Northern Lowlands
The Northern Lowlands Region of Costa Rica presents diverse scenery with a variety of pastures, wetlands, jungles, rainforests, cloud forests, and river webs. Situated between the Pacific and Caribbean and nestled against the Nicaraguan border, the Lowlands Region contains diverse flora and fauna as well as spectacular attractions. On the edge of the region's rolling flatland landscape, the imposing Arenal Volcano sits as one of Costa Rica's most-popular destinations, producing amazing shows of molten rock and ash.
Arenal Volcano National Park
The Arenal Volcano National Park packs all of Costa Rica's allure into one place: incredible hiking, magnificent views, abounding wildlife and the country's most active volcano. Hiking and horseback riding tours allow you to get up close and personal with this incredible area, which encompasses close to 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) and extends into eight different life zones. Overlooking everything is the imposing Arenal Volcano which sits right inside this wonderful park.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Located just 6 km outside the town of La Fortuna, this stunning waterfall provides visitors with a wonderful place to swim and relax. Situated at the base of the dormant Chato volcano amidst a thriving rain forest, the location for this waterfall couldn't get any better.
Sarapiqui River
Originating from clear mountain streams, the Sarapiqui River runs from the Central Mountain Range just north of San Jose to the San Marcos River which runs along the shared border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The river is considered a national monument because of the vital service it provided in transporting arms, goods and soldiers in the 1856 war against the filibusters.
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
The charming and welcoming town of La Fortuna is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends. The only requisite is that you love outdoor adventure! So if you can’t wait to spend your vacation in the fresh air, biking, kayaking, hiking, and more, then discover why the Arenal region is just what you need. Best of all, you can enjoy luxe accommodations that boast volcanic views, and pamper yourself with a luxurious soak in a hot spring. Nature is waiting for you, and she’s easy to find when you book your Arenal adventure with Anywhere.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations, this main city was once just a small port town. Located at the junction of the Puerto Viejo River (Rio Puerto Viejo) and Sarapiqui River (Rio Sarapiqui), this growing area is quickly becoming a main destination for adventure-seeking tourists and nature enthusiasts. And for good reason as this area has soo much to offer.
Boca Tapada
Boca Tapada Costa Rica is located in the northern lowlands nearby the mouth of the San Carlos River. This off-the-beaten-path part of Costa Rica is home to hundreds of pineapple and sugar cane plantations as well as a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.
Caño Negro
The fascinating wetlands of Caño Negro are found in the Northern Zone, near the town of Los Chiles which is just kilometers from the border of Nicaragua. This zone is best known for being home to the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active volcano. In recent years the region just north of the Volcano has been gaining in popularity amongst bird watchers and anglers who explore in the wetlands and rolling green pastures.
Nuevo Arenal
Nuevo Arenal is located just thirty minutes from the popular town of Tilaran and is near the base of the world famous Arenal Volcano. This area is completely surrounded by amazing natural beauty. The picturesque and quaint town of Nuevo Arenal offers a selection of restaurants, bars, shops, and great nightlife.
Pangola
Pángola is a rural town in the Heredia province of Costa Rica. It is an hour’s drive from Puerto de Sarapiquí and the white-water rapids of the Sarapiqí River, and one and a half hours north of the Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Ciudad Quesada
Located at the foot of the Cordillera Central (Central Mountains), the city of Ciudad Quesada is best known as a hubbub of business and agriculture. It lies 59 miles (95 km) north of San José along the San Carlos plain, one of the most agriculturally fertile valleys in all of Costa Rica.
La Fortuna Airport
La Fortuna Airport also known as Aeropuerto Arenal is located in El Tanque. The modest airstrip is located 10 minutes from the town of La Fortuna. Most resorts around the Arenal Volcano are outside of La Fortuna so driving time from the airport to most of the resorts closer to 20-30 minutes.
Penas Blancas
Tucked away in the foothills of the Tilarán Mountain Range, the tiny community of Peñas Blancas provides easy access to Peñas Blancas National Park. The national park, with a "mosaic of habitats" encompasses the largest area of wetlands in Costa Rica. This park is considered to be one of the country's best bird watching locations.
Santa Clara de San Carlos
Santa Clara de San Carlos is near some of the premier places to see the Costa Rican rainforest. It is right between Arenal Volcano National Park and Juan Castro Blanco National Park, approximately an hour’s drive away from both.
Florencia
Florencia is a town in the Alajuela province, located just off the highway that leads from San Jose to Arenal Volcano National Park. It is 102 miles (164 km) from San Jose, and 32 miles (52 km) from the entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park.
Horquetas de Sarapiqui
Horquetas de Sarapiquí is in the northern lowlands of Cantón de Sarapiquí, which is one of the largest territories in Costa Rica. There is a lot of agriculture in this area, and you’ll pass by fields of maize, cacao, and citrus fruit.
La Selva Biological Station
La Selva Biological Station (Estacion Biologica La Selva) was originally founded in 1954 for purely scientific purposes. Since then, it has become a leading research center for Costa Rican ecology and has been opened to the public. Providing some of the most immaculate primary tropical rainforest available, the well-kept trail system extends over 31 miles (50 km) and allows visitors the opportunity for exploring La Selva with a knowledgeable guide.
El Tanque
El Tanque has a small airstrip 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from downtown La Fortuna, which is right outside of Arenal Volcano National Park. Visitors to La Fortuna often arrive via this airstrip and then take the short drive to their accommodations in La Fortuna.
More about Northern Lowlands
The sweeping plains of the Northern Lowlands are home to tourism, banana plantations, and many cattle ranches. Positioned north of San José and the Central Valley, east of Guanacaste, and west of the Caribbean coast, the Northern Lowlands are ideally situated for a detour from the beach or city. The region contains a large number of easily accessible national parks, biological stations, and wildlife refuges- haven for any outdoor lover.
Until 1957, the region remained isolated from the country's main economic and cultural center, San Jose. Not until Highway 126 connected Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui with the capital city did the region become one of Costa Rica's most vital organs. Timber harvests throughout much of the lowlands, cleared the way for it large cattle industry. However, during the rainy season, many of these areas now flood with Costa Rica's overwhelming rainfall, creating many wet swamps and marshes.
The region's geography is composed of two main flatlands: Llanuras de los Guatusos to the west and Llanura de San Carlos to the east. Two mountain ranges border the region along its southwestern perimeter: the Tilaran Mountain Range (Cordillera de Tilaran) and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range (Cordillera Volcanica Central). Both ranges snake their way from northwest to southeast, splitting the country down its middle. To the northwest, the Guanacaste Mountain Range (Cordillera de Guanacaste) divides the Northern Lowlands from the Guanacaste Providence. All three mountain ranges are dotted with volcanoes and cloud forest. Together, they surround the region and contribute to its scenic beauty. From the mountain peaks, an intricate system of rivers and streams meanders to the lowlands, where the rivers supply nutrients to lowland fertile soil.
In order to access the destinations of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano from San Jose, head northwest through Alajuela (46 mi, 73 km) and either continue through San Ramon, or take Hwy 141, which runs through Sarchi and Ciudad Quesada. Alternatively, pass by La Paz Waterfall, traveling north from Alajuela and turning through San Miguel and Aguas Zarcas. La Fortuna is located 75 miles (120 km) from San Jose and 16 miles (25 km) from Ciudad Quesada.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui can be reached by taking Highway 126 north to San Miguel. Then, head northeast on Hwy 4 through La Virgen and Chilamate until you reaching a city with the Sarapiqui River (Rio Sarapiqui). Another scenic way to drive is to take Hwy 32, the Guapiles Hwy, northeast from San Jose, which will take you through the lovely Braulio Carrillo National Park (Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo).
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Northern Lowlands. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Pura Vida Adventure Together
We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.
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Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart
Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.
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Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
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Sisters Adventure Together
Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.
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Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!
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Family Adventure Through Costa Rica
Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.
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Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.
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Costa Rica Off Season Adventure
We found Costa Rica to be really beautiful. I loved the flowering plants everywhere, but the wildlife is the main reason we went. We didn't see monkeys in every tree or even toucans up close, but we did see them from a distance. We also saw lots of colorful birds in the National Forests that we have never seen before.
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Adventure Across Costa Rica's Wild Coast
The excursions and scenery are incredible.
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Costa Rica Family Adventure Quest
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican family adventure that weaves together rainforest mist, volcanic fire, and Pacific surf, offering a dynamic contrast of nature’s extremes. Your journey moves from the sun‑kissed beaches of Manuel Antonio to Monteverde’s misty hanging bridges, then into Arenal’s volcano and waterfalls, ending with surf lessons in Tamarindo. Friendly local guides and coffee‑farm hosts will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving your family with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and adventurous spirit.
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Tropical Adventure with Friends
Costa Rica is a beautiful place - the biodiversity in terms of animals and plant life is spectacular. The beaches, the natural landscapes - all of it is stunning. The people are kind and welcoming, truly living the Pura Vida lifestyle.
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Epic Mother‑Daughter Costa Rica Adventure
The flora and fauna are second to none. We saw and did so many incredible things The people are truly welcoming,, considerate and kind. The love for their country and their pleasure an pride in showing it to visitors shines through. The ease and safety of travelling around as s single mum with 2 daughters aged 12 and 15 without having to compromise on any experiences was s standout feature for me. Just a note: food and supermarkets are expensive - think US levels!
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Deep Journey into the Heart of Costa Rica
From misty cloud forests to sun‑kissed Pacific beaches, this Costa Rican adventure weaves together vibrant wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and endless ocean horizons. You’ll trek Monteverde’s canopy bridges, soak in Arenal’s hot springs, kayak mangroves at Drake Bay, and snorkel coral reefs off Manuel Antonio. Friendly local guides and community hosts will share traditions, cuisine, and conservation stories, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit.
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Paradise is Meant to Be Explored
Best vacation we have ever been on. Everything was planned out and went extremely smoothly. Can't say enough good things. We had an amazing time. Big thank you!!!!
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