The Northen Plains are made up of a rich farming countryside, covered with papaya and yuca (casava) plantations. This region surrounds the majestic Arenal volcano, but aside from this attraction, there's a lot more to do and discover. The climate is a big part of why the area is greatly visited, since it's varied and placid. The surroundings are great for relaxing, finding an adventure and getting in contact with nature. Visitors get to see misty cloud forest environments, verdant rolling hills, and a beautiful lake.
La Fortuna de San Carlos
The landscapes are found along winding roads, and make for incredible photographs. In order to get the best view and experience, travelling is best when done by car. This way, visitors can get a true feel for the area. There's plenty of nature for you to observe. Just think: out ofthe 850 birds species identified in Costa Rica, 600 are permanent residents of the Northen Plains. Don't forget your binoculars!
Staying in La Fortuna is a great way to move around the area. The Arenal rises up out of the nearby countryside and looks upon the village and its people. This town has something for everyone. Take your pick: bathing in the hot springs of the Tabacon river; experiencing a canopy tour; walking along the trails around the Arenal volcano; tours to the Caņo Negro Wildlife Refuge; floating safari on the Peņas Blancas river; rafting; horseback rides; visits to butterfly farms, hanging bridges, and much more.
La Fortuna waterfalls is located 3.4 miles from the town, and is one of the major attractions. You can observe the 246 feet fall as you arrive on horse orfoot. There's also a new and exciting eco-tourism destination in the vicinity of the Arenal volcano.
The Arenal Hanging Bridges are a series of six swinging suspension bridges, some of which are 100 yards in length, nine stationary bridges, and a tunnel. They're located within 600 acres of protected, primary neo-tropiacl rain forest.
By taking the 1.86 mile walking tour, visitors can get very deep into the canopy and get impressive views that aren't common, including some breathtaking sights of the Arenal lake, a waterfall and the majestic volcano. The waterfall Bridge hangs over 197 feet from the ground, while another, The Tyra Bridge is 322 feet long. There are no steps, so people with every fitness level can visit.
Over 250 species of birds can be in this forest alone. They include the white hawk; great curassow; rufous motmot; rufous-tailed jacamar; and the black-throated trogon. There are also many reptiles, like the fer-de-lance snake; boa constrictor; basilisk lizard; glass frog and poison dart frog.
That's not all, there are also amazing mammals like howler monkeys; spider monkeys; tyras; coatimundis; three-toed sloths and white-collared peccary, not to mention the thousands of beautiful insects.
Geographical Division 
