Northern Lowlands

Introducing Northern Lowlands

Life in the northern lowlands has always revolved around the seasonal rains. When river banks swelled and flooded across the plains, the landscape was transformed into a vast swamp that enabled people to subsist on fish, fowl and small game. However, as populations flourished and resources were strained, the earth was altered with the swing of a hoe, and the lowlands were slowly reshaped by farming interests.

Today, the name of the game is agribusiness, and from the Atlantic slopes of the Cordillera Central to the rich, tropical plains stretching to the Nicaraguan border, farmers coax from the red earth staples such as corn, rice, beans and the big money-earner – sugar cane. These days, sugar is destined for the domestic market where it’s used to sweeten an orange Fanta or fermented to create Guaro Cacique. But, with a decision regarding Cafta looming, farmers are already eyeing the lucrative market of sweet-toothed North Americans.

From the traveler’s perspective, this is the least-visited region in Costa Rica, and folks here are more likely to know how to saddle a horse than what the latest dollar-to-colón exchange rate is. However, the rapid changes sweeping across Costa Rica can be felt here as well, and in recent years tour operators have started promoting the region’s natural attractions. It’s unlikely that the region will experience the overdevelopment characteristic of the coasts, though tour operators as far-flung as La Fortuna and Quepos will gladly take you to Caño Negro for a price.

Tourism is also picking up in the region as more travelers each year are lacing up their boots, tying their bandanas and heading upriver to Nicaragua. And, they’re discovering that it’s simply wonderful.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009