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  • " Travel the world, understand different cultures,
    & be inspired by beauty everywhere! "

Arenal Travel Guide 

Table of Contents

1. Itinerary

2. Fun facts

3.. Iconic Photo Spots

4. Places To Stay

5. Personal Blog

6. Pictures

Itinerary

Day 1: 

  1. Book the  La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour via Get Your Guide: Go on a guided hike in La Fortuna, starting with a walk along the crystal-clear La Fortuna River. Ride a tractor cart uphill to a panoramic viewpoint, descend on a jungle staircase, and cross a suspension bridge. Visit the La Fortuna waterfall, admire its 70-75 meter drop, and take a refreshing dip. Next, visit the Maluku Indian village, learn about their culture, and enjoy a traditional lunch. Next, take some time to explore the butterfly garden and frog pond. Then, hike through the primary forest near Arenal Volcano, where you can spot wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. Reach the highest viewpoint for stunning views of the volcano and surrounding areas. End the day by relaxing at a natural hot spring resort and enjoying a cocktail before returning to your accommodation. 

Day 2:  

  1. Book the Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Guided Tour via Viator. Explore Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife at Mistico Park in Arenal on a guided tour of its hanging bridges and forest trails. This family-owned reserve offers a chance to see birds, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants while learning about the ecosystem from a naturalist guide. Walk through different rainforest levels, from the floor to the canopy, and enjoy stunning views of Arenal Volcano in an eco-friendly setting. 
  2. Watch the Sunset at Arenal Observatory Lodge, which is about 20 minutes from La Fortuna. It’s one of the best spots to catch the sunset over the volcano.  

Day 3: 

  1. Book the Rio Celeste Horseback Riding Tour through Viator. Experience a horseback riding adventure through Arenal’s rainforest that leads you to the enchanting, sky-blue waters of Rio Celeste. On this tour, well-trained horses and a local guide ensure a safe journey as you ride through the jungle and discover natural highlights. Highlights include swimming in a natural river pool, enjoying a giant Tarzan swing, and marveling at the brilliant blue Rio Celeste. Operated by a locally owned boutique provider known for personalized service, this tour accommodates riders of all experience levels by matching horses to their abilities. 

Day 4:  

  1. Book the Waterfall Rappelling, Ziplining, Pool Jumping, Hiking with Lunch tour through Viator. Experience the thrill of canyoning in the stunning Arenal River canyon! Trek through refreshing waters, rappel down four canyon walls, jump into natural pools, and zipline across the canyon—all while taking in the stunning wildlife and scenery. No experience is needed; expert guides ensure your safety every step of the way. After the adventure, unwind with a scenic riverside walk before heading to La Roca for refreshing drinks and a delicious traditional lunch. 
  2. Reserve the Tabacon Hot Springs Day Pass via Viator to guarantee your spot at one of Costa Rica’s top hot springs resorts. Soak in thermal mineral pools surrounded by lush gardens, waterfalls, and the sounds of the rainforest, all near Arenal Volcano. The package includes admission and a buffet meal for a relaxing day amidst nature. 

Table of Contents

1. Itinerary

2. Do it for the Gram

3. Fun facts

4. Movie Shot

5. Place To Stay

6. Personal Blog

7. Pictures and Puns

Volcano arenal nature

fun facts

  1. Arenal Volcano was one of the most active volcanoes in the world until it became dormant around 2010.
  2. Lake Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s largest lakes, popular for kayaking, windsurfing, and scenic views.
  3. Arenal is home to over 800 species of birds, including the quetzal and toucans. 
  4. The region’s hot springs are heated naturally by volcanic activity, creating relaxing thermal pools throughout the area. 
  5. Arenal’s biodiversity is remarkable, with over a hundred species of mammals and thousands of insect species in the surrounding rainforest. 
  6. Arenal Volcano’s 1968 eruption was one of Costa Rica’s most intense, significantly transforming the terrain. 
  7. Arenal National Park has a mix of lava fields, rainforests, and old lava flows, making it a favorite for hikers and nature lovers. 
  8. The region is known for producing high-quality Costa Rican coffee, often grown in volcanic soil near Arenal.
  9. Arenal’s climate is a mix of tropical and humid, creating lush landscapes perfect for a wide variety of plants and animals.
  10. Horseback riding tours around the Arenal area offer stunning views of the volcano and nearby waterfalls.
  11. Arenal is an eco-tourism hotspot, with a focus on sustainability and preserving the region’s incredible natural beauty.
Lake arenal in costa rica

Iconic Photo Spots

  1. Arenal Volcano Viewpoints – Photograph yourself with the volcano in the background from Lake Arenal or the Arenal Observatory Lodge. 
  2. La Fortuna Waterfall – Snap a shot of the stunning 230-foot drop surrounded by lush greenery—try a selfie at the base to capture its scale.
  3. Hanging Bridges at Mistico Arenal Park – Snap a shot of yourself on the bridge with the rainforest canopy and volcano behind you. 
  4. Lake Arenal – Capture the volcano’s reflection at sunset; a silhouette shot works beautifully here. 
  5. Hot Springs Resorts – Photograph yourself relaxing in the steamy pools at Tabacón surrounded by tropical plants. 
  6. Arenal National Park Trails – Capture wildlife like toucans and monkeys or take a shot with the volcano in the background. 
  7. Sunrise and Sunset at Arenal Observatory Lodge – Take a silhouette shot with the volcano glowing in the background. 
Volcano and nature

Places to Stay

  1. Nayara Springs – An adults-only resort with private villas, natural hot spring plunge pools, stunning volcano views, and world-class dining.  
  2. The Springs Resort & Spa – Has luxurious suites and villas with hot springs, incredible volcano views, a wildlife preserve, and activities like zip-lining and horseback riding.
  3. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Famous for its natural hot spring pools, this resort offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and beautiful jungle and volcano views.
  4. Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa – Spacious suites with private terraces, thermal hot spring pools, and exceptional views of Arenal Volcano, perfect for relaxation.
  5. Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa – A hillside resort with panoramic volcano views, offering hiking, nature walks, spa treatments, and villas.
  6. Volcano Lodge & Springs – A peaceful retreat with elegant rooms, an infinity pool, and natural hot springs, providing a more intimate, serene experience. 
Waterfall in costa rica

Personal Blog

Our journey to Arenal from Monteverde included a scenic drive and a water taxi transfer. Even on a gloomy day, we caught glimpses of the majestic Arenal Volcano, its peak occasionally revealing itself through the clouds. Our hotel offered breathtaking views, emphasizing my top tip for Costa Rica: always choose accommodations with scenic landscapes for a truly authentic experience. We spent the evening at the hotel, enjoying a game of air hockey and preparing for the exciting adventures ahead. 

The next morning, we woke up at 5 a.m. to explore the Mistico Hanging Bridges, one of the highlights of our trip. As we walked through the rainforest canopy, we encountered a wide range of wildlife, including monkeys, crabs, bats, birds, and the eyelash pit viper. The two to three-mile trail was scenic, with amazing views of Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano. Crossing the suspension bridges was exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but they felt safe, allowing us to fully enjoy the adventure. 

Next, we visited the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. The descent was easy and made the journey enjoyable. If the weather allows, visitors can swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls, making the experience even more memorable. 

Our day continued with a hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. Learning about the volcano’s history made the journey even more fascinating. Arenal, Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010, erupted most notably in 1968, destroying the small town of Tabacón. Though now dormant, Arenal remains an iconic natural wonder. Our hike included a series of steps, offering panoramic views as we ascended. Our tour guide was fantastic—his energy, humor, and deep knowledge made the experience even better. He reminded me so much of my husband, both of them sharing a zest for life. Their outlook on life truly reflects the meaning of “Pura Vida,” which is all about living the good life. 

After our scenic hike, we relaxed at the Tabacon Hot Springs. Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, this luxurious oasis is fed by naturally heated geothermal waters. The waters flow through underground channels, enriching the springs with minerals. The cascading waterfalls and soothing pools created a dreamlike setting, making it one of our favorite experiences of the trip.  

Pictures

Arenal collage 1
Arenal collage 2