In stark contrast to its northern cousins, southern Costa Rica is largely untouched, dominated by mountain peaks, agricultural lowlands and raging river valleys, providing a complete contrast to the rain forests and beaches on the coastlines.

You probably won't find any resorts or fast-food chains which cater to tourists, but you will find endless opportunities for bird-sighting, fly fishing and mountain trekking. Mix with the locals and you will find they are some of the friendliest, warmest people you will meet in Costa Rica – a smattering of Spanish will help the process along! Most people are hard working, honest, fun lovers who work the land.

Around and closeby
Along Zona De Los Santos, also called "Saints Zone", you will find coffee plantations and cool cloud forests floating over a collection of highland villages at the heart of the region. If you're a coffee lover, this place is a must visit!

Bird watchers flock to the region (excuse the pun) around San Gerardo de Dota and the Cerro de la Muerte in particular, as they attract high altitude species, such as the rare quetzal which is such a celebrity a national park has been named in its honour.