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See
region map
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Energy and natural beauty.
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| 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. |
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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. |
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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.
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