Travelers can relax and appreciate Costa Rica’s biodiversity during a boat ride along the calm Rio Frio. This inland water system is located approximately 1 1/2 hours from the
town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area. It is considered part of the northwestern portion of the Caribbean side of the country.
While the main attraction, the Arenal Volcano, is ideal for active travelers, a tour of the waterways near the Nicaraguan border area may be a better fit for sedentary people or coastline nature lovers.
When shopping for a tour keep in mind that some places provide float and paddled trips while others use motorized boats. The length of the trip is another factor. Look over the route because some trips include a visit to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge or cover a larger territory.
Experienced tour guides will slow down the boat and point out various species of monkeys (spider, white-faced, and howler), turtles, large and small lizards, three-toed sloths, birds, and caimans.
Novice photographers with unsophisticated cameras may be frustrated by what they can capture. Wildlife rarely poses for photo opportunities and oftentimes remains a considerable distance away. Don’t fret about pictures and simply enjoy the water adventure.
The chances of encountering wildlife are improved by planning a trip from December to April. With minimal chances for rain, you’re also less likely to be caught in a downpour. Keep in mind that wildlife viewings are usually a matter of luck.
A boat ride along the Rio Frio will provide a jungle-like experience that will showcase one of Costa Rica’s diverse river communities near the Nicaragua border. If you love viewing and taking pictures of nature, add this destination to your Costa Rican itinerary.
Before You Go
Check out all of your available tour options. As stated above, there are many factors to keep in mind. Also, find out if any food or beverages are served on board the boat and if there are any onboard restrooms. Look into whether the vendor offers pick ups and drop offs so that you don’t have to drive.
Even in the dry season, don’t forget to bring rain gear. You don’t want to be caught without appropriate attire in a deluge.
THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 8, 2016. IT IS BEING REPOSTED ON THIS SITE BECAUSE THE EXAMINER.COM SITE SHUT DOWN IN JULY, 2016. SOME PARTS OF THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND THE ORIGINAL SLIDE SHOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.
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BIO
Sandra Bornstein is a freelance travel writer. She shares her travel experiences and recommendations on this blog and on other websites—One Travel: Going Places, Cheapoair.com Miles Away Travel Blog, We Said Go Travel, Mom It Forward, Boulder Jewish News, and Family Circle. Her travel tips also appear in the Denver metro magazine, Golden Living.
Sandra is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. This memoir highlights Sandra’s living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. As a licensed Colorado teacher, Sandra has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses.
The memoir was a finalist in the Travel category for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2013 International Book Awards, the 2013 National Indie Book Excellence Awards, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, and a Honorable Mention award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category for the 2013 Global ebook Awards.
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