SIMBIOSIS TOURS

Ecotourism is the main activity in this zone.  It offers various entertainment options such as walks through paths, birdwatching and cavalcades.  But it also offers alternatives for resting, health and relax, with a variety of hot springs and natural mud pools.

And for those who love adventure, this majestic zone offers the possibility to practice canopy, rapelling, mountain walks, mountain biking and a lot, lot more.

Its main attraction is, undoubtedly, the Arenal Volcano, with an altitude of 5.300 feet above sea level.  This volcano has constant activity and lava and mud eruptions can frequently be seen. It is located in the town La Fortuna, where tourism has become the main economic activity.  For this reason, it also offers shops, excellent restaurants and night entertainment: Discotheques, bars, etc.

Not so far away, you can find the Arenal Lake, which at the moment is the main water reserve for the most important hydroelectric project in the country. Although everyone who drives around the lake admires the landscape, the Arenal Lake is especially famous among fishers and windsurfers; the continuous winds make this one of the best spots in the world for practicing this sport.

For those who seek to rest and relax, this is the ideal place, for you will find many spa options with natural thermal springs and specialized hotels.

It is important to emphasize on the town called Sarapiquí, located approximately 2 1/2 hours from San José.  It is characterized by its ecotourist attractions and river entertainment, such as rafting level II and III, kayaking and a new tour known as boat safari, during which you will be able to see crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, turtles and tropical birds. You can also practice rapelling, do walks through paths and cavalcade.

One of the routes to get to Sarapiquí allows tourists to pass by Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Weather

Temperatura: the annual average varies between 21°C ( 69.8°F) and 27.5°C ( 81.5°F).

Rainfall: the annual average varies between 3500 and 5000 mm.

Wet season: from May to January.

Dry season: from February to April.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

This wonderful and impressive giant of nature is considered a living laboratory due to its geologic treasures and its extraordinary biologic development.

The volcano has constant activity and lava and mud eruptions can be seen frequently.

At the bottom of the Arenal Volcano there is a viewpoint. There’s also the Chato peak, the Arenal dam, and paths, an auditorium, souvenir shop and an exhibition room.

Lake Arenal is not so far from here.  It is currently the main water reserve for the most important project hydroelectric project in the country. All those who visit this lake will be impressed with its beauty, however the Arenal Lake is especially famous among fishers and windsurfers; the continuous winds make this one of the best spots in the world for practicing this sport.

CELESTE RIVER (light blue)

This magnificent gift of nature was named like this for its color because it really is a “light blue colored river,” comparable to the sky's color. Its striking color is considered a natural phenomenon produced by particles found in the water, which when reflected with the light give it that color.

The waterfall, the hot springs and the fabric dyers (teñideros) are, unquestionably, three options that the tourist cannot disregard in this voyage.

You can get to the waterfall after a four hour walk, and any tiredness will be worth it because of the beauty and color of its waters, and the vegetation that surrounds it. Near this place you will find the fabric dyers (teñideros).  This is where the river turns from its natural color to this wonderful sky colored torrent. 

Additionally, you can find animals such as  danta, tayra, howler monkey, spider monkey, felines (puma, margary and ocelot), Three-wattled bellbird, pavon, hawks and trogons.

Likewise, vegetation is abundant: oak, “aguacatillo,” nispero, plantain, “danto” and a great amount of palm trees, bromelias, "helechos” and heliconias.

CAÑO NEGRO

It is currently under the National Wildlife Refuge category and holds more than 24.500 acres of humid tropical forest, home of a great amount of migratory, endangered and commercially important species.

You can go through the reserve in canoe or boat.

The Caño Negro lagoon is an 800 ha ( 1976.8 acres) fresh water shallow.

Caño Negro is considered one of the favorite places of those who like to go fishing, birdwatching and ride boat.

But besides, it is also considered a paradise for birdwatchers because you can find a lot of species, including migratory birds from the north. It has a big variety of marine life, offering species that can be eaten. This is one of the few places where the garfish can be found, it is considered a living fossil. There are also dantas, pumas, ocelots, howler monkeys, land turtles and caimans, among others.

CAVERNAS DE VENADO (deer caverns)

Located about an hour from La Fortuna, the caverns offer an extraordinary experience for the tourist who wants to make an underground journey and observe creatures that live in the darkness, amazing rocky formings between stalactites, and stalagmites in an environment that, according to scientists, has existed for more than 10 or 15 million years. 

Wonderful creatures that live in the dark, such as spiders, crickets and of course bats, can be seen here.