The central highlands encompass northern Costa Rica’s most fertile regions. Waterfalls, mountains and forests are found amongst undulating hills and near-perfect weather conditions allow Costa Rica’s famous coffee to grow plentifully.
The cloudforest reserves in the highlands of Costa Rica are one of the best places for birders. Lush with thick foliage, they are a haven for hundreds of species of birds, insects, and butterflies. The most popular of these reserves are the Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloudforest Reserves. Monteverde has six distinct ecological zones and is an excellent place to seek out the resplendent but elusive red and green quetzal. However, quieter and more peaceful experiences can be found in Bajos del Toro and San Ramon with lodges tucked away in beautiful private reserves with mystical, dense forests, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls and over 200 species of bird. Whichever of the reserves you choose to spend time in all are fabulous places to walk, especially in the early morning amongst shrouds of magical mist or atop canopy walkways, and adrenalin junkies can fly through the forest by systems of zip wires. Please ask a specialist to discuss the best option to suit your needs.
However, it is the famed Arenal volcano that generally surpasses all expectations. Considered to be one of the world’s ten most active volcanoes it delivers daily eruptions of scalding hot lava that are not only visually stunning but also strikingly loud. It’s an incredible sight and the surrounding lava fields are also fascinating. The nearby hot springs are a definite must; there is something very special about bathing beneath the stars with the eerie sounds of Arenal exploding in the background. The nearby Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is well worth a day trip. This is one of the most densely populated areas of Costa Rica but we have found some fabulous accommodation in this scenic and beautiful region.