
Northern Region, Costa Rica
La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano, with hot springs, a famous waterfall, rafting and Lake Arenal all within half an hour. It's a tourist town at heart, so it's busy and full of restaurants, and a growing number of people are making it home. It rains a lot, which is why it's this green.
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Rivas
Rivas is a cluster of small mountain villages above San Isidro, in the foothills of Chirripó, the country's highest peak. The air is cool, rivers run past many of the properties, and you might spot a quetzal from the kitchen window. A small foreign community has found it. You'll drive to San Isidro, about 20 minutes away, for most of what you need.
Tilarán
Tilarán is a clean, breezy town above the western end of Lake Arenal and the practical center for the lake area, with banks, stores and government offices. It's cooler than the lowlands, quiet and affordable, with views over the lake and the wind farms on the ridges. Liberia and its airport are about an hour and a half away.
Aserrí
Aserrí is a hillside town just south of San José with wide views over the Central Valley and a long tradition of roadside restaurants where families go for weekend lunch. It's quiet and very Tico, close enough to the city for errands but far enough to feel like the country. Expect winding roads and very few English speakers.
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