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Northern Region Real Estate in Costa Rica |
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Costa Rica's
northern region offers an incredible variety
of landscape and vista. From primary rainforest
to vast plains, to winding rivers and windswept
Lake Arenal, there are limitless choices
on how to feel at one with nature. One aspect
of this region is its striking topographical
contrasts. Two mountain ranges, Tilaran
and Guanacaste, create part of the country's
continental divide.
Along with protected forest, the rich landscape
supports a large variety of agriculture,
including citrus, sugar cane and rice. The
region extends up to the Nicaraguan border,
and the rivers that zigzag through the plains
are often flooded during the rainy season,
creating marshlands densely populated with
a staggeringly large winged population.
Of the 850 bird species identified in Costa
Rica, 600 permanently reside in this region,
and a good day of birding might include
dozens of sightings.
About the Northern Region
The largest inland body of water in Costa
Rica, Lake Arenal vies with others the world
over for a spectacular setting. The surrounding
slopes are covered with densely green forests,
as well as sleek windmills that dot the
hills, taking advantage of the trade winds
that sweep in from the east. Gales have
been clocked up to 45 miles per hour, and
only about 5 locations in the world have
all the specific elements that create such
a prime windsurfing destination. A variety
of hotels and cabins have opened in the
area, with a range of prices and accommodations.
Many offer both equipment and transportation
for those interested in trying their hand
at the sport. For peak wind seasons, visit
the lake between November and April, but
the rainy months bring milder conditions
that make Arenal a perfect spot for beginners.
Sport fishing is another activity available
to those looking to spend time on the lake.
A favorite spot for local residents, visiting
anglers can also enjoy the challenge rainbow
bass can provide. As with deep-sea
fishing, Costa Rican law supports a catch
and release policy, so it's important to
put back any more than you can eat. Local
companies are also offering sunset cruises
and sea kayaking as further choices for
enjoying these waters that offer up mirror
smoothness on the lake's eastern shores,
and white capped excitement to the west.
Visitors interested in heading west to the
famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve can
also find transportation across the lake
and be met by a waiting four-wheel drive
vehicle or horse caravan.
Numerous rivers run like lifelines through
the surrounding landscape rivers that at
one time were the major source of transportation
in the area.
Sunset Tours offers a safari raft float
down the Penas Blancas River, one of the
small rivers that connect with the Rio San
Carlos and finally the Rio San Juan and
the Caribbean Sea. Visitors float quietly
down the river with a naturalist guide including
howler monkeys and numerous bird species.
What sets this trip apart is the mid-river
stop at a tiny 'finca' or farm deep in the
interior.
Here there's a chance to meet the charming
Don Pedro, an octogenarian who has spent
the majority of his life on this mostly
self-sufficient piece of land that connects
with primary forest, and to obtain a glimpse
into the beautiful, yet difficult life on
the river.
A visit to this zone will almost always
include a stop at Arenal Volcano. Until
the late 1960's, local people called this
imposing giant Cerro Arenal, as there was
very little to indicate that under the tree
covered slopes lay the sleeping power of
a volcano. But all that changed in 1968
when after a series of earthquakes the volcano
blew, sending shock waves that were recorded
as far away as the western United States.
Now, with its flawlessly conical silhouette,
Arenal Volcano is one of the most active
in the world. Most awe-inspiring at night,
many local hotels offer excellent views
of the eruptions and lava flows.
Tour operators also can easily arrange
evening excursions to the Arenal National
Park, but due to its positions between the
Pacific and Caribbean slopes, the peak is
often shrouded by clouds, and what visitors
experience is the volcano's terrible roar
which of course is exciting on its own!
Within perfect viewing distance from the
volcano lies the Tabacon Hot Springs, formed
by a hot avalanche deposit decades ago.
A resort has formed around the
thermal mineral- rich waters, where visitors
can relax after a long day of hiking or
other activities. The water emerges from
the earth at nearly 150 degrees Fahrenheit,
but then cools to the low 100s as it tumbles
down the slopes.
Several natural pools with waterfalls make
for a luxurious treat. Cool water pools
are also available, and one should take
local advice and alternate between the two.
For those who are looking for more activity,
or at least who would rather work their
muscles before submersing them in the healing
waters, there are extensive trails around
the volcano, as well as the exhilarating
experience of the original canopy tour.
There, equipped with the highest quality
harnesses and rope systems, you can take
in the view of a world not usually seen
from the ground. Trees filled with bromeliads,
orchids and other epiphytes, as well as
the chattering of birds surround you.
There's an opportunity to ponder the view,
and then you glide through the canopy to
an awaiting tree. On some platforms you
rappel down to a lower level before continuing
on to another tree. At every platform there
is an experienced guide to lead you through
the process safely, so from starts to finish
it's an adventure to remember.
The hub of many of the area activities,
the small picturesque town of La Fortuna
is also only about 15 minutes drive from
the volcano. Not only with visitors find
this an excellent departure point for many
day trips; they will also find an extensive
range of small hotels and eateries. Most
of the area's businesses are locally owned,
and people are very proud to share their
region with visitors.
Among the many tours available in the area
include the Fortuna Waterfalls. These 230-foot
high falls are usually reached by horseback,
then a short, but demanding hike down to
the bottom pools where one can enjoy the
cool spray while picnicking before the return
trip. Swimming is only recommended further
down stream in the sandy beach, the current
directly under the waterfall is dangerously
strong.
The other hikes include the Cerro Chato,
a dormant 'brother' volcano to Arenal where
rain forest open onto a water-filled crater.
Trails here can also lead to beautiful waterfalls,
making for a longer day hike. This hikes
is recommended only for people in good condition,
but the effort is worth it.
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is comprised
of the Rio Frio and Cano Negro Lake. The
water level in this area grows and shrinks
seasonally, allowing for further travel
into the marshy landscape during the rainy
season. Only 6 kilometers from the Nicaraguan
border, this wildlife refuge is a naturalist's
paradise, especially for birders. In fact,
the refuge was created to protect the diverse
population of aquatic birds that live and
breed in the area. On a boat trip down this
river visitors can easily view over 30 of
the nearly 100 species of birds found in
the area, including the rare American Pygmy
Kingfisher and if very lucky, the endangered
Jabiru stork. It is also possible to spot
3 of the 4 species of monkeys found in Costa
Rica, two and three-toed sloth's, caimans,
turtles and emerald basilisk lizards. Due
to the variable water levels, this tour
usually begins with a 2-hour drive from
La Fortuna to Los Chiles, then a continuation
of the trip by boat down the Rio Frio.
Travel Tips
Head north from San Jose toward the Caribbean
coast, then take the exit toward Ciudad
Quesada. By heading northwest, you'll find
a variety of towns (and volcanoes) that
will grab your attention on either
side of the road.
Climate
The weather in this particular region tends
to characterize itself with warm daytime
temperatures (low to mid 80 F) and relatively
high humidity. There are intermittent rain
showers that usually pass quickly. From
late February to early May, the rains
are less frequent and afford fantastic skycaps
during sunrise and sunset.
What to bring
Necessary travel equipment for this region
is simple. If you're visiting during the
rainy season, keep rain gear handy and wear
comfortable shoes. Binoculars are mandatory
when in the area since birdwatching
is excellent.
Things to do
- Birdwatching
- Fishing
- Walking
- Kayaking
- Horseback Riding
- Swimming
- Wind Surfing
Places to go
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge - Remote lagoon
and wetland system with birds and other
wild animals.
Arenal Volcano - An active volcano with
beautiful Lake Arenal in the background.
Lake Arenal - Surrounded by a patchwork
of farmland, forest and an active volcano.
Excellent for windsurfing.
Tabacon Hot Springs - Open- air natural
hot springs. Thermal waters feed all
waterfalls and pools.
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LEADER Realty
Phone/Fax: (506) 2226 6483
P.O. Box: 4766-1000 San Jose
E-mail:
krsaborio@live.com
San Jose, Costa Rica
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