Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquís

This facility (P.O. Box 86-3009 La Virgen de Sarapiqui, tel. 506/761-1004, fax 506/761-1415, magistra@racsa.co.cr, www.sarapiquis.org, $12 admission, $14 with guide), on the banks of Río Sarapiquí about one km north of La Virgen, is sponsored by the Belgian nonprofit Landscape Foundation and serves as a scientific research and educational center.

The National Museum of Indigenous Culture, with more than 400 pre-Columbian artifacts and a 60-seat movie theater, is a centerpiece of the center. There’s an archaeological dig—Alma Alta Archaeological Park—of four indigenous tombs dating from 800–155 a.d., plus a reconstruction of an Indian village. A farm grows fruits and vegetables based on ecological farming practices. And there’s an astronomical observatory, and a formal botanical garden with about 500 native species. Facilities include a splendid hotel, and a conference center for educational forums and workshops.

A 250-meter-long canopied bridge leads across the deep river gorge and into the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve (tel. 506/761-1579, fax 506/761-1576, tirimbin@racsa.co.cr, www.tirimbina.org, $3), which has eight km of trails, with suspension bridges and a 360-foot canopy walkway. A museum portrays life in the forest. Nature walks cost $12–20 ($6 for children); walks along a canopy trail cost $14; and a three-hour “World of Bats” night walk is offered with 24-hour reservation. It runs research and special topic workshops.