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Northern Plains InformationCosta Rica General Information | Guanacaste Information | San José the Central Valley Information | Mid-Pacific Information | South Pacific Information
Along with protected forest, the rich landscape supports a large variety of agriculture, including citrus, sugar cane and rice. The region extends up to the Nicaraguan border, and the rivers that zigzag through the plains are often flooded during the rainy season, creating marshlands densely populated with a staggeringly large winged population. Of the 850 bird species identified in Costa Rica, 600 permanently reside in this region, and a good day of birding might include dozens of sightings. It’s no wonder that planeloads of serious bird watchers visit the region annually!
Gales have been clocked up to 45 miles per hour, and only about 5 locations in the world have all the specific elements that create such a prime windsurfing destination. A variety of hotels and cabins have opened in the area, with a range of prices and accommodations. Many offer both equipment and transportation for those interested in trying their hand at the sport. For peak wind seasons, visit the lake between November and April, but the rainy months bring milder conditions that make Arenal a perfect spot for beginners. Sport fishing is
another activity available to those looking to spend time on the lake.
A favorite spot for local residents, visiting anglers can also enjoy
the challenge rainbow bass can provide. As with deep-sea fishing, Costa
Rican law supports a catch and release policy, so it’s important
to put back any more than you can eat. Local companies are also offering
sunset cruises and sea kayaking as further choices for enjoying these
waters that offer up mirror smoothness on the lake’s eastern shores,
and white caped excitement to the west. Visitors interested in heading
west to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve can also find transportation
across the lake and be met by a waiting four-wheel drive vehicle or
horse caravan. Sunset tours offers a safari raft float down the Rio Penas Blancas, one of the small rivers that connects with the Rio San Carlos and finally the Rio San Juan and the Caribbean Sea. Visitors float quietly down the river with a naturalist guide pointing out local fauna and flora, including howler monkeys and numerous bird species. What sets this trip apart is the mid-river stop at a tiny finca—or farm—deep in the interior. Here there’s a chance to meet the charming Don Pedro, an octogenarian who has spent the majority of his life on this mostly self-sufficient piece of land that connects with primary forest, and to obtain a glimpse into the beautiful, yet difficult life on the river.
Most awe-inspiring at night, many local hotels offer excellent views of the eruptions and lava flows. Tour operators also can easily arrange evening excursions to the Arenal National Park, but due to its position between the Pacific and Caribbean slopes, the peak is often shrouded by clouds, and what visitors experience is the volcano’s terrible roar—which of course is exciting on its own! Within perfect viewing distance from the volcano lies the Tabacon Hot Springs, formed by a hot avalanche deposit decades ago. A resort has formed around the thermal mineral-rich waters, where visitors can relax after a long day of hiking or other activities. The water emerges from the earth at nearly 150 degrees Fahrenheit, but then cools to the low 100s as it tumbles down the slopes. Several natural pools with waterfalls make for a luxurious treat. Cool water pools are also available, and one should take local advice and alternate between the two. For those who are looking for more activity, or at least who would rather work their muscles before submersing them in the healing waters, there are extensive trails around the volcano, as well as the exhilarating experience of the original canopy tour. There, equipped
with the highest quality harnesses and rope systems, you can take in
the view of a world not usually seen from the ground. Trees filled with
bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytes, as well as the chattering of
birds surround you. There’s an opportunity to ponder the view,
then you glide through the canopy to an awaiting tree. On some platforms
you rappel down to a lower level before continuing on to another tree.
At every platform there is an experienced guide to lead you through
the process safely, so from start to finish it’s an adventure
to remember.
The hub of many of the areas activities, the small picturesque town of La Fortuna is also only about 15 minutes drive from the volcano. Not only will visitors find this an excellent departure point for many day trips, they will also find an extensive range of small hotels and eateries. Most of the area’s businesses are locally owned, and people are very proud to share their region with visitors. Among the many
tours available in the area include the Fortuna Waterfalls. These
230- foot high falls are usually reached by horseback, then a short,
but demanding hike down to the bottom pools where one can enjoy
the cool spray while picnicking before the return trip. Swimming
is only recommended further down stream in the sandy beach, the
current directly under the waterfall is dangerously strong. The
other hikes include the Cerro Chato, a dormant “brother”
volcano to Arenal where rain forests open onto a water-filled crater.
Trails here can also lead to beautiful waterfalls, making for a
longer day hike. This hike is recommended only for people in good
condition, but it is worth the effort.
One of the most internationally renowned of these private reserves is La Selva Biological Station. The land of this research center, owned and operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)—a non-profit consortium of universities and institutions in the Latin America, the United States and Australia—is a UNESCO biosphere reserve along with the Braulio Carrillo National Park with which it borders. Devoted to education, research and preservation, La Selva can be visited for either day or overnight trips, and the incredible natural diversity found within the reserve definitely warrants the stay. More than 400 bird species either live or migrate into La Selva’s 3,739 protected acres, as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians and mammals, including 5 of the 6 cat species found in Costa Rica. That isn’t even beginning to count the amazing variety of plant life! Literature from La Selva states that about 100 species of trees are found in a typical square hectare of their old-growth forest, compared with about a tenth of that amount in a temperate forest. Excellently trained guides lead hikes along the 35 miles of trails within the reserve, allowing visitors to explore life in the tropical rainforest. The educational programs underway in this preeminent research center are not only for students and professionals in the field of biology. Government and business leaders are offered courses in tropical ecology in order understand the importance of sound environmental practices. Sarapiqui’s strong regional sense of conservation is evident in the area’s many private reserves and collectives, some of which place as much importance on the cultural significance of their locale as the biological. From sustainable agriculture creating beauty products using native medicinal herbs, to ecolodges using sustainable technologies, Sarapiqui is an area of Costa Rica that has the gift of rainforest ecology, the tradition of conservation, and an understanding of the small-scale tourism that can be the future of the country.
It is also possible
to spot 3 of the 4 species of monkeys found in Costa Rica, two and three-toed
sloths, caimans, turtles and emerald basilisk lizards. Due to the variable
water levels, this tour usually begins with a 2-hour drive from La Fortuna
to Los Chiles, then a continuation of the trip by boat down the Rio
Frio.
Head north from San Jose toward the Caribbean coast, then take the exit toward Ciudad Quesada. By heading northwest, you’ll find a variety of towns (and volcanoes) that will grab your attention on either side of the road.
The weather in this particular region tends to characterize itself with warm daytime temperatures (low to mid 80s) and relatively high humidity. There are intermittent rain showers that usually pass quickly. From late February to early May, the rains are less frequent and afford fantastic skyscapes during sunrise and sunset.
Necessary travel
equipment for this region is simple. If you’re visiting during
the rainy season, keep rain gear handy and wear comfortable shoes.
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Costa
Rica’s northern plains offer visitors an incredible variety of
landscape and vista. From protected primary rainforest to vast plains,
to winding rivers and windswept Lake Arenal, there are seemingly limitless
choices on how to feel at one with nature. One particular aspect of
this region is its striking topographical contrasts. Two mountain ranges,
Tiliran and Guanacaste, create part of the country’s continental
divide, before falling away into the Guatuso, San Carlos and Tortuguero
Plains. 
The
largest inland body of water in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal vies with
others the world over for a spectacular setting. The surrounding
slopes are covered with densely green forests, as well as sleek
windmills that dot the hills, taking advantage of the Trade Winds
that sweep in from the east.
A
visit to this zone will almost always include a stop at Arenal Volcano.
Until the late 1960’s, local people called this imposing giant
Cerro Arenal, as there was very little to indicate that under the tree
covered slopes lay the sleeping power of a volcano. But all that changed
in 1968, when after a series of earthquakes the volcano blew, sending
shock waves that were recorded as far away as the western United States.
Now, with its flawlessly conical silhouette, Arenal Volcano is one of
the most active in the world. 
One
of the many rivers that run like a venal system throughout this region
is Rio Sarapiqui. In addition to class III and IV white water rafting,
the river has quiet sections where float safaris provide visitors with
intensely close wildlife viewing opportunities. The region also offers
some of the country’s most premier private land reserves, that
in some cases link with national parks such as Braulio Carrillo, creating
biological corridors linking the heights of Volcan Barva to the tropical
lowlands. The large territorial needs for mammals such as jaguar and
puma are met, while protecting an increasing percentage of important
tropical habitats. 
Cano
Negro Wildlife Refuge is comprised of the Rio Frio and Cano Negro Lake.
The water level in this area grows and shrinks seasonally, allowing
for further travel into the marshy landscape during the rainy season.
Only 6 kilometers from the Nicaraguan border, this wildlife refuge is
a naturalist’ s paradise, especially for birders. In fact, the
refuge was created to protect the diverse population of aquatic birds
that live and breed in the area. On a boat trip down this river visitors
can easily view over 30 of the nearly 100 species of birds found in
the area, including the rare American Pygmy Kingfisher and if very lucky,
the endangered Jabiru stork. 
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Lapa Rios
Telephone 011- 506 - 2735-5130 or 011 - 506 - 2735-5281
Fax in Costa Rica 011- 506 - 2735-5179
e-Mail: info@laparios.com
SJO 706, PO Box 025331
Miami, FL 33102-5331
"Communicating with our office via e-mail, phone/fax is difficult.
Often hours pass without any phone service to the remote Osa Peninsula.
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