These undulating alluvial plains extend eastward from the foot of Volcan Irazu, forming a vast green sea of banana plantations that meld into swamplands – which push up to the ocean. The plains are walled to the south by the steep slopes of Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes and by the soaring Talamancas.

A fistful of small private reserves are easily accessed from Hwy 32. All protect precious premontane rain forest on the flanks of Volcan Irazu and Volcan Turrialba, and share in common a wealth of wildlife- coatimundis, howler and white-faced monkeys, ocelots, sloths, snakes, and exotically adorned birds such as aracarias, hummingbirds, motmots, oropendolas, and toucans are all commonly seen.

Jardin Botanico Las Cusingas, straddling the Rio Santa Clara offers trails, hikes and horseback rides into tropical montane rain forest, but it is better known for its botanical research and its vast gardens of ornamentals, raised for export.