Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua (Tilaran)

Tip

Combine it with a stroll around town (there are colorful murals) on the drive between Lake Arenal and Monteverde.

Be careful

Keep an eye on your belongings in busy town centres, and dress respectfully if you go inside a church.

Places nearby

• Restaurante Hotel Guadalupe (Tilarán)Food & CoffeeA hotel restaurant in downtown Tilarán, the last town before the climb to Monteverde, serving traditional Costa Rican plates with good service: arroz con pollo, ceviche, olla de carne and casados.
• Restaurante Brisas del LagoFood & Coffee · from $10Dinner spot at Puerto San Luis on the Tilarán side of the lake, recommended for its international plates at fair prices.
• Lake Arenal Hotel & Brewery (brewpub and La Vista restaurant)Food & CoffeeA hillside hotel on the northwest shore of Lake Arenal that brews its own beer, a rarity in a region of light lagers.
• Manakin Waterfalls (formerly Viento Fresco)Parks & Wildlife · from $10Family-run private reserve 11 km from Tilarán with four waterfalls on one trail, including 75 m Rainbow Falls, with pools for a cold dip.
• La Piedra del Indio WaterfallsParks & WildlifeA tall (about 90 m) waterfall near San Miguel de Tilarán, reached by a 30-minute walk past a large pre-Columbian rock; a small pool higher up the trail is good for a dip.
• Casa del Agua (Mery's Coffee)Food & CoffeeCafé between Tilarán and Río Piedras with a lake view from the porch, good coffee and food, art, and a used-book exchange.