| Northern Costa Rica | |
 | |
| State | Costa Rica |
|---|---|
Northern Costa Rica (Region Norte or Huetar Norte) is a region located inland from the Costa Rica bordering the department of Río San Juan del Nicaragua.
To know
This region is known for the Arenal Volcano, but it also has other not-too-hidden pearls such as Lake Arenal and the Los Angeles Cloud Forest.
Territories and tourist destinations
Northern Costa Rica: full screen map.Urban centers
- Luck (La Fortuna de San Carlos) - The city located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Fortuna is a quaint resort complete with great restaurants and tons of tour companies offering volcano tours and Lake Arenal excursions.
- Los Chiles - Border town in the far north of the country on the border with Nicaragua.
- Quesada - The largest city ever in the north of the country, surrounded by thermal waters, popular with Costa Rican tourists.
- San Ramón - Located about an hour north of San José by car. The city is large enough where you can stop at the local drinks or market, but don't expect much in the way of tourism. It is mostly a stop on the way to Arenal or the Los Angeles cloud forest.
Other destinations
- Arenal - It is the third most active volcano in the world and whose roars can be heard several times an hour. The lava flow changes direction frequently, but even without seeing the lava the mountain is impressive in size and shape.
- Cloud Forest Los Angeles - It is not as popular as Monteverde Cloud Forest, but wildlife is abundant and the locals are extremely friendly.
- Monteverde Cloud Forests
How to get
By car
The best way to get to this region is by car. From San José to get to San Ramón about an hour of travel is required. Unless you want to make short intermediate stops to savor the local culture that you meet along the way.
By bus
There are also buses that commute between San Ramón is San José.
