Costa Rica northern mountains... Energy and natural beauty. Costa Rica northern mountains are a land of volcanoes, humid and cloud forests, enormous waterfalls and mighty rivers, surrounded by rich vegetation and wildlife. This generosity of nature has facilitated diverse activities offered to visitors that include horseback riding through natural sites; canopy tours, water sports, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife observation. The region combines the fertile plains of Guatuso, San Carlos, and Sarapiqui, with the volcanic mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilaran. One of the main attractions of the Costa Rica northern mountains is the Arenal Volcano National Park, a perfect cone of 1633 meters high (5307 Ft), in constant activity that delights visitors with a fire show with eruptions and lava. At its base, the Arenal reservoir, an artificial lagoon of 87 kilometers long, characterized by its scenic beauty, constitutes one of the best places in the world to practice Wind Surfing, thanks to winds that reach up to 72 kilometers per hour. It is also a center of other water sports activities like boat tours and sport fishing. The Tabacon River that runs along the vicinity of the Arenal volcano, is the source of hot springs that, in public and private areas, offer visitors a delicious therapeutic relaxing bath. The volcano and its bordering forests are under the National Park category, and trails that allow exploring the areas surrounding this colossus are available. Another place of great beauty is the Chato Hill, an extinct volcanic crater crowned by a beautiful blue green colored lagoon, which is also part of the Arenal Volcano complex. Nearby, one can also admire the 70-meters-high waterfall La Fortuna. In the cloudy summits of the Tilaran Mountain Range you can find the town of Monteverde, well known for Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which protects species like the quetzal and bellbird. Founded by Quakers, in the early 50's, this place is known worldwide by its conservative efforts, and for a way of life focused on respect towards nature, reflected in its environmental educational projects, recycling efforts, and ecotourism and forest protection. The Costa Rica northern mountains are also characterized by its productivity. One of its main activities is dairy farming, basis of a great variety of products, among which is the cheese industry. Ciudad Quesada constitutes one of the main populations, with a high level of development. The famous ''turnos" town fairs, carried out in the different towns, together with dances, bull riding championships and cattle auctions, are characteristic of the region. Due to the high percentage of rainfall, the northern region has humid and evergreen forests as well as fertile plains. Located in the plains of Guatuso, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, is one of the most important protected areas in the region, and it harbors ecosystems like lakes, swamps and wetlands. These natural environments are true oasis for aquatic birds, reptiles and mammals and therefore, important places of interest for wildlife observers. Rivers like the San Carlos and Sarapiqui are also of great importance. The latter, when they join the San Juan River, they make part of the hydrological system that feeds the Lake of Nicaragua. Areas of great biodiversity like the Sarapiqui area are also source of scientific research and the country's last haven of endangered species like the green macaw.
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