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Lankester Botanical Garden

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Lankester Botanical Garden

Lankester Botanical Garden

Located on the outskirts of Cartago, this site serves as both a public botanical garden and a research facility operated by the University of Costa Rica. It is a specialized center for orchid research in Central America and the Caribbean, making it a destination for those interested in seeing a diverse collection of orchid species.

Getting There and Back

The garden is situated outside the main city center of Cartago. Visitors typically reach the site via taxi or rental car. The travel time from the center of Cartago is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Planning Your Visit

Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours to walk through the grounds and view the orchid collections and research areas. To avoid the midday heat and potential crowds, arriving in the morning is recommended. The experience is weather-dependent, as rain can affect accessibility to certain outdoor paths.

Combining Attractions

Because of its location, the garden can be paired with other historical sites in the Cartago area. Nearby options include:

  • Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (3.7km)
  • Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, Cartago (4.6km)
  • Orosi Church (6km)

For those arriving from abroad, the nearest major transit hub is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Lankester Botanical Garden

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Itineraries including this place

Day trip

Cartago 1-Day Itinerary (0 Nights)

A 1-day route through Cartago grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

Temples & religious sites

Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

A basilica dedicated to Costa Rica's patron saint, first built in 1639 and rebuilt after earthquake damage. The current building, blending colonial and Byzantine styles, was completed in 1939.

3.7 km away
Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, Cartago

Temples & religious sites

Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, Cartago

A Catholic cathedral in Cartago, Costa Rica. As the city's foremost religious landmark, it's a peaceful place to explore.

4.6 km away
Orosi Church

Temples & religious sites

Orosi Church

A colonial-era church in the Orosi Valley near Cartago, known as the oldest church in Costa Rica still in use today. It has a simple, peaceful atmosphere.

6.0 km away