Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and the charming town of La Fortuna are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Towering above the town of La Fortuna is the famous Arenal Volcano. This volcano was formed about 7,000 years ago, and is currently in a dormant phase with a drastic decrease in eruptions and lava flows beginning in 2010. Many hotels in the area offer stunning views of the volcano – although sometimes the clouds sit low and obscure the view of the volcano’s peak. All the more reason to revel in the views when the sun comes out.
We love Arenal for many reasons, but here are six of the top things we love:
Biodiversity. The rainforest houses a stunning array of flora and fauna. You can spot howler monkeys, sloths, and maybe even a jaguar.
Birdwatching. There are over 800 species of birds that have been recorded in Costa Rica. Keen-eyed visitors might see Keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws, and the elusive resplendent quetzal, to name a few.
The rugged Beauty. The terrain here is characterized by dense rainforests, pristine rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Adventurers can explore through hiking trails, white water rafting, waterfall rappelling, ziplining, and more.
The hot springs. This region is famous for its natural hot springs, heated by the volcano’s geothermal activity. There are many places, including lots of hotels and resorts, that offer thermal pools where you can relax and unwind surrounded by a lush landscape.
The town of La Fortuna. Visitors to La Fortuna will find a laid-back vibe against the stunning backdrop of the volcano. The town boasts colorful buildings, local markets, and friendly locals who are eager to share their love for the region. While staying in hotels in and around La Fortuna, visitors can dine in an assortment of restaurants, and shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
The outdoor activities! This is the main reason people love to come to Arenal. Its reputation won’t disappoint. Some of the opportunities to connect with nature include:
River safaris and white water rafting
Waterfall rappelling and waterfall jumping
Rainforest and waterfall hiking
Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal
Hanging bridges for up close wildlife and rainforest experiences
Zip lining (which was invented in Costa Rica!)
Nighttime rainforest hikes - it’s a whole different world at night
Coffee, chocolate and sugarcane tours
We would love to introduce you to the magic of Arenal. Some of our services include:
An array of Arenal tours from a family-friendly river float on the Sarapiqui River to waterfall hikes, to kayaking, and more.
A full day Arenal excursion for those staying in Guanacaste beach towns.
Custom vacations – fill out a custom Itinerary form and let us get to work! The cost is the same or less than planning your vacation on your own as we have access to discounts on lodging, activities and transportation.
We offer many other services, including private boat charters, snorkeling, surf lessons, and more for those staying in Guanacaste's beach towns.
Visit us online! We're happy to answer questions or make recommendations for your perfect vacation!
We hope you include Arenal in your next visit to Costa Rica. ¡Pura vida!