This reserve—in the hills about five kilometers southwest of Ciudad Colón and part of a cattle estate called Hacienda el Rodeo (tel. 506/2249-1013, www.haciendaelrodeo.com, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat., Sun., and holidays)—protects the largest remaining tract of virgin forest in the Meseta Central. A rustic restaurant serves Tico fare.

One kilometer beyond Hacienda el Rodeo is the University for Peace (tel. 506/2205-9000, www.upeace.org, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri.), charged with the mission of global education and research in support of the peace and security goals of the United Nations and contributing to building a culture of peace. The 303-hectare facility includes botanical gardens containing busts of famous figures, such as Gandhi and Henry Dunant (founder of the Red Cross).

Visitors are welcome; follow the road that passes the entrance gate and you’ll arrive at the Monument for Disarmament, Work, and Peace, set around a lake full of geese (8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, $0.75).