Here are five lesser-known magical spots to visit the next time you are in Perez Zeledon.

Airborne Arts Aerial Flying Trapeze, Hotel and Retreat, (San Salvador de Baru, 8320-0929 www.airbornearts.com)
Want to learn trapeze flying, while enjoying amazing views of Costa Rica like the birds enjoy? Airborne Arts are the winners of Luxury Travel Guide’s Most Unique Adventure Award. They offer year-round retreats, classes in flying trapeze, aerial silks acrobatics, yoga and more. Founded by world-renowned acrobat couple Jonathan Conant and Christine Van Loo, the aerial instruction takes place overlooking Costa Rica’s tallest waterfall, Diamante Falls. An amazing experience and treat for the senses!

Secret Gardens, San Gerardo de Rivas, (8451-3001)
This is a perfect stop-off spot on your way up or back from climbing Chirripo Mountain. Immerse yourself in spectacular exotic gardens teaming with bromeliads, orchids, heliconias and more. A real feast for the eyes. Owners are on site to talk you through their amazing orchid collection. What a treat!

Topolandia Casa Cueva, Underground Mansion, (San Pedro, 8832-4458)
Visit a hand-crafted underground mansion, the first of its kind in Costa Rica, lovingly created by Manuel Barrantes, using only his imagination, hand tools, buckets and wheelbarrows. See how Barrantes incorporated any boulders in his path into works of art, and painted the walls to enhance the experience. His daughter Crystal gives a tour of the cave dwelling in English. An unforgettable journey!

Trincheras Used Bookstore and Arts Center, (75 West and 75 South of the bus station, 8651-1057)
The name Trincheras comes from a quote from the Cuban literary hero Jose Marti, “Trincheras de ideas valen mucho mas que trincheras de piedra.” Trenches of ideas are worth much more than trenches of stone. The founders of the nonprofit Trincheras say they strive to be the artistic and cultural soul of Perez Zeledon. The store features books, art, crafts, theatrical events, live music, and painting classes. The store is managed by two of PZ’s most engaging artists, Alban Corrales and Gibran Tabash. Tabash created the sculpture in the Cathedral Central Plaza, made completely of recycled newspaper.

Pacific Journeys, Diamante Verde, Las Tumbas, (www.pacificjourneyscr.com 2266-1717)
Enjoy guided tours to the private cave behind the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica, Cascada Diamante. One can even overnight in the cave and wake up to the most beautiful sunrise ever. Tour includes an organic garden visit, the mysterious cave, and a splash in the waterfall itself. Tour trail takes you past lush foliage teeming with animals, up into the cloud forest, and to the top of the fabulous falls, where you can see all the way to the Pacific Coast. Tour includes swimming, cliff jumping and relaxing.