Wilson Botanical Garden

Robert and Catherine Wilson laid out this garden from 1962 on a ridge at around twelve hundred metres near San Vito, planting a collection that grew into one of the most important in Central America, with palms, bromeliads, heliconias, gingers, ferns and aroids among the strongest holdings; the palm collection in particular is internationally significant. The garden passed to the Organization for Tropical Studies and now functions as the Las Cruces research station, with visiting scientists, courses and accommodation alongside the public garden. Around it is a remnant of premontane forest, part of a fragmented corridor, and the bird list from the garden and forest runs past four hundred species.

What you actually see

• The palm collection - the internationally significant holding of species.
• Bromeliads and heliconias - the other major collections.
• Forest trails - the routes into the remnant premontane forest.
• The research station - the working scientific base and its courses.

When to go

December to April in the drier season; the Coto Brus highlands are wet and often cloudy from May to November. Early morning is best for birds. Accommodation on site needs booking and fills with courses.

Honest expectations

The station is a working research facility and accommodation is often full with academic groups. The area is frequently in cloud and rain. San Vito is a long drive from anywhere. Trails in the forest remnant are muddy.

Nearby

San Vito lies north; the Panamanian border is east.