Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Sur
San Vito
Settled largely by post-World War II immigrants from Italy, SAN VITO is a clean, prosperous agricultural town with a lovely setting in the Talamancas. At nearly 1000m above sea level it has a wonderfully refreshing climate, as well as great views over the Valle de Coto Brus below. The town is growing as Costa Ricans discover its qualities, and will soon be an important regional hub, though for now there's nothing to do around here but visit the nearby Wilson Botanical Gardens (daily 8am–4pm; $6), 6km to the south. The gardens are among the best in the country, and on the itineraries of many specialist bird-watching and natural-history tours. The huge tract of land is home to orchids, interesting tropical trees and exotic flowers such as heliconias. There's good birding too, on the paths and in the surrounding lands, with more than 300 species in total. They make an excellent day-trip if you happen to be in the area, but unless you have a keen interest in birds and regional and exotic flora it's probably not worth making a special trip from San José. You can stay at the gardens in bunkhouses (Price: $11-20) or cabinas with private bath (Price: $76-100). Students and researchers with ID get reduced rates. Contact the Organisation for Tropical Studies, or OTS ( 
240-6696, 
www.ots.ac.cr ) for details; you must reserve in advance.