Northern Zone

North of the Central Valley and bordering on the bottom of Nicaragua, the Northern zone of Costa Rica is a great destination for adventure tourists and anyone looking to go off the beaten path. On the other hand, it is also home to one of the most visited areas in all the country, the Arenal Volcano. The volcanoes of Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles are also in the region, each the source of geothermal activity that is harnessed by the state for electricity, and creates bubbling mud pots, and great hot springs to soak your weary bones. The region also has notable rapids for white water rafting or kayaking, and Lake Arenal which is known for windsurfing. If you prefer a slower ride, boat tours of the Rio San Juan, which forms the northern border with Nicaragua, will take you through dense jungle and some old Spanish ruins.

• La Fortuna
• Los Chiles
• Ciudad Quesada
• Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
• Zarcero
• Arenal
• Monteverde
• Rincon de la Vieja