THE NORTHERN ZONE

Costa Rica’s northern lowlands are a center for active adventures, centered on the town of La Fortuna, gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park and its eponymous (and very active) volcano. Hiking and horseback riding are popular hereabouts, as is bathing in hot springs. Nearby, inordinately scenic Lake Arenal draws windsurfers and freshwater anglers, while remote Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is also a nirvana for anglers and birders. The southern fringe is hemmed by dense montane rainforest most easily accessed by a series of nature lodges, such as Selva Verde and Rara Avis, bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park. This relatively flat, humid region extends north to the Nicaraguan border and is cut through by a trellis of rivers, notably the Río Sarapiquí, a boating thoroughfare popular for nature viewing. Three or four days should prove sufficient.

Caño Negro Refuge: This croc-infested swamp and forest ecosystem is a birder’s and wildlife lover’s dream, and a nirvana for anglers come to hook tarpon, garfish, and snook. (read more)

Tabacón Hot Springs: Here you can bathe in steaming waters that tumble from the bowels of Arenal Volcano to cascade through a landscaped garden. (read more)

Arenal Volcano National Park: With a symmetrical volcano at its heart, this national park has hiking trails over still-warm lava flows, and the open spaces offer prime wildlife viewing. (read more)

Arenal Rainforest Reserve: The aerial tram at this private reserve promises high-mountain rides and staggering vistas. Nature trails and canopy tours provide close-up encounters with wildlife. (read more)

Arenal Botanical Gardens: No amount of rain can dampen this splendid garden, with fabulous birding to boot. (read more)

Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquís: This educational center offers a triptych featuring a museum of indigenous culture, an archaeological park, and nature trails through the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve. (read more)

Selva Verde: Enfolded by rainforest, this dedicated nature lodge offers instant access to wildlife-rich terrain. Options include guided hikes by day and night, plus canoeing on the Río Sarapiquí. (read more)

Heliconia Island: Naturalist Tim Ryan will guide you on a tour of his beautifully landscaped Sarapiquí Botanical Garden near Horquetas. In addition to heliconias, it also displays hundreds of species of ginger, palms, orchids, bamboo, and other tropical flora. (read more)