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Eco Vacation Adventures in the Northern Plains of Costa Rica
The Northern Plains region of Costa Rica is perhaps the most geographically dramatic, with some of the country's most unique vacation attractions. Walk among the clouds of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, or visit the most active volcanic formations in the world, including Arenal Volcano.
Traveling to Arenal & Costa Rica's Northern Plains
Nature Air, our very own Costa Rica vacation airline, offers daily flights to La Fortuna, which is less than 20 miles to Arenal Volcano National Park and the many hotels, eco lodges and resorts that surround this popular Costa Rica vacation attraction. The brief, but scenic flight is just 25 minutes from Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose. While you could drive the grueling 3 hours from San Jose to La Fortuna, that's no way to start you vacation in Costa Rica.
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Things to Do & See in Costa Rica's Northern Pacific Region
From coffee plantation tours to the steep slopes and rugged terrain surrounding grumbling volcanoes, there is always something to see and do on vacation in Costa Rica's Northern Plains. Walk in the clouds on suspension bridges, view the gloriously jeweled Quetzal, zip along canopy tree-tops, or experience the rush of adrenaline from world-class white water rafting- and much more!
For vacation adventures a little further off the beaten path, travel north toward Nicaragua through the Guatuso Indegenous Reserve and don't miss Caño Negro National Wildlife refuge for a very remote everglade wildlife experience. You can experience all of this and more on guided day tours from the Arenal/La Fortuna area.
Arenal & La Fortuna
Arenal and the nearby town of La Fortuna offer a wide range of wonderful boutique hotels and activities that rival any vacation in the Caribbenan or Central America. Of course, it's impossible to ignore the allure and majesty of the Arenal Volcano itself. The picture-perfect conical volcano puts on a dramatic display of red-hot lava tumbling down its slopes and shooting columns of towering ash into the sky. The volcano and its abundant natural hot springs, are a stunning backdrop for a romantic honeymoon in Costa Rica or and adventure vacation for the entire family.
Hike into Arenal National Park for great views of the volcano and the incredibly lush surrounding landscape. Beautiful Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, sits at the foot of Arenal's southwest slope and offers vacation activities like fishing, boating and kayaking. World-class windsurfing is also available nearby on the way to Tilarán.
Monteverde and Santa Elena
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica's greatest vacation attractions, and a major reason why Costa Rica is known worldwide for ecotourism. It's considered to be one of “Costa Rica's 7 Natural Wonders” and has been attracting curious vacation travelers and biologists for decades.
Take a guided eco tours and discover Monteverde's diverse plant and animal species, like the sculpted elfin rain forest trees adorned with a huge variety of orchids, ferns, vines, bromeliads, and mosses. A stunning array of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects include jaguars, toucans, sloths, howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, tarantulas and more. This diversity and density of life, all cradled by an ethereal mist makes the overall experience sort of "otherworldly."
While in the area, don't miss nearby Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and Children's Eternal Rainforest, both which support valuable local environmental education programs.
