For an intimate look at the life cycle and acrobatic flights-of-fancy of butterflies, head to the Mariposario Montezuma Gardens ★ (tel. 2642-1317 or 8888-4200; daily 8am–4pm; $8 entry). This has perhaps the wildest and most natural feel of all the butterfly gardens in Costa Rica. Wooden walkways wind through thick vegetation under black screen meshing. Most of the butterflies in the enclosure are self-reproducing. You can also see butterflies and other wildlife on trails through open forested areas outside the enclosure. It’s along the dirt road heading up the hill just beyond the entrance to the waterfall trail. These folks also rent out a few pretty rooms and have a microbrewery.

Backroads Exploring & Beach Hopping

This is a great area to explore by 4x4 or ATV. A single coastal road heads up the coast to Cabuya and Cabo Blanco, with a half-dozen or more spots to pull over for a swim at a semi-private beach. Moreover, several dirt roads head into the hills here connecting Montezuma with Cabuya, Delicias, Malpaís, and Santa Teresa.

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.