Northern Region
To the northeast of the Central Valley, this region includes a large part of the provinces of Alajuela and Heredia, extending to the north to the border of the province of Guanacaste and Nicaragua. It also covers the areas of Monteverde and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, as well as the famous Arenal Volcano and its surroundings, which are excellent destinations for eco-travellers and bird watchers.
Off in the distance, one can see the dark green and blue silhouettes of the Guanacaste and Tilaran mountain ranges. As you drive along twisting roads, the landscape provides incredible photograph opportunities.
Rains and fog are characteristic of this zone throughout the year, however, from February to April there is a noticeable decline in the amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days. The whole region portrays an important economic growth due to its agricultural production and the increase of tourism, mainly to counties of Sarapiqui, San Carlos and San Ramon. Each of these places offers such unique attractions that commonly are included in our itineraries.
The summit of the Arenal Volcano, rising 1,633 meters above sea level and continuously active since 1968, towers far above the northern plains overlooking a wind-swept lake and pristine cloud forest reserves sheltering an incredibly diverse population of wildlife.
Surrounded by the Arenal conservation area, there is Monteverde, a cloud forest reserve that has earned its fame as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the new world tropics. Positioned atop the Continental Divide in western Costa Rica, the Reserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The result: a combination of climatic and geographic factors creating temperature and humidity gradients that change dramatically over relatively short distances.
Where you want to go
Sarapiqui stands out for its primary forests, swamps, and the Sarapiqui river, in a biologically rich territory, with temperatures that oscillate between 26°C and 28°C; a hot, humid land which can be explored by way of the dense network of trails within the protected areas which are of great importance for the conservation of birds, butterflies, felines, insects and plants.
San Carlos offers a landscape of exceptional beauty with its forests, lagoons, fields of crops, rivers, natural hot springs, and the most active volcano of Costa Rica: Arenal. In other words, sanctuaries where one can breathe peace and amaze with the majestic power of nature.
The San Ramon county, famous for its tropical cloud and rain forests in the highlands, is noted for its variety of epiphytes, mosses and ferns, and is home to more than 225 species of birds.
Flora and Fauna
There are over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and 2,500 species of plants (among them 420 different kinds of orchids), as well as tens of thousands of insect species. In addition to the natural beauty of the Reserve, the tiny, progressive Quaker community of Monteverde is, in itself, worth visiting. Quakers from North America came here in 1951, drawn by Costa Rica’s disarmed environment.
A wide variety of accommodations are offered, such as cozy mountain lodges or 4-Star hotels providing Spa treatments. For tour information click here!
