Arenal and the North Holidays

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

One of Costa Rica’s biggest attractions, iconic Arenal Volcano looms over the national park of the same name and is a mecca for wildlife lovers and adrenalin junkies alike. Arenal Volcano National Park covers a diverse landscape of lava fields, grasslands and rainforest that is home to endemic and big-ticket wildlife – sloths, coatis and monkeys – and over 500 bird species.

The small but mighty town of La Fortuna on the edge of the park offers a staggering array of activities including volcano treks, hanging bridge experiences, zip-lining and wildlife tours. Vast Arenal Lake is a popular spot for kayaking and other water sports. Arenal also caters for more relaxed agendas, with natural hot springs and spas, ideal for kicking back.

Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano

The shimmering turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste waterfall and nearby Blue Lagoon are a worthy reward for a hike. But a deeper exploration of Tenorio Volcano National Park offers the chance to trek the Tenorio Crater Trail for views over the steaming Lago Dante. Brave hanging bridges strung across the cloud forest canopy, relax in natural hot springs, and be on the watch for monkeys, sloths, tapirs and margays. Perhaps catch a glance of the sort-after but elusive puma.

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

The remote Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge lies close to the Nicaragua border and boasts lush landscapes, packed with wetlands and dense jungles. Best explored from the water, a kayaking tour or boat trip is a must in Cano Negro. Cruise in search of wildlife including jaguars, ocelots, sloths, monkeys, spectacled caiman, and black river turtles.

Boca Tapada & the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge

Truly off the beaten track yet an easy drive from San Jose or Arenal, Boca Tapada sits amongst the endless pineapple plantations, tropical jungle, and vast wetlands of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands. The critically endangered great green macaw can still be found nesting in the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge and Biological Corridor, along with over 400 other bird species including the rufescent tiger-heron, dusky antbird and keel-billed toucan. Tapirs and jaguars roam the forest whilst a kayaking trip on the San Carlos River might reveal iguanas, howler monkeys and water buffalo.

Sarapiqui

Once a sleepy market town but increasingly known as a hub for both wildlife lovers and adrenalin junkies, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui sits at the confluence of the Sarapiqui and Puerto Viejo rivers.

Here the rainforest is at its most lush flanked by the Braulio Carrillo National Park, home to miles of virgin tropical rainforest and abundant flora and fauna. River activities range from white-water rafting and kayaking to more relaxed river tubing and tranquil cruises in search of crocodiles, sloths, monkeys and toucans. Also worth a visit are the Tirimbina Reserve and La Selva Biological Station, one of the world’s most important centres for research into tropical rainforests.