VOLCÁN ARENAL

Located seven kilometers from Fortuna, Volcán Arenal has an area of 33 square kilometers. The volcano has experienced constant activity since July 29, 1968. Its landscape has two faces: one covered with lush vegetation sheltering a variety of wildlife, and the other rugged with lava tracts and sand from the constant eruptions. Considered the region's main attraction, Arenal offers daytime and nighttime viewing opportunities, thanks to its constant explosions and eruptions.

ARENAL RESERVOIR

An 87.8-square-kilometer artificial lake at an elevation of 546 meters above sea level, the Arenal reservoir is perfect for trips on large boats fitted out for tourists, fishing or waterskiing. It is also well known among windsurfers as the windsurfing center of Costa Rica, with winds reaching an average speed of 72 kilometers per hour.

COTE OR COTER LAKE

This lake is situated at 680 meters above sea level and has a diameter of approximately one kilometer. Many Costa Rican scientists believe the lake is a crater due to its geological characteristics. Recreational and tourism activities here include boat tours and fishing.

RÍO TABACÓN

Located in the vicinity of Volcán Arenal, this river has had a series of improvements made along its banks, giving rise to another of Fortuna's attractions: Tabacón hot springs. At a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, these waters relax muscles, clean the skin and reduce stress. Several nearby companies have developed access facilities for visitor enjoyment, including pools at various temperatures strewn among beautiful gardens surrounded by tropical forest.

VOLCÁN CHATO

Located southeast of Arenal, this volcano has an altitude of 1,140 meters above sea level. Its crater is 550 meters in diameter, and features a stunning lake fringed by lush greenery. Visiting it requires a bit of a climb, but the reward is well worthwhile: views of forests, birds, the northern plains and breathtaking Volcán Arenal.

LA FORTUNA WATERFALL

This stunning attraction is located 5.5 kilometers from Fortuna. A steep trail allows visitors to view the 70-meter-tall waterfall. Funds from entry fees to the waterfall are used by the Association to pay for various projects and activities for the good of the region.

FORTUNA

Situated at 253 meters above sea level, this community is made up of people with great spirit and business drive, who have converted a largely agricultural region into a booming commercial and tourism destination. The city features a lovely surrounding landscape, the most imposing features of which are the picture-perfect cones of Volcán Arenal and its eternal companion, Volcán Chato.

VENADO CAVERNS

Discovered in 1962, these caverns are located three kilometers from the town of Venado. Approximately 2,000 meters long, the cavern system contains unique geological features, many of which have yet to be explored. Spelunking in these caves is an adventure not to be missed by nature-lovers. With good access facilities, the caves are easily visited; several tourism outfits offer tours through a large part of the cavern system.

MALEKU INDIGENOUS RESERVATION

Centuries ago, the Maleku-a branch of the Chibchas-were spread out over 23 villages. Over the last 100 years or so, the population has shrunk, and today only around 600 Maleku remain in the palenques (straw huts) of El Sol, Margarita and Tonjibe, located six kilometers from San Rafael de Guatuso. Their main needs are lands to continue cultivating medicinal plants and repairs to their access roads and bridges. In general terms, the people of Guatuso preserve their language and have their own unique burial traditions, songs, ways of preparing food and raising children, methods of transporting goods, playing drums and using bows and arrows. They also make hammocks and bags woven out of vegetable fibers.

RÍO CELESTE

One of the region's most stunning tours, the Río Celeste trip cannot be missed. A combination of adventure, nature-watching and geological features, the voyage includes a visit to a place called Teñidero ("Dyer's Shop"), where the clear waters are naturally "dyed" turquoise-blue, as well as a hike and a tour through the forest leading to the extraordinary Celeste waterfall, which, like the river, offers spectacular scenery.

MARINA ZOO, PALMERA

Located in the Palmera district's marina, between Ciudad Quesada and Aguas Zarcas, this zoo houses more than 200 species of birds, mammals and reptiles, and develops protection and breeding programs for animals in danger of extinction.

ÁNGEL WATERFALL

This waterfall can be seen from certain parts of the highway (La Isla), and may be visited by following a trail along the banks of the Río Angel on the outskirts of Cariblanco. Though the waterfall is approximately 100 meters, only the upper part is exposed to open air.

RÍO SARAPIQUÍ

Many years ago, when highways did not exist, the only way to journey through Central America was via the Río Sarapiquí. The enchanting scenery along its banks is a delight for those who want to get close to nature. The Sarapiquí runs through 84 kilometers of diverse landscapes, and is a good place to see birds, monkeys, turtles, caimans and more. The river has become a tourist destination for nature- and wildlife-watchers, and allows visits to the Río San Juan, Barra del Colorado and Tortuguero.

Source: Content and Images from Costa Rica Tourism Board - www.visitcostarica.com