Santo Domingo's main attraction is INBioparque, which does a good job of explaining the country's various ecosystems. It's a useful, if slightly expensive, primer before you head out to the hinterlands. Wander trails through climate-controlled wetlands and out to tropical dry forest. The forests may not look much different, but your English-speaking guide will explain the subtleties. Along the way, stop at the butterfly farm, snake and insect exhibits, and bromeliad garden. The tour is packed with information—perhaps too much—but if you're visiting Costa Rica for its ecology, it's a worthwhile lesson. Kids love the world's only bullet-ant farm, and the virtual aerial flyover of Central America introduced by astronaut Franklin Chang. A restaurant serves typical Costa Rican fare, and the gift shop has souvenirs and books on natural history. Reservations are recommended.
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