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.

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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.

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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.

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Penas Blancas River

Known as the "white water gem of Costa Rica's Atlantic slope", the Penas Blancas River runs right through the Tilaran Mountain Range in north central Costa Rica. It then converges with the San Carlos River east of the Arenal Volcano.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Costa Rica

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).

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Best trip ever! Costa Rica is absolutely beautiful and magical. All the drivers were waiting and all the accommodations arranged — Anywhere took care of every detail so we don’t have to stress.

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Costa Rica has really got itself well organised for tourism, the service was spot on, the travel timing accurate ( although some of the roads were really poor, pot holed). Hotels and activities are really geared for tourists and they made us feel welcome.

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