Things to do in Northwest Costa Rica
Northwest Costa Rica offers a stunning variety of natural landscapes and a number of world-class wildlife refuges and national parks. The region is scenically spectacular, with volcanoes, forests, lakes, rivers, and fertile lowlands interspersed with small villages. Fortuna and Liberia are both good bases from which to explore the many attractions of Northwest Costa Rica, and the Monteverde community is an attraction in itself.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of Costa Rica's most famous natural destinations, and many visitors travel to the country specifically to experience this magical, mist-shrouded forest. Another iconic park in the region is Arenal Volcano National Park, which draws travellers from around the world with its dramatic volcanic scenery and wide range of outdoor activities. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails and nature experiences.
Although these two reserves are deservedly well known, the region is also home to many other wildlife refuges and protected areas. Santa Rosa National Park is a significant sea turtle nesting site and an excellent place to spot Costa Rican wildlife in its natural setting. Isla Bolaños National Wildlife Refuge, an offshore island sanctuary for seabirds such as pelicans and frigatebirds, is part of the UNESCO-listed Area de Conservación Guanacaste. Other notable wilderness areas include Junquillal Bay Wildlife Refuge and the White Cliffs Wildlife Refuge, both of which offer opportunities to explore Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems in a more remote and peaceful setting.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park, known as the 'Energetic Heart of Costa Rica', features the 5,358-foot (1,633-metre) cone-shaped Volcán Arenal. The volcano was highly active for deca…
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park, known as the 'Energetic Heart of Costa Rica', features the 5,358-foot (1,633-metre) cone-shaped Volcán Arenal. The volcano was highly active for decades, with a major 1968 eruption causing significant damage and dozens of deaths. While eruptions and glowing lava were once common, activity has declined since 2010, with only steam vents and occasional rumbling visible today.
The park offers trails through rainforest, old lava fields, and areas affected by the 1968 eruption, with safety measures in place. Visitors can often see wildlife such as monkeys and birds. The Visitor Centre provides educational displays, and though overnight stays aren't allowed, guided night tours from La Fortuna offer after-dark exploration.
Fortuna
La Fortuna is the closest town to Arenal Volcano and offers stunning views of the volcano, making it a convenient base for exploring the national park and nearby attractions. While…
Fortuna
La Fortuna is the closest town to Arenal Volcano and offers stunning views of the volcano, making it a convenient base for exploring the national park and nearby attractions. While the volcano no longer displays visible lava flows, night tours provide opportunities to see fumaroles and spot nocturnal wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy relaxing hot springs with views of the volcano.
Daytime hiking in the park doesn't require a guide, but night visits must be guided. Popular excursions from La Fortuna include boat tours at Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, visits to the Arenal Butterfly Conservatory, and horseback rides to nearby waterfalls and swimming spots. Lake Arenal, close by, offers fishing, kayaking, and scenic water sports. For river adventures, the calm Peñas Blancas River is ideal for wildlife cruises, while the Rio Toro River provides thrilling class III-IV white-water rafting.
Monteverde
Monteverde is a small community spread along several kilometres of road leading to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Originally settled by Quakers for dairy fa…
Monteverde
Monteverde is a small community spread along several kilometres of road leading to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Originally settled by Quakers for dairy farming, the area is known for its distinctive Monteverde cheese, popular throughout Costa Rica. Over time, the reserve expanded into the renowned cloud forest that attracts visitors from around the world today.
Nearby Santa Elena is the closest town and home to its own, less-visited cloud forest reserve. Monteverde also offers attractions such as the Butterfly Gardens, Serpentarium, cheese factory, and art galleries. The CASEM Handicrafts Cooperative supports about 140 local artisans by selling handmade goods. Near the reserve entrance, the Hummingbird Gallery features feeders that attract several species of hummingbirds.
Numerous trails allow visitors to explore coffee and banana plantations or hike to hilltop viewpoints overlooking the cloud forest. On clear days, visitors may catch distant views of Arenal Volcano and enjoy abundant birdlife and wildlife throughout the area.
Liberia
Located about 135 miles (220 km) northwest of San José, Liberia serves mainly as a convenient travel hub and gateway to the stunning beaches and national parks of Northwest Costa …
Liberia
Located about 135 miles (220 km) northwest of San José, Liberia serves mainly as a convenient travel hub and gateway to the stunning beaches and national parks of Northwest Costa Rica. Known as 'La Ciudad Blanca' (The White City) for its whitewashed colonial buildings and pale gravel streets, Liberia itself is less a tourist destination and more a place to pass through.
Nearby attractions include the Rio Negro Hot Springs, though most visitors come to explore Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park and Santa Rosa National Park, both easily accessible from the city. Liberia is also home to Costa Rica's second largest international airport, making it a key entry point for travellers heading to the region.