Costa Rica Rain Forest Plants

Near Arenal Volcano, the forest on each side of this nature trail is as close to true jungle as it gets in Costa Rica. (Jungle vegetation is more dense than in a heavily shaded rain forest.) Even so, the dazzling variety of tropical plants in this area will astound even the most ardent Eco tourist.


Gargantuan leaves like those seen in the picture are characteristic of the area. As you climb up the base of the volcano, you pass through a forest that is more reminiscent of the Great Smoky Mountains than what you would expect from a tropical country.


The jungle-like terrain around Arenal Volcano changes to flat, verdant greenery as you approach Lake Arenal

On the lake's east side, at least.

Cattle ranching has had serious effects, and not good ones, on the other side of the lake, where forest and jungle has been replaced with pastures.


Two of the most rewarding places to explore the local forests are close enough to Arenal for a day trip. Monteverde and the less well known Santa Elena, in addition to a variety of flora and fauna, also offer a grand view of the volcano.