Arrange a guided wildlife boat outing on the Sarapiquí River. Explore forested banks and river habitats with an operator who can explain the local landscape. Wildlife sightings vary with conditions and season.
Explore Northern Plains
Costa Rica’s Northern Plains connect rural communities with rivers, forests and the wider Arenal landscape. Places such as La Fortuna, Guatuso and Los Chiles offer different ways to learn about life shaped by water and land. Explore with curiosity, learn from local people and help care for the landscapes and traditions that make this place special.
Sarapiquí River Wildlife Outing
Sarapiquí Cacao Experience
Join an established cacao tour in the wider Sarapiquí area. Discover how pods and seeds become chocolate and learn about cacao’s cultural importance. Confirm the location, activities and tasting arrangements before booking.
Sarapiquí Birdwatching
Choose a guided birdwatching visit at La Selva or another local reserve. Bring binoculars and explore rainforest habitats with a naturalist who can identify birds and explain their place in the forest.
Rural Sarapiquí Farm Experiences
Arrange a visit with an established rural tourism host in Sarapiquí. Explore local farming and food traditions through the activities offered at your chosen property. Confirm reservations and visitor access directly.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí Town
Include a local meal and time in this inland riverbank community between rainforest or farm outings. This Puerto Viejo is in Heredia, distinct from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
Use Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí as a base for guided river outings, rainforest walks at La Selva and cacao experiences in the surrounding area. This inland Heredia community offers wildlife, rural culture and tropical landscapes, distinct from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast.
La Selva Biological Station
Discover rainforest research and biodiversity near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí through an arranged visitor experience.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna invites families to explore the landscapes around Arenal: forest trails, flowing water and a volcano that changes how we see the horizon. Use the town as your base, then choose a manageable outing that leaves time to notice leaves, birds and the weather.
La Fortuna Town
Begin with a short walk around the town center. Notice how the community connects with the surrounding volcano landscape, then choose one question to investigate on your next outing.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Marked visitor trails offer a way to explore the landscape around Arenal. Observe volcanic rock and forest from permitted routes; the volcano summit is not a visitor hiking destination.
La Fortuna Waterfall
A waterfall outing connects moving water with forest observation. The approach includes many steps; consider your family’s mobility and energy before visiting and follow staff guidance near the water.
Lake Arenal Landscape
The lake adds a broad water landscape to an Arenal visit. From a permitted viewpoint, compare the lake, hills and sky; boat or paddling outings require separate planning and suitable safety equipment.