Surrounded by the calls of birds, the whisper of the giant Guanacaste tree and the imposing Ceiba, The Botanical Garden of CATIE is a special place to relax. Here, tourists will find life ranging from minuscule parasites to exquisite orchids, bromeliads and robust stands of bamboo. The garden serves as a laboratory for students and scientists investigating the molecular and morphological characteristics of the conserved species. It is also an educational site, where awareness about environmental conservation and the sustainable use and protection of natural resources is promoted.