loud forests, cattle ranches, long beaches, deciduous dry forests: The northwest region contains national parks, reserves, and refuges; privately owned reserves catering to the ecotourist; and more beach resorts than any other section. It's a big region.

Buses go to Puntarenas, north to Nicaragua, and down into the Nicoya Peninsula; ferries cross the Gulf of Nicoya; scheduled domestic flights go to Tamarindo, Simara, Nosara, Carrillo, Punta Isleta, Tambor, and Liberia; and taxis in many small towns fill in the gaps. Though the Inter-American Highway opens the biggest door, some travelers come in the back way through the north central region after a visit to the Arenal area.

This huge area is organized here along transportation routes to help you get around-whether you drive, go by bus, or fly to an area.

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