The Arenal Region
Located in the province of Alajuela, Arenal Volcano is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. This region is truly a fascinating natural wonder and a must visit destination in Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano National Park covers 12016 hectares, where elevations range from 3281 to 5436 feet. The habitats represented here are cloud forest:
• margin/edge
• freshwater river
• regenerating
• tropical rainforest-lowland
Brief history
In July 1968, the volcano, which had lain dormant for hundreds of years, surprised the whole country when it erupted with sudden violence. The nearby village of Tabacón was destroyed and nearly 80 of its inhabitants were killed. Since that eruption, 5272.31 feet Arenal has been Costa Ricas most active volcano. Almost daily, red-hot rocks crash down its steep slopes and volcanic grumbles produce huge ash columns above the crater. At night, its quite a mesmerizing show. Lying on the Eastern foot of this natural marvel is the small farming town of La Fortuna, which has become a magnet for volcano watchers from all over the world.
To learn more about hotels, restaurants, and activities in this region, click on the pdf.
arenal info
Monteverde
Geographically, Monteverde is placed in the province of Puntarenas, at 14763.77 feet over sea level. It’s a humid and misty area, with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 71.6°F. Annual rainfall of an average 3000 millimeters. Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves extend over 10,500 hectares of land which sustain 6 different wild life areas. This reservation holds at least 400 bird species, over 100 mammal species, 120 amphibian and reptile species, and approximately 2,500 plant species.
Brief History
Before the town was settled, the Monteverde area was inhabited by the Corobicí Indians. It was in the 1950’s by a group of Quakers (a type of religious society), who,
guided by their beliefs, migrated from United States during the Korean War. The reasons that attracted them to Costa Rica were the country’s pacifist politics and lack of an army. The Quakers explored different areas of Costa Rica during the first 6 months until they finally came upon Monteverde, a location which somewhat resembled the North American mountain climate.
monteverde info
Manuel Antonio
Located 100 miles south of San José in the Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio is the natural habitat of species such as the endangered squirrel monkey, white faced capuchin monkey, raccoons, three and two-toed sloths, white-nosed coatis, brown pelicans, black-collared hawks and green kingfishers. The park consists of primary and secondary forest. A mangrove swamp covers about 44.5 acres, adding to the biodiversity of the region with its 3 different species: red mangrove, buttonwood mangrove and white mangrove - around.
With its 1700 acres of land mass and 135,906 acres of marine reserve, Manuel Antonio is the smallest of the 20 national parks Costa Rica has put aside for total protection. Even so, it is the country’s second most visited conservation area. The annual temperature is 27°C, with a minimum temperature of 20°C.
