This is a land of
volcanoes, humid and cloud forests, enormous waterfalls
and mighty rivers, surrounded with rich vegetation and
wildlife. This generosity of nature has facilitated
diverse activities for the visitor that include horseback
riding through natural scenarios; canopy tours, water
sports, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife observation.
The region combines the fertile plains of Guatuso, San
Carlos and Sarapiquí with the volcanic mountain
ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán.
One of the main
attractions is the Arenal volcano, a perfect cone of
1633 meters of altitude (5.307 Ft), in constant activity
that offers the visitor a fireworks spectacle with eruptions
and lava. At its base, the Arenal reservoir, an artificial
lagoon of 87 kilometers of longitude, characterized
by its scenic beauty, constitutes one of the best places
in the world to practice windsurfing, thanks to winds
that reach 72 kilometers per hour. It is also center
of other water sports activities as are boat rides and
sport fishing.
The
Tabacón River that runs along the vicinity of
the volcano, is the source of thermal waters that, in
public and private areas, offers visitors a delicious
therapeutic relaxing bath. The volcano and its bordering
forests have the category of National Park and trails
are available that allow exploration of the surrounding
areas of this colossus.Another place of great beauty
is the Cerro Chato, an extinct volcanic crater crowned
by a beautiful blue green colored lagoon, which is also
part of the Volcán Arenal complex. Nearby, one
can also admire the 70 meters high La Fortuna waterfall.
In the cloudy summits of the Tilarán Mountain
range you can find the town of Monteverde, well known
for its biological reserve of the same name, which protects
species like the quetzal and the bell bird.
Founded by Quakers, in the early 1950's, this place is
known worldwide by its conservation efforts and a way
of life centered on respect for nature, reflected in its
environmental educational projects, recycling efforts,
eco-tourism and protection of the forests. The north region
is also characterized by its productivity. One of the
main activities is dairy farming, basis of a great variety
of products, among these the cheese industry. Ciudad Quesada
constitutes one of the main populations, with a high level
of development. The famous ''turnos" town fairs,
carried out in the different towns with dances, bull mount
championships and cattle auctions are characteristic of
the region.
Due
to the high percentage ot rainfall, the north region has humid
and evergreen forests as well as fertile plains. Caño
Negro Wildlife Refuge, located in the plains of Guatuso, is
one of the most important protected areas in the region and
harbors ecosystems like lagoons, swamps and wetlands.
These
natural environments are true oasis for aquatic birds, reptiles
and mammals and therefore, important places of interest for
observers of wildlife.Rivers such as the San Carlos and Sarapiquí,
are also of great importance. The latter, when join with the
San Juan River, forms part of the hydrological system that
feeds the Lake of Nicaragua. Areas of great biodiversity like
Sarapiquí are also source of scientific investigation
and the country last haven of endangered species such as the
green macaw.
