This is a land of volcanoes, humid and cloud forests, enormous waterfalls and mighty rivers, surrounded with rich vegetation and wildlife. This generosity of nature has facilitated diverse activities for the visitor that include horseback riding through natural scenarios; canopy tours, water sports, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife observation. The region combines the fertile plains of Guatuso, San Carlos and Sarapiquí with the volcanic mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán.

One of the main attractions is the Arenal volcano, a perfect cone of 1633 meters of altitude (5.307 Ft), in constant activity that offers the visitor a fireworks spectacle with eruptions and lava. At its base, the Arenal reservoir, an artificial lagoon known for its scenic beauty, constitutes one of the best places in the world to practice windsurfing, due to winds that reach 72 kilometers per hour. It is also center of other water sports activities as are boat rides and sport fishing.

The Tabacón River that runs along the base of the volcano, is the source of thermal waters that, in public and private areas, offers visitors a delicious therapeutic relaxing bath. The volcano and its bordering forests are in a National Park and trails are available that allow exploration of the surrounding areas of this colossus.

Another place of great beauty is the Cerro Chato, an extinct volcanic crater crowned by a beautiful blue green colored lagoon, which is also part of the Volcán Arenal complex. Nearby, one can also admire the 70 meters high La Fortuna waterfall.

Nearby in the cloudy summits of the Tilarán Mountain range, you can find the town of Monteverde, well known for its biological reserve of the same name, which protects species like the quetzal and the bell bird.

Founded by Quakers, in the early 1950's, this place is known worldwide by its conservation efforts and a way of life centered on respect for nature, reflected in its environmental educational projects, recycling efforts, eco-tourism and protection of the forests.

Due to the high percentage of rainfall, the north region has humid and evergreen forests as well as fertile plains. Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, located in the plains of Guatuso, is one of the most important protected areas in the region and harbors ecosystems like lagoons, swamps and wetlands. These natural environments are true oasis for aquatic birds, reptiles and mammals and therefore, important places of interest for observers of wildlife. Rivers such as the San Carlos and Sarapiquí, are also of great importance. The latter, when it joins with the San Juan River, forms part of the hydrological system that feeds the Lake of Nicaragua. Areas of great biodiversity like Sarapiquí are also the source of scientific investigation and the country's last haven of endangered species such as the green macaw.