Zoo Ave

So you hiked 47 kilometers of nature trails from Monteverde to Santa Elena and didn't see a single quetzal? Then head for Zoo Ave, the only place in Costa Rica where you are guaranteed to see live quetzals

Not your typical zoo

Quetzals, the legendary birds with brilliant red and green plumage, are only one of Zoo Ave's attractions for nature lovers. Over 100 species of native birds, including rare Green and Scarlet Macaws, may be seen during a leisurely stroll amid towering stands of bamboo, tiny orchids, ginger and other tropical plants and flowers.

You'll also find a few "gringo birds," such as the King African Crane and Ostrich. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas -- over 150 reptiles and other wildlife populate the gardenesque 40-acre grounds.

Zoo Ave is a great way to relax after a day of fishing, surfing, diving -- or enjoying the nightlife of nearby San Jose the night before. Whether you are on vacation, or looking for real estate, a villa or to go sportfishing, Zoo Ave offers an afternoon of tranquility

Wildlife Rescue Center

This is not just another tour, though you will want to take lots of pictures. Besides providing a showcase of tropical birds and wildlife in an exquisite setting, Zoo Ave ("ave" means bird in Spanish) takes in wounded or sick birds and animals and treats them for release in the wild.

Many such birds are seized by authorities after being stolen from the rainforest during nesting season (the weeks preceding Semana Santa in late March or early April) for sale in San Jose. If you travel by car during this time, expect the transit police to take a look for birds.

Recognized as an official "Wildlife Rescue Center" by Costa Rica since 1995, Zoo Ave received 400 birds from the public and another 95 from the Wildlife Foundation in 1998. The facility maintains a release site in Piedras Blancas National Park north of Golfito.

Additionally, over 50 species of birds and animals have been bred at Zoo Ave. More than 100 birds from 10 species bred here were successfully released into the wild, some into places where they were previously extinct. The near-extinct Scarlet Macaw receives special emphasis, and 35 have been bred and released in a four-year span.

One of Costa Rica's hidden jewels, Zoo Ave is also a way to get off the "gringo trail" and hang out with the locals -- 90% of its visitors are from Costa Rica. But the news is getting out, so weekends can get crowded. Early morning is a good time to enjoy the many sights and a snack at the refreshment stand. There are also numerous restaurants and roadside eateries in the area.

No organized tours stop at Zoo Ave, so you'll need a rental car. Several nice hotels and resorts are in the vicinity, which is 10 minutes west of the San Jose airport, two miles off the highway from the Atenas exit (look for the billboard). Your hotel can give directions, and you need a map, click map.

For birdwatching in the rain forest, try Corcovado National Park. For a drier experience and a chance at seeing the elusive quetzal, try Rincon del La Vieja, which also have a live volcano and geyers

Zoo Ave

Where: La Garita de Alajuela (a short ride from downtown San Jose)
Phone: 433-8989
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM, daily
Entry fee: $5

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica