Hi everyone!!! Does anyone have any information on the topiary garden in Zarcero? If I will be staying in Arenal, is it nearby? And what is it exactly? I saw someone's photos from a trip and it looked beautiful? Is is a private park? Is there an admission fee? Thanks for the information.

Hi Wolfiesmom,
The topiary garden in Zarcero is pretty cool to stop and take a look at if you are passing through! We drove by there one evening (it was nearing sundown and we had quite a distance still to drive, so just viewed it as we drove by . . .) It is on the main road through there and is located, I believe, in front of the church.

Zarcero isn't particularly close to Arenal. But it is on the way if you take a different route in driving to Arenal--or driving south from Arenal. Instead of driving to Arenal through San Ramon and La Tigra, you can head north from Sarchi up toward San Carlos (Cuidad Quesada). We made this loop one day when we were out exploring. Left La Fortuna, drove south down to San Ramon, headed east to Naranjo and Sarchi, then returned to La Fortuna (north again) through Zarcero and San Carlos.

The animal shapes are very interesting and right there on the road free for folks to stop. . .or drive by . . . and look at. Just another little interesting quirk to come across when out exploring!

I was walking around in Barva one day last year and came across a "mini topiary" in someone's yard. Seems the fellow who lived there was retired and spent a lot of time trimming his trees into animal shapes. Very artistic!

Sounds cool. Thanks shillmac. Do you think it is a good stop coming from Peace Lodge to Arenal?

Absolutely. It's right on the way (pretty much . From Peace Lodge to Arenal, I think you would typically go north and east. But you could go out of the way just a bit, come down a short distance south, west to Grecia, then Sarchi, then up to Zarcero (not far). You could, from there, either continue on up the way I mentioned through San Carlos or just drop back down to Sarchi, then head on west into San Ramon and up to Arenal through La Tigra.

Thing is, if you are not going to get to be in the Sarchi/Zarcero/Grecia/Naranjo area any other way, I think it would be worth the extra time. These little towns are very interesting--each in its own right and for different reasons.

Could make for a long transfer, however, simply because you would be tempted to spend a little time at least in Grecia, Sarchi, and Zarcero! We have been to all of these little towns and loved them--but never all in one day.

If you got an early start from La Paz, it could be quite a full and enjoyable day! I think you could enjoy a little bit of each and still be at Arenal by afternoon --key words: early start!

If you are driving to Arenal , then you might as well take Highway #15, the one that goes through Grecia,( I like this place) , Sarchi ( famous for the painted ox carts), Naranjo and then on to Zacero.

The Topiary you are talking about is in from of this lovely pastel( light cream ) colored Church.

You just have to stop here and take pictures of the Topairy and use the Church as a backdrop.

Also , you must go inside this very immaculately maintained church...the inside is something to see, with its beautiful white ceiling with gold guild patterns and columns..

I took about five pictures inside the church from several angles.

You will not regret stopping here.

Have a nice trip
Percy

Thank you so much to both of you. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the smaller towns. I can't wait. Have a great weekend