 Around Town:
Parque Central
Located in the center of town under the shade of mango and palm trees, the pretty central park is a quiet spot ideal for taking a rest on one of the colorful benches. The park is a gathering spot for locals and is bordered by several restaurants, shops, a bank, the court house and the Catholic Church.
Catholic Church
Built in 1908, this beautiful church on the south side of Parque Central is very well-preserved and remains a focal point for many of the town’s practicing Roman Catholics.
Mercado Municipal (Central Market)
Just one block west of the park, the town market is a hub of activity. Local buses depart from here for smaller towns and several sodas (small restaurants serving local food) sell delicious lunches for around $2. Cheese, fresh meats, fruits and vegetables are sold by local vendors. There is also a health food shop, a shoe store and a jewelry vendor. A statue of Saint Rafael, the Patron Saint of Atenas, stands in the courtyard of the market.
Boyero Monument (National Oxcart Driver)
The iron statue of the national oxcart driver can be seen on the right side of the road (Highway 3), when traveling from San Jose, about one mile before reaching the turn into Atenas. Located in Los Angeles de Atenas on the old oxcart road that once led to Puntarenas, it is a tribute to the tradition and hard work of the oxcart drivers.
Museums and Tours:
Museo Ferroviario (Rio Grande Railroad Museum)
Located in the old railroad station of Rio Grande, this museum is a must for train buffs. Old photos, train relics and agricultural machinery are on display and visitors can climb into an old German locomotive on site. The museum is officially open on Sundays only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, if given advance notice, the museum will allow visitors other days. There is no entrance fee; donations are welcomed. Located four kilometers outside of Atenas in Rio Grande.
Tel: 506-8-810-0660
Escuela CentroAmericana de Ganaderia
In Balsa de Atenas, 12 kilometers from the center of town, this agro-ecotourism and animal husbandry school is one of  few specialized institutions of its kind in Latin America. ECAG offers courses (in Spanish) in forestry, wildlife, food technology and animal husbandry. Situated on 525 hectares of primary forest, the school provides tours of its crocodile and tilapia farms and livestock paddocks. Visitors to ECAG can also buy fresh dairy and beef products. ECAG hosts an annual Agro-Festival in November that includes tractor tours, dances, horse rides, rodeos, bullfights, tipico food and agricultural displays.
Half-day tours can be arranged that include cheese tasting and lunch for $35 pp for groups of 10 or more; contact ECAG in advance to arrange tours for smaller groups. Note that if booking tours directly through ECAG, visitors are encouraged to reserve one month in advance, although exceptions are made.
Tel: 506-2-455-1000
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Zoos and Gardens:
Zoo Ave (in La Garita, 20 minutes from Atenas)
Zoo Ave, located on Highway 3, three and a half kilometers east of the Pan-American Highway, is a wildlife rescue and breeding center that houses over 130 animal species native to Costa Rica and other parts of the world. Its 59 hectares of lush grounds offer a spectacular bird collection including: macaws, toucans, cranes, ostriches, and resplendent  quetzals. The zoo also houses many mammals and reptiles as well. Zoo Ave’s mission is to breed endemic animal species for reintroduction into the wild. To get to Zoo Ave by bus, take either the Alajuela or La Garita bus from Atenas.
Open: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: $9 adults, $4 children
Tel: 506-2-433-8989
Botanical Orchid Garden (La Garita)
Learn about orchid cultivation and observe hundreds of orchid species. Trails meander through extensive gardens
where a permanent orchid flower exhibition is always on display. Facilities include a coffee shop and souvenir store.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tel: 506-2-487-8095;
Admission:$12 for adults, $6 for children ages 5-12.
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