Best of Costa Rica’s Northern Zone

Thermal Springs and Spas [1]: At Tabacón Hot Springs, one of your enticing hot springs options, you can bathe in steaming waters that tumble from the bowels of Arenal Volcano to cascade through a landscaped garden.

Arenal Waterfall Gardens [2]: Visit this fantastic set of landscaped thermal cascades (and the setting for an episode of The Bachelor) that also features a wild-cat center.

Arenal Volcano National Park [3]: 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.

Rancho Margot [4]: This ecologically self-sustaining farm and wildlife rescue center has rustic but endearing accommodations, plus hiking, rappelling, and horseback riding.

Arenal Rainforest Reserve [5]: 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.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge [6]: This croc-infested swamp and forest ecosystem is a dream for bird-watchers and wildlife lovers, and a nirvana for anglers to hook tarpon, garfish, and snook.

Tenorio Volcano National Park [7]: Long off the tourist charts, this volcano is a newfound frontier for hiking, including to the jade-colored Río Celeste.

Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquís [8]: This educational center offers a museum of indigenous culture, an archaeological park, and nature trails through the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve.

Selva Verde [9]: 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.

Isla Las Heliconias [10]: The Dutch owners will guide you on a tour of this beautiful botanical garden. In addition to heliconias, it displays ginger, palms, orchids, bamboo, and other tropical flora.