Northern Lowlands Attractions

The area found south of the Nicaraguan border and north of the Cordillera Central is comprised of two large tropical plains. These plains (llanuras) make up the flat, tropical lowlands that characterize the northern halves of the Heredia and Alajuela provinces. The area features a wet, hot climate and mixed tropical forest vegetation. Banana plantations are common in this region.

Cattle pasture has replaced a lot of the original vegetation in the region, as cattle raising is the main industry of the northern lowlands. Many of the more remote areas near the Nicaraguan border flood during the wet season and large swamplands are created. The population density is lower in this region of Costa Rica, and most visitors head to the Puerto Viejo area where there are several noteworthy rainforest lodges.