Costa Rica

Arenal Attractions

Volcanoes:

Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's youngest and most active volcano and is known for its daily eruptions and impressive lava flows. Several hotels along the north and southwest sides of Arenal offer incredible volcano views.

Chato Volcano, also located in Arenal Volcano National Park, has been dormant for over 3000 years and has a massive lake-filled crater, which can be accessed on guided hikes. Cerro Chato makes up part of the “Sleeping Indian,” a mountain formation that resembles a man sleeping on his back.

Tenorio Volcano, approximately a two-hour drive north of Arenal, is an excellent destination for day trips. Dormant in recent history, the volcano is surrounded by virgin rainforest, cloud forest, and the startlingly blue Celestial River.

Lakes:

Created by the National Electrical Institute in 1979 for hydroelectric power, Lake Arenal spans 33 square miles and is the largest lake in Costa Rica. The Arenal Dam provides almost 50% of the country's total electricity, as well as water for farming and irrigation. The lake is home to rainbow bass, machaca, mojarra and tilapia and is a favorite spot among freshwater fisherman. Windsurfing is a popular sport along the northwestern shores (near the town of Tilaran), as powerful winds can reach up to 50 mph.

Natural Hot Springs:

Soak travel-weary muscles in volcanically-heated hot springs at one of Arenal's hot spring resorts:

Tabacon Hot Springs: The resort's luxurious setting at the base of Arenal Volcano features a series of thermal pools (77º-120º F), waterfalls and lush gardens. An upscale spa, restaurant, swim-up bar and waterslide, as well as incredible views complete Tabacon's utopian experience. ($60; 2519-1999)  

Baldi Hot Springs: With more than 20 soaking pools, a restaurant, swim-up bars, and theme park-style waterslides, Baldi is the area's hot springs playground. An onsite spa offers treatments in private, thatch-roofed cabanas with volcano views. ($28; 2282-8700) 

Eco Termales Hot Springs: This smaller, family-owned locale promises the area's most intimate setting, and allows a maximum of 100 visitors at a time. Lavishly landscaped grounds, small waterfalls, and a restaurant round out Eco Termales' amenities. ($32; 2479-8484) 

The Springs Resort & Spa Hot Springs: Eighteen therapeutic hot spring pools (83º-103º F) are set amid winding trails lined with tropical plants at this five-star resort. Complimentary access is granted to the Springs' four restaurants, five bars and small wildlife preserve. ($40; 2401-3313)

Waterfalls:

A popular tourist attraction, the La Fortuna Waterfall cascades almost 230 feet down giant boulders and moss-covered rocks. Just three miles from downtown La Fortuna, the waterfall is accessed via a very steep, but well-marked path. Visitors are welcome to swim in the chilly pools at the waterfall’s base, but are advised not to swim beneath the waterfall itself. Numerous tour operators offer trips to the waterfall, usually on horseback or on mountain bikes. There is a small souvenir shop at the top of the falls where drinks and snacks can be purchased. Admission: $10; schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Celeste River Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most famous cascades. The river is painted a surreal blue by a mineral mix of sulfur and calcium carbonate. Hikes through the national park offer incredible views of the river, waterfall and several other highlights, including natural hot springs. Approximately two hours north of Arenal, Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Rio Celeste make an ideal day trip for adventurous souls. Admission: $10; schedule: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

National Parks and Private Reserves:

Arenal Rainforest Reserve

Located near the village of El Castillo, 11 miles west of La Fortuna, the rainforest reserve has an aerial tram, hanging bridges, a zipline canopy tour and a children’s butterfly garden.

Admission to all attractions: $65
Telephone: 2479-9944

Arenal Volcano National Park

Hikers can visit this park independently or with an organized tour. The park is home to several hiking trails, which meander near old lava flows. The region has unique microclimates including pre-montane forest and low montane rainforest, which are rich in biodiversity. Hiking is only permitted on marked trails. Due to safety concerns, visitors are not allowed to hike near the volcano's crater.

Ecocentro Danaus

Named for the monarch butterflies that it houses, Danaus is a privately-run ecological reserve that includes forested trails, a butterfly garden and medicinal plants. It is located 1.5 miles east of La Fortuna. Several tour operators in town provide guided night walks through the reserve where red-eyed tree frogs and other nocturnal creatures are frequently spotted.

Admission: $7 self-guided, $12 guided tour
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon-Sat; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun.
Telephone: 8393-8437   

Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Center

Proyecto Asis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. The center's eight acres of primary and secondary rainforest are home to rescued parrots, monkeys, kinkajous, raccoons, herons, caiman, ducks and other native species. Located ten minutes outside of La Fortuna. Volunteer and Spanish programs available. Call a few days in advance for reservations. Telephone: 2475-9121

Museums and Gardens:

Arenal EcoZoo

Once known as the Serpentario Zoologico del Castillo, the Arenal EcoZoo has a serpentarium, ranarium, insect exhibit and butterfly gardens. Approximately 200 reptile species, as well as 180 frog species and many butterflies live at the zoo. Guided tours are available throughout the park, and teach visitors about local ecology and wildlife. There is also a restaurant and lodging available onsite.

Admission: $16 adults and $10 children with guide
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
Telephone: 2479-1058 / 2479-1059

El Castillo-Arenal Butterfly Conservatory

Contains several gardens over 13 acres, including six covered atriums, a ranarium, insect museum, medicinal plant garden and butterfly conservatory.

Admission: $12 adults, $10 students, $7 children, children under five are free
Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 2479-1149 / 8306-7390

Arenal Travel Guide