A tour of CATIE often turns out to be a highlight of a visit to Turrialba, even for those with only a passing interest in nature. The Centre for Tropical Agricultural Research and Education lends itself to visits for tourists as the 45 hectares of gardens and plantations are home to hundreds of different plant species and a wonderful array of birds. One of the expert guides will lead you around the gardens on a highly interactive tour taking in the tastes and smells of tropical fruits, learning about the medicinal properties of some of the plants grown here and having the opportunity to photograph colourful orchids, heliconias, towering bamboo and a mighty Kapok tree which is over one thousand years old. At the end of the visit you will be transferred back to your hotel.