Costa Rica

The Green Ark

Walk with Us — Discover the Power of Plants

The Green Ark

Founded by Harve “Tommy” Thomas, The Green Ark Botanical Garden is a regenerative sanctuary nestled in the foothills of Poás Volcano, Costa Rica. Spanning over 6 hectares, it features 1600+ plant species across themed terraces—medicinal herbs, culinary crops, tropical fruits, essential oils, and natural colorants. Tommy’s bold mission: to restore overgrazed land and share the wisdom of plants. Today, The Ark offers immersive tours where visitors can smell crushed herbs, taste fresh botanicals, and walk garden paths rooted in renewal. From chef-led meals to workshops on natural dyes, each visit is a sensory journey.

Botanical Harmony

A living ecosystem in harmony. Even a simple sunflower tells a story of biodiversity and natural balance.

Guided Tours

Learn from the land with the one who cultivates it. Our guided tours connect visitors with ancestral wisdom, sustainability, and a love for nature.

Garden View Dining

Flavors with a view. Savor garden-inspired cuisine while overlooking the majesty of Costa Rica’s Central Valley.

Weddings & Social Events

A sacred place to say I do. Celebrate love surrounded by blooming gardens, serenity, and open skies.

Hotel Garden Cabins

Rest among the gardens. Our charming cabins nestled in the heart of the garden offer a peaceful retreatdd your pricing strategy.

Plant Nursery

A botanical nursery cultivating lavender and other medicinal, culinary, and ornamental plants—all part of our ethnobotanical collection.

Moments in Bloom: Celebrating Life, Love & Flavor at The Green Ark

Farm-To-Table, The Ark Restaurant

Wedding at the Botanical Gardens

Guided Tours

  • Learn from the land with the one who cultivates it. Our guided tours connect visitors with ancestral wisdom and a love for plants

  • A living ecosystem in harmony. Even a simple sunflower tells a story of biodiversity and natural balance.

Guided Tours

  •  Foreigners $45 (minimum 2 people)

  • Nationals or residents $35 (minimum 2 people)

  • For groups of students, businesses, associations, or groups of more than 10 people, contact us by WhatsApp 7010 1931 or call 2100-3005

  • Duration of the tour is 2 hours

Tours

Walk in the gardens and learn about the medicinal plants with stories and anecdotes about the herbs and flowers with our botanists while you enjoy the incredible view of the San Jose valley with the birds and butterflies that reside in this beautiful refuge, or go at your own pace, read the signs and relax on the benches placed throughout the gardens, enjoy your own private walk in the relaxed manner of the Costa Rican lifestyle with only a site map as your guide.

Plants are marked with symbols signifying their uses, such as medicinal, colorants, food, poisonous, culinary, crafts, ornamental, wood, or oil extraction. A walk through our botanical gardens is educational and a delight for the senses.

Unguided Walk with Lunch

  • We offer a 6-course tasting menu or menu a la carta

  •  We offer breakfast on Sundays mornings (9:00 am – 10:30 am)

  • For reservations and more information write on WA 7010-1931 or call 2100-3005

So you can live a pleasant experience we recommend you bring:

  • Cool and comfortable clothes.

  • Sun block.

  • Repellent.

  • Bottle with water.

  • Cap or visor if it is dry season.

  • Poncho or umbrella if it is wet season.

  • Comfortable and closed shoes.

Hours:
Monday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Garden Entrance

  • General entrance $10

  • Children under 6 years old enter for free

  • We are not pet-friendly

  • The garden is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

What Visitors are Saying

– Steven E., Tour & Lunch Experience, TripAdvisor, Dec 2022

“The variety of plants is amazing… Everything grown at the gardens—never had anything quite like it.”

– Meghan M., Review, July 2022

“An experience of food and health lovers… left feeling vibrant and nourished.”

Summarized from Google reviews

“Exceptional service and farm-fresh, creative food in a magical botanical setting.”

Visit Us

We are located in San Pedro de Santa Bárbara de Heredia, 800 meters north of the Y griega de Rosales, on the road to Zetillal — just 30 minutes from San José.

For easier arrival, you can request our live location via WhatsApp: +506 7010 1931

Contact Information

  • Phone: +506 2100 3005

  • WhatsApp: +506 7010 1931

  • Email: reservas@theark.green

  • Website: theark.green