Lankester Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico Lankester)
Costa Rica, Cartago, 30109
The Lankester Botanical Garden (Jadín Botánico Lankester), in the outskirts of Cartago, is a research center operated by the University of Costa Rica—and a fabulous place to see orchids. The garden is a center for botanical research and is also open to visitors who want to get out into nature and see tropical flowers and plants.
The Basics
Spread out over 27 acres (11 hectares), this sprawling garden is one of the foremost research institutes in the region and home to a huge collection of orchids and other tropical plants. Pre-book tickets online to guarantee admission, or join a day tour from San José, many of which combine a visit to the garden with a trip to the Irazú volcano and the Orosi Valley. You can also reserve a guided tour at the garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
Lankester Botanical Garden is ideal for anyone interested in horticulture.
Travelers should wear sunscreen and bug repellent; bring rain protection if visiting between May and November.
Student discounts are available, and children under five enter free of charge.
Leashed dogs are welcome, but visitors should bring waste bags.
How to Get There
Lankester Botanical Garden is located just outside of Cartago, about an hour's drive southeast of San José via the Florencio del Castillo freeway. The garden is difficult to reach via public transportation, so most visitors drive or visit as part of a tour.
When to Get There
The garden is open from morning until late afternoon every day of the year. To get the most out of the trip, visit is in the dry season, from late November through April. If you want to take photos, it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning, when crowds are usually smaller.
Other Nearby Attractions
Many visitors combine a trip to the garden with a visit to other area attractions. After a morning trip to the park, head to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in nearby Cartago, a Marian apparition site that draws in throngs of pilgrims. Alternatively, visit Irazú Volcano National Park, not far from Cartago, which has a beautiful caldera and a moon-like landscape that makes it a popular destination.
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