Alajuela Province, northern Costa Rica · Costa Rica
A perfect volcano cone above hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges and rainforest.
Photo: Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0
Arenal is Costa Rica's most famous volcano, a near-perfect cone that rises above Lake Arenal and the surrounding rainforest. It was highly active until 2010, and is now quiet, though it remains an impressive sight, especially from the lakeshore or from hanging bridges in the forest.
The nearby town of La Fortuna is the main base, packed with restaurants, tour operators and hotels. Within a short drive you will find the 70-metre La Fortuna Waterfall, volcano-heated hot springs in resorts and natural rivers, hanging-bridge trails through the canopy, white-water rafting, canyoning and horse riding.
The area is also good for wildlife, with sloths, toucans and howler monkeys common, and chocolate and coffee farms offer tours. It is a very touristy area, but the setting is beautiful. Two or three days is enough for the main sights.
Why visit
Arenal combines natural beauty with a wide range of activities.
The classic Costa Rican cone.
Natural thermal pools.
A swim beneath La Fortuna Falls.
Walk in the canopy.
Rafting, canyoning and ziplines.
Main attractions
The main attractions are within a short drive of town.
Trails across old lava flows.
Tip Go early for clear views.
A 70-metre cascade with a swimming pool.
Tip Descend about 500 steps.
Thermal pools in resorts and rivers.
Tip Choose a natural one for a cheaper option.
Walkways through the canopy.
Tip Join a guide for wildlife.
Costa Rica's largest lake, for windsurfing and kayaking.
Tip Sunset views.
A hike to a crater lake.
Tip Check trail status.
Things to do
There is a long list of activities.
End the day in warm water.
Tip Go in the evening.
Early morning for birds.
Tip Bring binoculars.
After the climb down.
Tip Be careful with currents.
Class II and III.
Tip Book a reputable operator.
Calm water and views.
Tip Go early.
Learn about cacao.
Tip Taste samples.
Local food
Traditional Costa Rican dishes feature here.
Rice and black beans.
Where to try it Breakfast sodas.
Rice, beans, salad and meat.
Where to try it Local sodas.
Pineapple, papaya.
Where to try it Roadside stands.
Steamed corn dough.
Where to try it Christmas season and markets.
Local beans.
Where to try it Cafes.
Accommodation
Stay in La Fortuna or by the lake.
Transport
Arenal is reached by road from San Jose or Liberia.
A car or shuttles work best.
When to go
The dry season gives clearer volcano views and better weather.
Dry and sunny.
Green season with fewer visitors.
Rainy, but mornings can be dry.
Wet and green.
Worth planning around: September and October, the wettest months.
Itinerary
Volcano and hot springs.
La Fortuna
Nature
Activity
Travel tips
These tips will help.
FAQ
Quiet since 2010.
Many are volcanic.
Two to three days.
December to April.
Yes.
No.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Arenal and La Fortuna, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Puntarenas Province, Tilaran Mountains, Costa Rica
A high-altitude cloud forest community with biodiversity reserves, canopy walks, ziplines, night walks and coffee farms.
Don't miss Walking a hanging bridge through the clouds and spotting a resplendent quetzal.
Explore Destination — MonteverdeGuanacaste Province, north-west Costa Rica, Costa Rica
A national park around an active volcano, with fumaroles, waterfalls, hot springs, canopy tours and horseback rides.
Don't miss Soaking in a volcanic stream after a morning on the waterfall trail.
Explore Destination — Rincon de la ViejaGuanacaste Province, north-west Pacific coast, Costa Rica
The most developed beach area of Costa Rica, with surfing at Tamarindo, quieter beaches like Conchal and Flamingo, turtle nesting and the Guanacaste dry forest.
Don't miss Catching a sunset surf lesson, then dinner on the sand.
Explore Destination — Tamarindo and GuanacasteRead next
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