There are more than 1,400 varieties of orchids in Costa Rica, and no fewer than 800 species are on display at this botanical garden in the province of Cartago. Created in the 1940s by English naturalist Charles Lankester, the gardens are now administered by the University of Costa Rica.

The primary goal of Lankester Gardens is to preserve the local flora, with an emphasis on orchids and bromeliads. Paved trails meander from open, sunny gardens into shady forests. In each environment different species of orchids are in bloom. There's an information center and gift shop, and the trails are well maintained and marked.

You can spend between 1 and 3 hours here if you're interested in flowers and gardening; you could run through it more quickly if you're not. You can easily combine a visit here with an enjoyable tour at Cartago and/or the Orosi Valley and Irazu Volcano.

Lankester Gardens
Open: Daily 8:30am-4:30pm
Location: Paraíso de Cartago
Transportation: Take the Cartago bus from San Jose, and then the Paraiso bus from a stop 1 block south and 3/4 block west of the Catholic church ruins in Cartago (ride takes 30-40 min.)
Phone: 506-552-3247
Admission: Admission $5 adults, $1 children