Rich in eco-tourism appeals, the Alajuela region in Costa Rica’s central volcanic valley introduces visitors to the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the Costa Rican cloud forest.. Here, trails through the Poas
Volcano National Park lead hikers to the edge of two volcanic craters, while the Arenal Volcano National Park is home to hot springs and Costa Rica’s most active volcano, rising at the edge of Lake Arenal.
The arts and crafts center of Sarchi showcases the colorful masterpieces of the region’s traditional oxcart artists, whose rich cultural legacy extends back to Costa Rica’s entry into the coffee trade in the mid-1800s. Nearby, the historic city of Zarcero delights with its distinctive topiary garden, historic church, and the jams and cheeses produced by organic farmers.
Alajuela is also home to the new
El Silencio Lodge & Spa, a 16-suite eco-retreat nestled within 500 private acres of cloud forest reserve in Bajos del Toro.
Costa Rica is a “rich coast” indeed, abundant in natural wonders and the most prosperous of the Latin
American countries. A paradise for eco-tourists, adventure travelers and romantics, it rates among the most environmentally conscious and spectacularly beautiful nations in the world. As much as 23% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected land, and its fascinating array of flora and fauna is more diverse than in any other place on earth.
Bordering the Caribbean to the east and the Pacific to the west, this tiny Central American jewel boasts 800 miles of coastline. Its lush and rugged interior is home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Corcovado National Park – a habitat for all four of Costa Rica’s native monkey species, and Tortuguero National Park – a nesting ground for the endangered green turtle.
