Lankester Botanical Gardens

Jardín Botánico Lankester

A world-renowned botanical garden famous for one of the finest orchid collections in Central America. Winding trails pass Japanese gardens, bromeliads, cactus zones and native forest.

Things to do

• Explore the Orchid Collection — Wander among thousands of orchids representing one of Central America's finest collections, with peak blooming between February and April.
• Stroll the Japanese Garden — Relax in the serene Japanese-style garden with its ponds, stone lanterns and carefully arranged plantings honoring founder Charles Lankester's legacy.
• Visit the Cactus and Succulent Zone — Walk through the arid-climate section showcasing an array of cacti and succulents from the Americas.
• Discover the Bromeliad Garden — See colorful bromeliads and epiphytes clinging to trees along the shaded trails.
• Walk the Native Forest Trail — Follow winding paths through preserved premontane forest to spot native trees, birds and butterflies.
• Photograph in the Heliconia and Palm Areas — Capture the tropical foliage, vibrant heliconias and towering palms that fill the garden's lower sections.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty Costa Rican plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and a choice of meat, found in nearby Cartago sodas.
• Olla de carne — A traditional beef and vegetable stew loaded with yuca, chayote and corn, popular in the Cartago highlands.
• Tamal — Corn masa filled with pork and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves, especially common around Cartago.
• Café chorreado — Costa Rican coffee brewed through a cloth 'chorreador,' best enjoyed with the region's fresh cheese-filled breads.
• Empanadas de queso — Fried corn turnovers filled with local cheese, a common snack at markets and roadside stands near the gardens.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy tickets and arrive early — The garden opens at 8:30am and morning visits offer cooler weather, better light and the most active wildlife.
• Bring rain protection — Cartago sits in a rainy highland region, so carry a light poncho or umbrella even on sunny mornings.
• Stay on marked trails — Respect the conservation signage and avoid touching plants, as many orchids and epiphytes are delicate research specimens.
• Combine with the Cartago Basilica — The nearby Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles is Costa Rica's most important pilgrimage site and pairs well with a garden visit.

Nearby

• Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels — 4 km
• Cartago — 4 km
• Orosi Valley — 6 km
• Orosi Colonial Church — 6 km