The Costa Rica Northern Mountains region is the area north of the central valley and extends to the Nicaragua Boarder. This region is made up of the Guanacaste and the Tilaran mountain ranges and offers beautiful mountain views and cooler weather. Two of the main attractions of the Northern Mountains are the Arenal Volcano and Sarapiqui. In Fortuna (the town outside of the Arenal Volcano) you can enjoy hikes to the Volcano, fishing in Lake Arenal, hiking to the Fortuna Waterfall, mountain biking, wildlife tours through the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, and a number of hot-springs, including the famous Tabacon. In the area of Sarapiqui you can enjoy white water rafting and slow-water boat tours on the Sarapiqui River, hiking in the rainforest, horseback tours, and much more.

The Northern Mountains enjoys moderate temperatures year-round (the highest it reaches is the low 80?s Fahrenheit, 25-30 Celsius). You can expect heavy rain in the late rainy season, August ? November. Many people travel to Arenal to see the Volcano and the lava; however be aware that Costa Rican weather is typically clear in the morning and cloudy by mid afternoon. During the rainy season you may not see the Volcano during the day or night and even in the dry season seeing the lava at night can be hit or miss.

Northern Mountains Destinations:
Fortuna
Near Lake Arenal
Sarapiqui

Northern Mountains Attractions:
Arenal Volcano
Lake Arenal
Arenal Waterfall
Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve
Fishing ? Canopy Tours
Hanging Bridges
Horseback Riding
Venado Caverns
Bird Watching
Butterfly Gardens
White Water Rafting