This reserve—in the hills about five kilometers southwest of Ciudad Colón [1] and part of a cattle estate called Hacienda el Rodeo (tel. 506/2249-1013, www.haciendaelrodeo.com [2], 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat., Sun., and holidays)—protects the largest remaining tract of virgin forest in the Meseta Central. A rustic restaurant serves Tico fare.
One kilometer beyond Hacienda el Rodeo is the University for Peace (tel. 506/2205-9000, www.upeace.org [3], 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri.), charged with the mission of global education and research in support of the peace and security goals of the United Nations and contributing to building a culture of peace. The 303-hectare facility includes botanical gardens containing busts of famous figures, such as Gandhi and Henry Dunant (founder of the Red Cross).
Visitors are welcome; follow the road that passes the entrance gate and you’ll arrive at the Monument for Disarmament, Work, and Peace, set around a lake full of geese (8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, $0.75).
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/costa-rica/central-highlands/escazu-and-vicinity/santa-ana-ciudad-colon
[2] http://www.haciendaelrodeo.com
[3] http://www.upeace.org