The Bat Jungle is a single, dimly-lit hall in central Santa Elena, where eight Costa Rican bat species fly freely behind a glass wall around their visitors. A reversed light cycle means it is "night" for the bats while you are watching them feed, drink, and groom in the daytime.
The tour is short — about 45 minutes — and led by an enthusiastic biologist who covers echolocation, the role of bats in pollination, and the various myths and prejudices. Highly recommended for older kids and adults; possibly intense for small children. Tucked between gift shops on the main square, easy to miss from outside.