Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3
Exploring the lagoons of the
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño
Negro
to take a gander at spoonbills or a stab at tarpon.
4
Riding the rapids through the jungle on the
Río Sarapiquí
.
5
Spotting howlers, sloths, peccaries and all manner of birdlife while explor-
ing the grounds of your ecolodge near
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
.
Parks & Reserves
In addition to the famous must-see volcano, there are several notable refuges and parks in
the Northern Lowlands, offering opportunities for low-key, crowd-free boat tours and
wildlife-watching.
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal Centered on the perfect cone of the eponymous volcano,
the clouds will sometimes disperse, revealing the hulking giant.
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
Ecolodges in the Sarapiquí area can arrange rainforest
tours and have accommodations at the northern end of Braulio Carrillo.
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro
The lagoons of Caño Negro attract a wide
variety of birds year-round, though prime time for bird-watchers is between January and
July.
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Maquenque
Though there isn't much in the way
of infrastructure at this refuge, local lodges can take you into this remote rainforest.
ARENAL & AROUND
Whether you approach from the west or from the east, the drive into the Arenal area is
spectacular. Coming from Tilarán in the west, the paved road hugs the north bank of La-
guna de Arenal. The lake and forest vistas are riveting, but pay attention to your driving
and watch for potholes and coati jams. On either side of the road - up the green slope and
down on the lakeside - lovely inns, hip coffeehouses and eccentric galleries appear like
pictures in a pop-up book. Approaching from Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos), you'll have
Volcán Platanar for the backdrop, as the road winds through this green, river-rich agrarian
region and passes through prosperous towns bright with bougainvillea. If the weather co-
operates, the resolute peak of Arenal will loom in front of you.
