San Jose: Lankester Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Visit the Lankester Botanical Garden with this entry ticket. Explore the garden at your own pace with a map and well-maintained trails, and see one of the largest orchid collections in the world.
Located 40 minutes from San José, the Lankester Botanical Garden offers a peaceful and enriching escape into the heart of Costa Rica’s plant diversity. This self-guided visit invites you to explore one of the most important botanical institutions in the Neotropics, dedicated to the conservation, enjoyment, and sustainable use of native flora.

The mission of the Lankester Botanical Garden is to protect plant species threatened with extinction—especially epiphytic plants such as orchids—through scientific research, horticulture, and environmental education. Today, the garden stands as a living example of Costa Rica’s long-standing commitment to conservation and sustainability.

The story of the garden begins in the 1940s with Charles H. Lankester, a British naturalist who developed a deep passion for Costa Rica’s epiphytic plants. Although an amateur botanist, Lankester collaborated closely with some of the most important orchid specialists of his time and devoted his life to cultivating and studying orchids on his private property. His garden quickly gained international recognition among botanists and orchid lovers.

After his death, the importance of preserving Lankester’s work became clear. In 1973, thanks to the joint efforts of the American Orchid Society and the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, the property—known locally as the garden of “Don Carlos”—was donated to the University of Costa Rica with the commitment to transform it into a botanical garden. Since then, the Lankester Botanical Garden has grown into one of the most active and respected botanical institutions in the region.

During your visit, receive a garden map and explore the grounds at your own pace along well-maintained trails. The garden features one of the largest orchid collections in the world, as well as a wide variety of native and tropical plants from Costa Rica and beyond. Informational signs throughout the garden provide insight into the plants, their ecosystems, and the conservation work carried out on site.

This self-guided experience is ideal for travelers seeking a calm, flexible, and educational activity. It is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, couples, families, and anyone interested in Costa Rica beyond beaches and adventure tours. Along the way, you may also encounter butterflies, birds, and other small wildlife that naturally inhabit the garden.

Whether you are passionate about plants or simply looking for a tranquil and meaningful experience near San José, the Lankester Botanical Garden offers a unique opportunity to connect with Costa Rica’s natural heritage in an authentic and inspiring setting.

Para garantizar la disponibilidad de la reserva lo antes posible. Vale la pena reservar con antelación, especialmente si planeas el viaje durante la temporada alta, como los días festivos o los fines de semana.

Esta excursión se puede cancelar sin costo alguno hasta :tiempo de cancelación horas antes del inicio del viaje. Si lo cancela después de 24 horas o no se presenta en la excursión, se le cobrará el precio total de la actividad. El retraso en la recogida o en la salida se considerará como no presentarse.