San Carlos, Alajuela · Northern Zone
Venecia, San Carlos: our home in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone
Venecia is a farming district of San Carlos, Alajuela, where Costa Rica Ecotours was born. From here the waterfalls of Bajos del Toro, the rivers of Sarapiquí and La Fortuna are all within easy reach.
Venecia at a glance
Why Venecia
A quiet base close to everything
Waterfalls nearby
Bajos del Toro, with Blue Falls, Catarata del Toro and Quebrada Gata, is about 45 minutes away.
Mountain farms
Our ATV rides cross private farms, pastures and rivers right here in Venecia.
Rural Costa Rica
Farming and cattle ranching shape daily life, far from the crowded tourist circuits.
Hot springs
The district is known for its thermal waters, perfect after a day of hiking.
Good to know
- Warm and green, with rain possible any month
- Bring a rain jacket and closed shoes
- Most of our tours start here
- We send the meeting point on WhatsApp
Tours from Venecia
Adventures within an hour of Venecia
ATV adventure on private farms
Two hours on mountain trails and open pastures with big views. No driver’s license needed; seasonal fruit, water and phone photos included.
Quebrada Gata Waterfall
ATV ride plus a demanding guided hike into a volcanic canyon, with river crossings and a turquoise waterfall. Lunch option available.
Blue Falls of Costa Rica
ATV ride and access to marked trails leading to a series of blue waterfalls, explored at your own pace. Lunch option available.
Catarata del Toro
ATV ride plus a guided visit to one of the region’s most iconic waterfalls, dropping into an extinct volcanic crater. Lunch option available.
Vuelta del Cañón Waterfall
ATV ride and a guided walk to a spectacular waterfall, a favourite for photography and nature lovers. Lunch option available.
Canyoning in Gata Media
A technical descent with rappels, natural pools and waterfalls, led by a certified guide. Minimum two people.
Pineapple farm tour
A tractor ride through an organic pineapple farm in Río Cuarto, with unlimited tastings, fresh juice and piña colada.
Dinoland in Bajos del Toro
A family park with life-size animatronic dinosaurs, the Río Agrio waterfall and an optional 195-metre dry slide.
Before you book
Frequently asked questions
Venecia is the fifth district of the canton of San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela, in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone. It borders Pital, Aguas Zarcas, the canton of Río Cuarto and the canton of Sarchí.
ATV rides on mountain farms, waterfall hikes and canyoning in nearby Bajos del Toro, a pineapple farm tour in Río Cuarto, Dinoland, and the district’s hot springs to relax at the end of the day.
By car, roughly 45 minutes to Bajos del Toro, 1 hour to Sarapiquí, 1 hour 15 minutes to La Fortuna and 2 hours to SJO airport in San José. Times vary with traffic and weather.
Any time of year. The Northern Zone is green and rain can fall in any month, which keeps the waterfalls full. Plan outdoor tours for the morning and always pack a rain jacket.
Venecia has small lodges, farm stays and hot springs hotels. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp and we will suggest places close to the start of your tours.
Send us a message on WhatsApp with the tour, date and number of people. We confirm availability, the rate and the exact meeting point.
Book on WhatsApp
Tell us your dates and we will plan the day
One message on WhatsApp is enough. We reply with availability, rates and what to bring.