Others: In Sarapiqui you will find several protected zones such as a part of Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva Biological Station and Sarapiqui Protected Area, combining different types of tropical rain forest in a small segment of Costa Rica. Sarapiqui has been recognized for the production of different crops such as coffee, corn, cocoa, cardamom, bananas, tropical foliages, heart of palm and various roots and fruits. In Sarapiqui you will also find amazing eco tourism amenities that will show you Costa Rica at its best. The area has nature lodges, hotels and scientific research stations nestled deep in the lowland rain forest and on the banks of the scenic Sarapiqui River.
Located in the northeastern region of the country and bordered by Nicaragua in the north, Sarapiqui is a popular tourist destination mainly for adventure seekers who enjoy white water rafting down the Sarapiqui River. Sarapiqui is the largest county in Heredia, covering over 85% of the province’s total area. This region is also well known as there are a number of wildlife and nature reserves nearby. Fast becoming an important ecotourism destination in Costa Rica, Sarapiqui lies near the base of the Cordillera Central range.
The capital of Sarapiqui County is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui old port of Sarapiquí. Formerly a quiet town Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is now fast becoming one of the country’s key commercial and tourist areas. Located at the convergence of the Rio Sarapiqui and Rio Puerto Viejo, the city of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui lies 30 km south of the Nicaraguan border. Situated 37 meters above sea level, this city lies on the Northern plains and is surrounded by agricultural plantations and lush forests.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui has a colorful history. A small village that was used by the American invader William Walker, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui was until a few years ago off limits due to Costa Rica’s conflict with Nicaragua. However, now this town has developed into a rapidly expanding city with a number of services and facilities like hotels, bars and restaurants as well as a number of luxury resorts, lodges and rafting companies in the area.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is a great place to enjoy… amazing natural beauty and spend time outdoors
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Bird Watching
White Water Rafting
Kayanking
There are some lovely banana plantations nearby you can explore, as well as visit the lovely butterfly gardens in the area.
To get to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui from the capital San Jose, head north into Heredia province and go past the town of Santa Clara; from here, head northwest to Tigre. An alternative scenic route would be to travel from Brava to San Miguel passing the Poas Volcano and then head onwards to this city. When here, do tour the La Selva Biological Station, part of the Brauilo Carrillo National Park. This area is a virgin tropical jungle and home to hundreds of species of birds, animals and snakes.
The Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquí is working toward the creation of one of the most unique natural-history projects in the region. The Alma Ata Archaeological Park is basically an ongoing dig of a modest pre-Columbian grave site; so far, 12 graves, some petroglyphs, and numerous pieces of ceramic and jewelry have been unearthed. Plans for the park include the reconstruction of a small indigenous village.
Across the Sarapiquí River from the Centro Neotrópico is the 300-hectare (741-acre) private Tirimbina Biological Reserve which features a small network of trails and several impressive suspension bridges, both over the river and through the forest canopy.
Snakes Under Glass -- Just a few blocks west of the Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquí, you'll find Snake Garden , a collection of over 50 local snakes, both venomous and nonvenomous, and other reptiles and amphibians. All are kept in clean, well-lit displays.
The Aerial Tram is a big attraction on route if you're driving to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí through the Guápiles Highway. You'll see the entrance to the Aerial Tram on your right shortly after passing the Zurquí tunnel. If you're traveling via Varablanca and La Virgen, you'll want to visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which is right on the winding road to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, about 6km (3 3/4 miles) beyond Varablanca.
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