This lowland region is characterized by vast beef cattle ranches and a history of dusty Costa Rican Cowboys managing the herds. Today, this region is best known among visitors for its beautiful beaches, warm blue ocean water, dry sunny summer weather and attractive beach resort hotels. With a prolonged warm dry season that begins in late November and continues into late May, the region receives ample sunshine and has in recent years become a mecca for beach goers with the development of elegant resort hotels. With an irregular long coastline creating harbors and bays, there are numerous beautiful beaches with gentle waves here, and the tropical Pacific Ocean waters are near a constant 80º F throughout the year. This region is popular for water sports including fishing, swimming, surfing, jet skis, diving, snorkeling, boat tours and cruises etc. This region also harbors tracts of the rare and little known “Tropical Dry Forest” with its own flora and fauna distinctly different than found in the rainforests. Dry forests can be visited in Santa Rosa NP and Palo Verde NP.  Also volcanos with steaming vents can be visited in Rincon de la Vieja NP and Miravalles.