Golf & Tennis -- Some of the best Central Valley facilities for visiting golfers and tennis players can be found at Parque Valle del Sol ★ (tel. 2282-9222), in Santa Ana. The 18-hole course here is open to the general public. Greens fees are $70, including unlimited balls on the driving range. A golf cart will run you an extra $32. The tennis courts here cost $7.50 per hour weekdays and $13 per hour weekends. Reservations are essential. The golf course at the Cariari Country Club is not open to the general public.

The excellent Los Reyes Country Club ★★ (tel. 2438-0858) in Escazu, has 9-holes and is open to the public and features a driving range. For non-members, it is $50 for 2 rounds and $25 to rent a cart.

Horseback Riding --Options are nearly endless in the mountains and along the coasts, but it’s more difficult to find a place to saddle up in the Central Valley. Centro Ecuestre del Sol (Equestrian Sun; tel. 2282-1070) is in Santa Ana and offers riding classes, though your best bet is to head a little farther west to Ciudad Colón, where Finca Caballo Loco (tel. 7010-1771) offers trail rides through some beautiful rural terrain.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.