Cowboys, UFOs & prehistoric fish
A trip to the Northern Plains is a true ecological adventure. The comingling of its flatlands and mountain ranges contribute to the unique beauty of its intricate system of rivers and streams. The Costa Rican cattle ranchers and cowboys have roamed for centuries among the Plains to keep watch on the endangered and migratory birds, mammals, reptiles and a wide array of wildflowers seldom scene in other regions. The Plains are home to the Cano Negra Refuge, considered the third most important wetland in the world, with some of the rarest plant, animal and bird species in the country. Things to do in the Northern Plains are far-reaching and plenty, tour a banana plantation, learn the local culture in an indigenous village, watch birds, chase butterflies, and if you are on the adventurous side, raft down the rushing Rio Sarapiqui or zip through its forest canopy.
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· Everyone should see a banana plantation at least once in their life. Surprise your friends back home with a souvenir made of banana skins.
Popular Destinations
Arenal Volcano National Park
The Arenal Volcano National Park is the most iconic and photographed destination in Costa Rica. With its near perfect conical shape and landscapes of both secondary forest and lava fields, it is thought to be one of the most beautiful volcanos in the world. The Park protects 16 reserves between the Tilarán and Guanacaste mountain ranges that supports rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, superb wildlife and plant life, hot springs and an enormous man-made lake. La Fortuna, a small town set at the the foot of the volcano is a perfect place for a stroll, shop and dine. With its vibrant charm and breadth of outdoor activities, La Fortuna is a perfect home base for trips to other destinations. Set plenty of time for this leg of your journey. It’s almost a cliché to say but there is a lot to do in Arenal.
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· Hike to the Cote a Cote Lagoon, a freshwater crater where a photograph was taken of what is claimed – and looks like – to be a UFO.
Hot Springs
Arenal Park is known for its natural volcanic hot springs, which are generated by its underwater streams interaction with volcanic activity resulting in rejuvenating and therapeutic time well spent. And Costa Rica has a lot of volcanic activity. The hot springs in the Arenal Volcano National Park are the most popular in the country and can be found in the park or in privately owned spas and resort. Many of the Arenal hot springs and thermal baths can also be accessed through the wonderful village of La Fortuna, where you can have lunch and do some shopping – before or after – immersing yourself in a spring or mud bath. While you are in La Fortuna, stop in the Monkey Park in La Fortuna, its great place to learn about the charming monkeys. And who doesn’t want to spend a day with a monkey after soaking in a hot spring?
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• Channel your inner child at the frog sanctuary to see – and hear – of 28 species of singing frogs.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Hidden in the forests of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the mesmerizing Rio Celeste waterfall cascades down the mountainside and lands in an otherworldly blue water pool. Its radiant color arises from a chemical reaction of the blending of two clear-water rivers and the volcanic minerals from the Tenorio volcano. It is an amazing fortune of nature. The paved trails that guide you through the canopy of trees where you will cross a hanging bridge among a kaleidoscope of butterflies and finally to the staggering blue of the waterfall. Swimming is prohibited in the falls, but the area is dotted with thermal springs and small geysers that can be enjoyed. Photographers and lovers of amazing things are spellbound by the phenomenon of the Rio Celeste falls.
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· Visit the exact site where the Rio Celeste waters are transformed into its transfixing blue.