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Managed by the University of Costa Rica, this 26-acre facility protects over 800 species of orchids and epiphytes.
Lankester Botanical Gardens sits in the Cartago Province, offering a lower-altitude contrast to the freezing Irazú Volcano. Entry costs $10 for adults and $7.50 for children and students.
You will walk through shaded greenhouses and premontane forest trails. Do not touch, pick, or remove any orchids, bromeliads, or flora from the grounds during your visit.
45 mins
Walk through shaded enclosures designed to protect hundreds of delicate orchid species from Costa Rica and the broader tropics. The peak blooming season happens between February and April. Plan to spend the bulk of your garden visit in this section.
20 mins
This section replicates dry tropical forests and features arid-adapted flora. It offers a sharp contrast to the surrounding wet premontane environment. Stop here to observe unique plants native to the drier Guanacaste region.
30 mins
Follow paved walkways winding through thick premontane forest elements. The paths are lined with large tropical foliage like bromeliads and ferns. Watch for small tropical birds and butterflies attracted to the local blooms.
