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Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Education Review

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Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Education

Address: 3 km/2 mi outside Turrialba, on the road to Siquirres, Turrialba
Phone: 556-6081; 556-6431
www.catie.ac.cr

Category: Nature Preserves
Location: Turrialba

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Fodor's Review:

A good place for bird-watching, the Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Education (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza), better known by its acronym, CATIE, is one of the leading tropical research centers in Latin America. You might catch sight of the yellow-winged northern jacana or the purple gallinule in the lagoon near the main building. The 8-square-km (3-square-mi) property includes landscaped grounds, seed-conservation chambers, greenhouses, orchards, experimental agricultural projects, a large swath of rain forest, labs and offices, and lodging for students and teachers. Behind the administration building lies the lake that once was rapids on the Reventazón River. The CATIE staff is working to improve visitor access; 2-hour guided tours (call ahead to reserve) of the impressive Botanical Garden have been added, and forest trails are planned for the future.

Cost: $5, $15 with guide, $10 for groups of more than 5
Open: Weekdays 7-4

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