Northern Zone
Attractions in the area:
Jewels of the rain forest - a collection of over a million species of insects on display in the Municipal Museum in Grecia.
World of Snakes - Open-air exhibition of snakes of the world, including a special section on snakes of Costa Rica.
Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve - a "Monteverde-like" private reserve containing roughly 2,000 acres with nature trails good for hiking and riding.
Sarchí; - a small colorful town known for its' handcrafts and painted ox-carts.
Juan Castro Blanco National Park - 12,458 hectares of which 60% is primary forest. Beautiful waterfalls, and abundance of wildlife including the elusive Quetzal, however very little tourist infrastructure exists. |
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge - This is the perfect place to enjoy natural sightseeing. Since the refuge is found on the low-lying northern plains, water is the key word. During the area's dry season, the refuge can be accessed by road, but during the rainy season - boats are the answer. In the area of the lowland keep on the look out for sloths and anteaters in the treed area, while birders will find a cornucopia of subjects for their binoculars and cameras. White cranes and ducks abound in the shallow along the rivers
La Selva Biological Reserve - 1,500 hectare biological reserve adjacent to Braulio Carillo National Park, owned and managed by the Organization for Tropical Studies, a consortium of international universities dedicated to rain forest research. The U.S. Academy of Sciences has recognized La Selva as one of the four most ideal places in the world for this kind of research.
Rio Fortuna waterfall - hiking trails and a great swimming hole at the base.
Venado Caverns - very primitive network of large caves, underground river, and stalactites and stalagmites.
Tabacon Resort
and Spa - A world-class spa which offers a variety of services:
five amazing natural hot mineral water pools in temperatures ranging from
80 to 102 degrees F., an indoor turbulent hot tub, natural hot springs
and waterfalls, all surrounded incredible ecological gardens, while taking
in the stunning fireworks displays atop the mighty Arenal volcano. In
addition, there are massage and mud masks treatment available, exotic
cocktails and tropical drinks are served in its' three bars, and exquisite
Italian and Costa Rican cuisine is featured in the restaurant overlooking
the volcano.
Arenal Botanical Gardens - collection of over 2,000 species of plants from all over the world.
Sarchí - a small and colorful town known for its' handcrafts and painted oxcarts.
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