Alajuela Surroundings

Open since 1983, the Butterfly Farm was the first commercial butterfly farm in Latin America. One of Costa Rica's top attractions, the farm presents the ecology of the delicate insects and allows visitors to observe and photograph them up close.Hundreds of butterfly species fill the tropical gardens, and interesting information about the complex stages of the butterfly life cycle is offered.The butterflies live in a large enclosed garden similar to an aviary and flutter about the heads of visitors during tours of the gardens. Other attractions at the farm include a bee garden and ox-cart rides. Many tropical birds can be spotted in the gardens.

Several tropical bird species, including over 60 species native to Costa Rica, are displayed in the park-like setting of Zoo-Ave. All four species of Costa Rican monkeys, iguanas and a few other mammals can also be seen.However, the brightly-colored birds are the main attraction with some of the featured species being scarlet macaws, owls, raptors and various toucans. Zoo-Ave is known for housing injured, donated and confiscated animals and there is a program to breed endangered species and reintroduce them into the wild.

Popular with local residents, the Ojo de Agua Springs recreational complex features pools, a small gym and game courts and a picnic area.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens includes several trails through the forest along the La Paz river offering lookouts over a series of waterfalls. The most dramatic is the park's namesake, Catarata La Paz (Peace Waterfall), where a short trail leads behind the falls between the cascading water and the side of the mountain.Other attractions found here include a large butterfly garden, and orchid garden and several hummingbird feeders. Local legend claims the La Paz waterfall is charged with negative electricity "that helps reduce the stress of modern life".