cloud Forest: This remote, seldom-visited Shangri-la offers prime birding and wildlife-viewing in a rain-soaked mountain setting.

Zoo Ave: A Noah’s Ark-ful of critters are displayed at this well-run zoo offering close-up encounters with animals and birds you may not wish to meet in the wild. All the favorites are here, from monkeys to the big cats.

Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve: There are no quetzals here, but sloths, monkeys galore, and countless bird species inhabit this mountain-crest, mist-shrouded forest with nature trails and a short zipline canopy tour.

Café Britt: Workers in campesino outfits provide an entertaining entrée to the world of coffee, including theatrical skits and ending with your favorite beverage.

Irazú Volcano National Park: The drive up Volcán Irazú is a scenic switchback made more fun by the anticipation of magnificent views from the summit.

San Gerardo de Dota: Here you’ll find a Shangri-La valley with a magnificent climate, a choice of delightful accommodations, and birding — including quetzal-viewing — as good as anywhere in the nation.