Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National park provides an excellent stage for exited birders as it is home to the different species of birds. Moose, jaguar, white faced monkeys, coati, deer, toucans and snakes like the infamous fer-de-lance and parrot snake also can be found in this park. This park is different from the other parks because of the Arenal Volcano which is among the worlds 10 most active volcanoes. Many visitors might feel scare to visit the park but if there is any possibilities of danger, the park officials will close down the park as their first concern is the park visitor’s safety. 

Arenal Volcano National Park is located within the larger 504,094-acre (204,000-ha) Arenal Conservation Area which is This area contains a great wealth of geologic and biological complexity. After entering the park, you will find different types of plants including guayabo de monte, cirri, various species of palms, ferns, heliconias, strangler figs, orchids, and many others. Climate of Arenal is changeable. Atlantic and Pacific both oceans effect its temperature and annual rainfall and from February to April, it remains dry season and from May to January the rainy season lasts.

In Arenal Volcano National Park you will enjoy many types of tours and activities including Arenal Volcano Hike and Tabacon Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano Hike and Los Perdidos Hot Springs, Arenal 4 in 1 Tour – Hanging Bridges and Titoku Hot Springs, Arenal Lake to El Castillo – Mountain Bike Tour etc.

Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is nestled close to the jungle like area of the Nicaraguan border and due to its location, it is not easy to access. In 1991, this refuge was named as Wetland of International Importance. The refuge was named as Wetland of International Importance in 1991. If you want to visit the area you should chose a day tour. Tours operate along the Río Frío that is the largest flowing river and work as main source for water of Cano Negro Lake.

From February through April, through the dry months the park can be easily accessed by road and you will see many  swamps and wetlands dry up, transforming the layout of the refuge. You will get the opportunity to watch different species of colorful birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. There are also caimans, turtles, three-toed sloth, white faced monkeys and even Jesus Christ Lizards.

During rainy season water level rises his season is great for bird watching as in this season millions of birds arrive here to winter over at the time of dry season beginning in December. Some species of birds such as the Olivaceous Cormorant build nests in the reserve and stick all the time of the year. Most birds including Glossy Ibis, Anhinga, Black-necked Stilt, American Widgeon, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Northern Shoveler, Snail Kite,Wood Stork, Blue-winged Teal, White Ibis and Green Backed Heron, however, make their appearance at the time of dry season. This area is also home to different species of wild animals.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is considered as the most well known cloud forest in the world for its wide variety of biodiversity, important conservation contributions and scientific researches. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve What is typically known as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is actually several biological reserves which have have been responsible of promoting this ecological destianation. This reserve is situated along the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range within the Alajuela and Puntarenas provinces. The Biological Reserve of Monteverde, Biological Reserve of Santa Elana and the Eternal Children’s Rain Forest have been born thanks to the conservationist and visionary effort of many people who want to preserve the environment and help a great number of endemic species that reside in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

In 1950, a group of Quakers from Alabama arrived in Monteverde at a time when the region was just beginning to be settled. In 1972, Monteverde was established by these families and that is the time when the local farmers wanted to expand their homestead and property in the forest sites that threatened the existence of Monteverde rainforest. Scientists George Powell and his wife visited this area and for promoting the establishment of a nature reserve, they joined the forces with longtime resident Wildford Guidon. The reserve has bus service available five times per day by which you can travel from Monteverde and Santa Elena. There is also accommodation facility that is ideal for hosting up to 47 guests. In the reserve property you will also find a gift shop, a small restaurant, serpentarium, Monteverde Nature Center information center, butterfly gardens, bat jungle, and frog pond. These reserve also has suspension bridges, trails and zip-lines.