A strinking characteristic of this area is the dramatic contrast in topography. The Cordilleras, or ranges, of Tilarán and Guanacaste set the beauty of the Guatuso, San Carlos and Tortuguero Plains. Several small and medium-sized
rivers that range throughout the plains make the region very fertile. Fruit trees, rice paddies and cattle ranching are practiced by the residents. Yet there are many expanses of protected areas dotting the region.
Of the 850 bird species identified in Costa Rica, 600 are permanent residents in this region. Don't forget binocular!.
