Northern Region of Costa Rica

Bijagua is the closest town to the Rio Celeste, which is one of the best kept secrets in Costa Rica. Located within Tenorio National Park the river is a...

Monteverde

The Monteverde region is one of the most unique areas in Costa Rica and home to two of the most popular cloud forest reserves, the Santa Elena and Monteverde...

La Fortuna

In recent years La Fortuna has become one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica due to its proximity to Arenal Volcano. Despite the popularity, and...

Sarapiqui

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is a small pueblo located in the province of Heredia. This area is best known for bird watching, wildlife observation and adventure...

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a small pueblo that travelers use as a base for exploring Monteverde and other attractions of the area. This small town is located in the...

Nuevo Arenal

Nuevo Arenal is a small village located on the northern shores of Lake Arenal. This is one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of the country, commonly...

Northern Region Destinations

The Northern region is viewed by many to be the most beautiful region of Costa Rica. The area sweeps from the western swamps of the northern Caribbean to the Miravalles and Tenorio Volcano area. Popular destinations include Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Sarapiqui and Rio Celeste.

La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna is the closest town to Arenal Volcano and considered by many to be the Adventure Capital of Central America. Visitors to this area are in for a treat as the volcano provides a magnificent backdrop to the day trip adventures. Though not erupting anymore, there are still many hot springs at the base of the volcano and a lot of the resorts offer them right on the grounds. Not a bad way to unwind after a day of adventuring if you ask me! Click on the link above to learn more about La Fortuna.

Location: North Central Part of Costa Rica
Why La Fortuna? Adventure, Wildlife, Volcano
Destination type: Popular destination for tourists.
Combines well with: Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Caribbean, all Guanacaste beaches
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO, but LIR is almost as close interms of drive times

Monteverde

Monteverde is the most famous cloud forest in the world. Birdwatchers come to this area from all over the world in search of the Resplendent Quetzal , Emerald Toucanettes and Bellbirds. Adventurers come for the best ziplines in the world and others come for the sheer beauty as the forest has life on top of life. Click on the link above to learn more about Monteverde.

Location: North Central Part of Costa Rica
Why Monteverde? Adventure, Wildlife, Birdwatching, Cloud Forest
Destination type: Popular destination for tourists.
Combines well with: La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Caribbean, all Guanacaste beaches
Closest Airport: Liberia - LIR, but SJO is almost as close interms of drive times

Rio Celeste

The Rio Celeste is home to the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica as well as vast expanses of jungle. The river is located within Tenorio National Park, which is also home to the extinct Tenorio Volcano. Most visitors to this area stay in a little town named Bijagua, which is around 10 kilometers from the park entrance. Click on the link above to read more about Rio Celeste.

Location: North Central Part of Costa Rica
Why Rio Celeste? Wildlife, Birdwatching, Waterfall
Destination type: Ofv the beaten path
Combines well with: La Fortuna, Monteverde, all Guanacaste beaches
Closest Airport: Liberia - LIR

Sarapiqui

The Sarapiqui region is a well-known birdwatching destination. Most visitors to this area stay in ecolodges near the town of Puerto Viejo. Guided hikes, riverboat rides and whitewater rafting are the main activities in this off the beaten path destination. Click on the link above to read more about Sarapiqui.

Location: North Central Part of Costa Rica
Why Sarapiqui? Adventure, Wildlife, Birdwatching
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Combines well with: La Fortuna, Caribbean, Turrialba
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO

Nuevo Arenal

Nuevo Arenal is a quiet village located on the north shore of Lake Arenal. Visitors to this off the beaten path paradise come for the local feel, birdwatching and activities on the lake such as fishing, wind surfing and wake boarding. Click on the link above to learn more about Nuevo Arenal.

Location: North Central Part of Costa Rica
Why Nuevo Arenal? Birdwatching, Freshwater Fishing, Volcano
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Combines well with: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, all Guanacaste beaches
Closest Airport: Liberia - LIR is almost as close interms of drive times

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is the main village in the Monteverde region. This small cloud forest town has played host to many birdwatchers and canopy zipline thrill seekers over the years. Santa Elena is not only known for birdwatching and ziplining though as it is home to some of the best dining options in Costa Rica. Click on the link above to learn more about Santa Elena.

Location: North Central Part of Costa Rica
Why Santa Elena? Adventure, Wildlife, Birdwatching, Cloud Forest
Destination type: Popular destination for tourists.
Combines well with: La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Caribbean, all Guanacaste beaches
Closest Airport: Liberia - LIR, but SJO is almost as close interms of drive times