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The Northern Plains

Although unlikely to be an area where you choose to stay for week-long break, the Northern plains have a lot to offer for those who are willing to take a day or two's excursion.

Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal Volcano National Park covers 12,016 hectares, or 29,692 acres and as you might have surmised, its prime attraction is the Arenal Volcano. This majestic volcano is one of the most continuously active volcanoes in the world today. It had been dormant for four hundred years until 1968 when it suddenly and unexpectedly blew off its top; one hundred and sixty five feet of it to be exact! The resulting lava flows wiped out the villages of Tabacon and Pueblo Nuevo, taking with it the lives of all the unfortunate residents.

Also in the area is the Chato volcano, smaller than Arenal and extinct for at least five thousand years. Visitors can get much closer to this one as they are now restricted from getting close to the rim of Arenal due to its violent and unpredictable nature.

The Venado Caves

The Venado caves trace their ancestry back to the Miocene age which occurred about seventeen million years ago. They were first discovered by the Guatuzo Indians. Tours through these humid caves will reveal stalactites, stalagmites, and of course, bats and their guano. You will witness the progress that the subterranean river still makes, slowly carving its way along the cave floor.

The Hot Springs

Are you exhausted from your long treks up the soaring volcano then the subterranean descent into the caves? Why not reward your adventuresome efforts with a relaxing bath in Costa Rica's rejuvenating hot springs? These waters are naturally heated by volcanic channels and can be found a variety of locations such as Goatees, La Fortuna, and La Marina.

Arenal Lake

As you might surmise from the name, this lake is located close to the volcano of the same name. It is actually a man-made lake and is the largest in the country. Completed in 1974, the main reason for its construction is to generate hydroelectric power (an astounding seventy percent of the country's consumption), yet another indication of Costa Rica's dedication to the concept of staying "green."

If you are a angler, this is one of the premier spots to reel in some rainbow bass. These ferocious fighters are members of the cichlid family and if you have a home aquarium, you know what that means. They define the word aggressive. If you are from the catch-and-release school, that's fine, but be aware that this fish is renowned for its flavor.