A small but well-curated reptile centre on the main road into Santa Elena. The Serpentario shows around 40 species of snake, lizard, and frog native to Costa Rica, including the fer-de-lance, eyelash viper, and bushmaster — animals you very much want to be able to recognise before walking in the forest.
The displays are spread over two floors, with bilingual labels and a guide on hand to answer questions. The entry fee is modest and the visit takes less than an hour. A useful counterpoint to the postcard-bird side of Monteverde.