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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- South America
- Costa Rica
- Northwest Costa Rica
Northwest Costa Rica
The Northwestern region of Costa Rica is renowned for its
dramatic contrast in topography. Mountain ranges, volcanoes, lakes,
rivers and fertile plains support numerous varieties of bird and
wildlife, each offering different types of activities. The two
Cordilleras, or mountain ranges, are very different from each
other. The Cordillera Tilarán has rolling mountains that used to be
covered in cloud forests; those remaining are protected reserves of
which the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most
popular with visitors, offering nature trails, horse riding and
canopy tours. The Cordillera de Guanacaste is an impressive string
of volcanoes, some protected within national parks. Between the
ranges are Lake Arenal and the nearby active Arenal Volcano and
surrounding hot springs. Further north, in the tropical humidity of
the lowland plains, lies the remote wildlife refuge of Caño Negro,
a vast wetlands area that is one of the best places in the Americas
to see river wildlife, including numerous birds, mammals and
reptiles. The fertile plains are dotted with a mixture of
agricultural fields, cattle ranches and expanses of protected areas
serviced by a maze of streams and rivers.
Information & Facts
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely
spoken.
Money
The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 céntimos and is
the official currency, although US Dollars are also widely
accepted. US Dollars and travellers cheques can be exchanged in
banks and many hotels. Banks charge a service fee for cashing
travellers cheques and currency other than US$ is difficult to
exchange. Using black market exchange options is risky as they have
been known to pass on counterfeit bills printed in Colombia. Banks
close anywhere from 3pm to 6pm. Major credit cards are widely
accepted, although American Express and Diners Club might be more
limited. ATMs are available in major towns throughout the country,
but it is advisable to always have some local cash handy.
Time