Home to the World Famous Arenal Volcano, the Monteverde Cloud forest & More!
Northern Costa Rica
In Northern Costa Rica you’ll find vast countryside, miles of rice and sugarcane plantations, cattle pastures and authentic cowboys. The Northern Zone is the agricultural center of Costa Rica where the fields and plantations outnumber the people. Although the population density is lower in the Northern Zone than other regions in Costa Rica, you’ll still find a lot of people and activity in La Fortuna, The Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde and Sarapiquí.
Northern Costa Rica is best for nature lovers looking for incredible hiking, birding, wildlife spotting and adventure tours in the rainforest. Although you won’t find any beaches, you’ll find incredible spas around the Arenal Volcano and thousands of tropical plants and animals in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. You’ll forget about the beach and become fully immersed in nature on your Costa Rica vacation in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica.
The Arenal Volcano is, by far, one of the most beautiful locations in Costa Rica. It hasn’t been active since 2010, but smoke can still be seen on a clear day. The magnificent volcano towers over the 30,000 acre Arenal Volcano National Park and Lake Arenal. Hiking, white water rafting, canyoning, zip lining and soaking in geothermal hot springs are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in Arenal.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is THE eco-tourism destination in Costa Rica. With three separate nature reserves protecting the beautiful forests, there is an unlimited amount of hiking available in addition to birding and wildlife observing. You also have the opportunity to see the gorgeous canopy from above on hanging bridges or from a zip line. Other popular tours include ecological night walks, coffee and chocolate tours and scenic ATV tours.
Sarapiquí is famous for its incredible biodiversity and amazing nature reserves. Here you’ll find the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the endangered Green Macaw. It is also produces bananas thanks to the large rivers that flow through it. While you hike, white water raft or visit a nature reserve you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in Costa Rica. Maybe you will even spot the Green Macaw!
Nature lovers and adrenaline junkies will love the wide variety of tours offered throughout Northern Costa Rica. With endless tropical forest available you’ll find nature walks and hikes, birding tours and wildlife reserves. Travelers seeking adventure will be pleased with all the zip lines, canyoning, kayaking and white water rafting throughout the area. You’ll also find coffee tours and geothermal hot springs to relax in after a long day of nature and adventure tours.
Northern Zone Weather
Costa Rica is home to 12 different climate zones, many of them in the Northern Zone.The weather tends to vary a lot, especially between Arenal and Monteverde. Monteverde is cooler and wetter than other parts of Costa Rica, which also makes the vegetation pop with color. Arenal on the other hand, is a bit warmer all year round. Temperatures are usually in the 70s. The dry season in Arenal is January-March and January-April in Monteverde.
Northern Zone Nature
There is so much biodiversity in the Northern Zone that eco-tourists are likely to be overwhelmed. Northern Costa Rica is home to volcanos, tropical rain forests, cloud forests, rivers, nature reserves and thousands of animal and plant species. For example, in Monteverde there are 755 species of trees and over 400 species of birds. Go on a guided tour through any of the forests and you’ll see snakes, spiders, sloths monkeys and more!
Northern Zone Culture
The culture across the Northern Zone varies almost as much as the climate. While the majority of the land is based on agriculture, you’ll also find a strong culture of conservation. As tourism in the region grows, Costa Rica works hard to develop new and modern ways to conserve and maintain the flora and fauna of the Northern region. It is one of the most biodiverse areas in the entire world and Costa Ricans are determined to keep it that way while still welcoming tourists with open arms.
There are many different ways to get to the Northern Zone of Costa Rica. Depending on your destination, either of the International Airports could serve you well. From there you can rent a car or take a shuttle or private transfer. The roads to Monteverde aren’t as developed as the roads to Arenal so be aware of that if you plan to rent a car. Talk to one of our expert Travel Agents today to talk Northern zone transportation on your next Costa Rica vacation!
HotelsRentalsToursBeachesCitiesIslandsRiversVolcanoesWaterfallsNational Parks
Northern Zone
Northern Costa Rica In Northern Costa Rica you’ll find vast countryside, miles of rice and sugarcane plantations, cattle pastures and authentic cowboys. The Northern ...
Northern Zone Vacation Packages
Costa Rica’s Top Three Destinations
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Best of Costa Rica with Peace Lodge (4 Star)
7
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Perfect Combination with Corcovado
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Active Family Adventure – Family Vacation to Costa Rica
7
SJO
Less than $1000 p.p.
Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo
12
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Rica Classic
7
LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Complete Costa Rica Extended
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Birding in Costa Rica’s Top Three Destinations
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Pacific & Caribbean Combo
10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights
20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Birding
8
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Costa Rica’s Top Birding Spots
11
SJO
Romantic Getaway
8
SJO
Tarpon Fishing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean
6
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Wellness, Yoga & Surf Vacation in Paradise!
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Fishing Adventure Package
5
LIR
More than $2000 p.p.
Birding in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone
11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Dancing with Quetzals
11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Costa Rica – All Inclusive
LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Cities
La Fortuna
Authentic Travel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica It’s very rewarding and nothing complicated to visit Arenal Volcano and La Fort...
Sarapiqui
Visiting Sarapiquí, Costa Rica Sarapiqui is a unique town and river area in the Heredia Province of Costa Rica, close to P...
Sarchi
Visiting Sarchi, Costa Rica If you’re looking for a great day trip from San Jose, Sarchi is a great option. It’...
Rivers
Lake Arenal
Visiting Lake Arenal Lake Arenal sits beneath the majestic Arenal Volcano in the northern part of Costa Rica. It is 85 squ...
Caño Negro
Visiting Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is composed of 25,100 acres (102 km2) of wetlands. It’s rou...
Volcanoes
Arenal Volcano
Visiting the Arenal Volcano The Arenal Volcano is one of our top recommended destinations and one of the most visited pla...
Poas Volcano
Visiting Poas Volcano Poas Volcano is one of the most popular active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The volcano is in the Centra...
Miravalles Volcano
Visiting the Miravalles volcano When you are planning a visit in Costa Rica and you want to see some of the most iconic vo...
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Visiting Tenorio Volcano National Park The Tenorio Volcano National Park was created in 1995 to protect the active Tenori...
Waterfalls
The La Fortuna Waterfall
The falls crash down 200 feet or 65 meters giving great views the whole way down. At the bottom of the 480 step trail, the...
Rio Celeste
Visiting Rio Celeste Locals tell the story of a river turning blue when God dipped his brush in its waters while he was pa...
National Parks
Monteverde
Visiting Monteverde, Costa Rica Monteverde is a small town in the mountain ranges of Costa Rica and a major destination fo...
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Visiting Braulio Carrillo National Park Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the biggest and most diverse national par...
Northern Zone Hotels
Rio Celeste Hideaway
3
From: Under $125
Montaña De Fuego Resort
3
2
From: Under $125
Senda Monteverde Hotel
3
From: Over $300
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
3
From: Over $300
Celeste Mountain Lodge
3
From: Under $125
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
4
5
From: Over $300
Sueño Azul Hotel & Spa
3
From: Under $125
Los Lagos Resort
3
5
From: $125 - $200
Selva Verde Lodge
3
From: Under $125
Hotel Heliconia
3
2
From: Under $125
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
4
3
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Belmar
4
5
From: $200 - $300
El Establo Mountain Hotel
4
1
From: $200 - $300
La Selva Biological Station
3
From: Under $125
Hotel Arenal Lodge
3
From: $125 - $200
Tabacon Resort & Spa
5
4
From: Over $300
Hotel Fonda Vela
4
2
From: Under $125
Arenal Oasis Ecolodge & Wildlife Refuge
3
From: Under $125
Cabanas Los Pinos
3
From: Under $125
Tenorio Lodge
3
From: $125 - $200
The Springs Resort & Spa
5
5
From: Over $300
Tapirus Lodge
4
From: $125 - $200
Lomas del Volcan
3
From: Under $125
Trapp Family Lodge
3
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Arenal Kioro
5
4
From: Over $300
Arenal Volcano Inn
3
From: Under $125
Maquenque Eco Lodge
3
2
From: Under $125
Lost Iguana Resort
4
3
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Magic Mountain
3
From: Under $125
Monteverde Country Lodge
3
3
From: Under $125
Poco a Poco Hotel
3
4
From: $125 - $200
La Mansion Inn
4
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Ficus
3
From: $125 - $200
Tirimbina Lodge
4
From: Under $125
Casa Luna
3
3
From: $125 - $200
The Royal Corin
4
1
From: $200 - $300
Hotel El Silencio del Campo
3
From: $125 - $200
Hotel El Bosque
3
From: Under $125
Arenal Springs Resort
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Claro de Luna
3
2
From: Under $125
Hacienda Pozo Azul
3
From: Under $125
Mountain Paradise Hotel
4
1
From: $125 - $200
Poas Volcano Lodge
4
3
From: Under $125
Casa Batsu
4
From: Under $125
Arenal Paraiso Resort
3
3
From: $125 - $200
Baldi Resort
3
From: $200 - $300
Arenal Manoa
4
From: $200 - $300
Arenal Observatory Lodge
3
4
From: Under $125
Hotel Kokoro Arenal
3
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Montaña Monteverde
3
From: Under $125
Rancho Margot
4
5
From: $125 - $200
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel
3
5
From: $125 - $200
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Nayara Springs
4
From: Over $300
Northern Zone Tours
Day Pass to The Springs Resort
Arenal Sky Tram Up & Down
From: $50 - $75
Mountain Biking Arenal
From: Under $50
Arenal Mundo Aventura Canopy Adventure Combo Adrenaline
3
Venado Caves Costa Rica
From: $50 - $75
Canopy Combination AMA and Adventure Tour
From: $50 - $75
Gravity Falls – Waterfall Jumping with Desafio
Cano Negro Wildlife Tour
From: $50 - $75
La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike with Desafio
Lost Canyon Canyoning Adventure with Desafio
Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal with Desafio
Whitewater Rafting on Sarapiqui River with Desafio
Hanging Bridges – Natural History Walk with Mistico
Horseback Ride and Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and Visit to Indigenous Village with Arenal Mundo Aventura
Rainforest River Float and Safari with Aventuras Arenal
Pure Trek Canyoning
Lost Canyon Canyoning Adventure
From: $75 - $100
Adrenaline Combo with Jacamar
Sportfishing at Lake Arenal with Jacamar
Balsa River
Guided Sky Walk with Sky Adventures
Sky Tram with Sky Adventures
Jeep Boat Jeep Arenal To Monteverde
Arenal Volcano Observation Hike and Hot Springs
From: $50 - $75
Sky Walk & Sky Tram with Sky Adventures
Sky Tram & Trek with Sky Adventures
Canopy Tour at Selvatura Park
From: Under $50
Sky Walk, Sky Tram & Sky Trek with Sky Adventures
Horseback Riding Tour with Don Tobias
Arenal Volcano National Park with Desafio
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
From: $50 - $75
Arenal Combo Safari Float & La Fortuna Waterfall with Desafio
Arenal Combo Chocolate Tour & La Fortuna Waterfall with Desafio
Arenal Mambo Combo Adventure with Desafio
Costa Rican Cooking Class with Desafio
Rainforest Chocolate Tour with Rainforest Chocolate Tour
Proyecto Asis Tour & Volunteering
Guided Hike Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
From: $50 - $75
Gravity Falls – The Best of Arenal
From: Over $100
Baldi Hot Springs with Meal
3
From: $75 - $100
Monteverde Sky Walk with Guide
From: Under $50
Hanging Bridges, Butterfly & Hummingbird Gardens Tour with Selvatura Park
Canopy & Hanging Bridges Tour with Selvatura Park
Night Walk at the Wildlife Refuge Monteverde
From: $50 - $75
ATV La Pradera Adventure at Arenal
From: $75 - $100
Canopy, Hanging Bridges, Butterfly & Hummingbird Gardens Tour with Selvatura Park
El Trapiche Coffee Tour
Birdwatching Tour at Curi-Cancha Refuge with Desafio
Guided Hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with Desafio
El Trapiche Coffee Tour
From: Under $50
Birding Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with Desafio
Night Hike at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde with Desafio
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Hike with Ocotea Tours
Guided Sky Walk with Sky Adventures
Sky Tram & Sky Walk with Sky Adventures
Sky Trek & Sky Tram with Sky Adventures
Sky Walk, Sky Tram & Sky Trek with Sky Adventures
Sky Trek & Sky Tram Monteverde
From: $50 - $75
Mistico Hanging Bridges Natural History Walk
From: Under $50
White Water Rafting Rio Balsa Arenal
From: $50 - $75
Club Rio Adventure
From: $75 - $100
Tabacon Hot Springs
From: $75 - $100
Arenal Sky Trek & Tram Ultimate Zip Lines
From: $75 - $100
Arenal Sky Walk
From: Under $50
Round Trip Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park
3
From: Under $50
Fishing Tour at Lake Arenal
From: Over $100
Rain Forest River Float and Safari Peñas Blancas Arenal
From: $50 - $75
Southern Zone
Why Visit?
Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is where you’ll find the tallest mountains, pristine cloud forest areas, and a virtually unexplored paradise. Find a large variety of birds and just an endless array of biodiversity.
Costa Rica’s Central Valley is home to the capital of San José and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Steeped in History & Culture, many people use the capital as the jumping off point for their vacations.
The Osa Peninsula is truly an unexplored paradise and a must see for nature lovers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path and explore – this is the spot for you.
Guanacaste is home to Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations and all-inclusive resorts. If you are looking for a beach vacation, this is your destination for sun, sand, and surf.
The Nicoya Peninsula is still largely undeveloped and home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Known for it’s laid back surfer vibe and boutique beach resorts.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a rich cultural area offering a laid back tropical atmosphere. Experience what Tico Time truly is on this Afro-Caribbean influenced area.
Nicaragua is a unique country full of culture and historical parts. You can see a lot of the old part of the colonial age including the cobblestone streets and old forts.
Panama is a totally different level of destination. It has so much to offer. You can experience history and modern architecture all in one in Panama City with skyscrapers and the old part of the city.
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