(continuer en français) – Last updated: Deccmber 20, 2022

The Central American isthmus is built around a series of cordilleras to which the coastal plains cling. In the tropics, the humid heat of the plains is often difficult to bear away from the coastline, which benefits from the sea breeze. The hills in the centre of the country were therefore the first region to be colonised by the Spaniards due to their more suitable climate.

An economy based on agricultural exports developed here, mainly coffee and bananas, which have long been an important resource for Costa Rica. The beautiful and preserved natural areas have more recently favoured ecotourism with the organisation of several national parks.

Around La Fortuna

In the north of Costa Rica, there are several volcanoes, some of them are still moderately active. Near the Arenal volcano, the small town of La Fortuna is a good base for visiting the area and its natural sights. Nearby, La Fortuna waterfall is one of the most spectacular in Costa Rica at over 230 feet, 70 metres, high. At the base of the waterfall pools offer a refreshing swim.

To reach the waterfall at the bottom of the canyon, it is necessary to walk into a luxuriant tropical forest by a precarious path sometimes difficult carved in the wall of the canyon.

There is even a zip line installation to cross the canyon in a few seconds and briefly see the waterfall.

As the entrance to the small park in which the waterfall is located is not free of charge, it is mainly foreign visitors who come here. The locals are more likely to be found at one of the rivers popular with bathers. On weekends, families spend the day in the shade and play in the waterfalls.

A little further on, the Laguna de Arenal forms the largest artificial lake in the country, bordered by the red of the volcanic land and the green of the tropical vegetation.

The agricultural tradition

The most obvious illustration of the difference in climate between the plains and the highlands can be seen in the breeds of cattle raised. The species of Indian origin, resistant to heat and parasites, are replaced by European breeds, which are more delicate but better milk producers.

The hills are occupied by small family fincas, with a rather uneven level of mechanisation.

Villages cluster at the top of the hills, providing the services and supplies that the farms need.

The roads are narrow and winding but generally in good condition.

As the road gets closer to the capital San José, the small towns gain in importance, prefiguring the conurbation of several million inhabitants occupying the Central Valley. A cultural shift is also taking place between the traditional pulperias and the fast food chains.

Zarcero

This small town is often noted as an interesting stop for its garden. The church dominates a garden with remarkable trimmed bushes.

Sarchi

The town is known for its handcrafted woodwork with characteristic colourful decorative patterns. The traditional manufacture is of these wooden carts that were used to transport coffee in the past. They remain the symbolic objects of a society built on the income from coffee.

From Sarchi, many family workshops supply all the souvenir shops in the country.

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