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All 13 Turrialba Attractions »

Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Education (CATIE)

Just outside Turrialba | on the road to Siquirres, Turrialba, Costa Rica
556-6431
Ranked #2 of 4 attractions in Turrialba
4.5 of 5 stars 9 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
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9 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    6
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    2
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Date Rating
Hernando, MS
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

We found a brochure of this place in our vacation rental home. Beautiful brochure. Talks about tasting the various fruits, vegtables, and coffees but this never happened. This is our 3rd time in Costa Rica and we have traveled all over the country. This has to be the most rundown/neglected places we have ever visited. Visit the Lankester Gardens in... More

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Gainesville, Georgia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 March 2012

It was very interesting to see all of the trees and plants that grow in the area.

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See 2 more reviews by Robby B for Turrialba
Brooklyn, New York
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2012

CATIE didn't deliver the big wow we were hoping. Thought the path of plants didn't contain the overwhelming assortment of varieties I was expecting. More like 50 or so different varieties, most of which were not really showing their best. The actual tour area is very small and can be done in about 30-45 minutes, which again was a little... More

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Yellow Springs, Ohio
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 January 2012

Liked everything. We were there during rainy season, and still loved the experience of our visit. Easy to get to.

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See 3 more reviews by SOMorgan for Turrialba
Trout Lake, Washington, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 January 2012

Taking a guided tour through Catie is informative. The huge variety of plants, many of which are edible (samples are right on the trees) is wonderful. Guides are very knowledgeable.

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See 2 more reviews by Sally W for Turrialba
Turrialba
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 November 2011

What a wonderful and educational adventure, and the tropical fruits our guide gave us was such a nice extra. Close to Turrialba, not expensive, and if one wants to stay on the campus grounds bird watching or at the pool and clubhouse (additional $3) for the afternoon like we did, it makes for a terrific day. You really need a... More

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See 3 more reviews by Turri-Guide for Turrialba
Turrialba
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 July 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We went rafting on the Pacuare River in Turrialba and decided to visit the CATIE Botanical Garden. The guide we had, Paul, was nice enough to show us the entire University Campus, Coffee and Cocoa collections, plus the Botanical Garden - all in his own 4X4 vehicle! His name is Paul, his contact info is: catiebotanicalgarden@gmail.com - and we also... More

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See 3 more reviews by Turri-Guide for Turrialba
Norwalk, Connecticut
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 July 2011

I really enjoyed this informative tour. I'm not overly interested in plants and wasn't sure if the tour would be worth it. I'm so glad I took the tour. Our guide was VERY knowledgeable and his English was near perfect. There was a botanist on our tour and he asked many questions that went beyond the basics. The guide was... More

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Texas
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 August 2008

Our Spanish School, Adventure Education Center, was located within the grounds of C.A.T.I.E. so we spent almost every day for two weeks here. Lovely botanical gardens and research center. Very large grounds, picnic areas, and pathways. The staff are very informative, even the groundskeepers will stop and talk about the grounds and species of plants.

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