Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna – Northern Lowlands Region of Costa Rica
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One of Costa Rica's most notable natural features is the Arenal Volcano. This impressive volcano resides within the 29,960-acre Arenal Volcano National Park. Although the volcano entered into a resting phase in 2010 – meaning that its eruptions have paused – it is still a stunning sight.
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Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal frames the skyline with near perfect symmetry. The immediate area hosts a wealth of activities – including whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, hiking and canopy tours – as well as the friendly town of La Fortuna.
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Made up mostly of primary rainforest, The Arenal Volcano
National Park encompasses four different life zones and harbors a tremendous
amount of flora and fauna. In fact, nearly 75% of the total 850 species of
birds that have been identified in Costa Rica can be found here. Other
creatures include sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, coati, deer and snakes,
including the infamous fer-de-lance, parrot snake and boa constrictor. The
plants are just as varied and include guayabo de monte, laurel, cirri, palms,
orchids, heliconias, ferns and bromeliads. Arenal’s smaller – and much older –
sibling, the Chato Volcano (Volcán Chato), adjoins Arenal. This volcano, which
resides at a height of 3,740 ft (1,140 m), has been inactive for some 3,500
years and has a crater that’s filled with aqua-blue water. The park has several
walking trails and is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is $6.
The quiet town of La Fortuna is 4 miles (6.4 km) from the Arenal Volcano. It’s 16 miles (26 km) from Ciudad Quesada and 75 miles (120 km) from San José. If you’re driving from San José, it’ll take around 3 hours to get here. The town itself is small, central and warm. Its location provides visitors with easy access to the Arenal area and its amenities make staying here pleasant. There are hotels both within and outside of the town, many of which stipple the countryside at the base of the volcano. La Fortuna hosts good places to eat and buy groceries, and has an assortment of banks, shops and bars.
The activities within this area are endless.
Horseback rides can be made through the nearby hills and whitewater rafting can
be done on the Peñas Blancas, Toro and Balsa rivers. Each river is different in
both intensity and scenery – participants can choose between leisurely safari
floats or exciting class IV rapids. A variety of other water sports can be
enjoyed on Lake Arenal, including canoeing, fishing and kite surfing. Inland
diversions include hiking and waterfall repelling, as well as canopy and
hanging bridge tours. The La Fortuna Waterfall, a breathtaking 230 ft (70 m)
cascade that drops into a misty pool, is just 3 miles (5 km) south of La
Fortuna and makes for an easy day trip. A short hike (or horseback ride) drops
visitors into the base of the pool, where they can swim, take photos and enjoy
the scenery.
The volcano’s geothermal activity heats dozens of
underground water flumes. Local landowners, tapping into this natural source,
have created a number of beautiful hot springs. These springs are varied and
indulgent (some have waterslides, wet bars and cold pools) and offer visitors a
perfect way to end a day in Arenal.
Botanists, whether professional or amateur, should head to
the Arenal Botanical Gardens, which are located a few miles outside of town.
Here you’ll find some 2,500 species of tropical plants. Many are rare,
including several types of bromeliads, orchids, ferns and roses. Butterflies
and birds flit through the gardens, pausing to perch in a tree or rest on a
flower.
Although somewhat close to the Arenal, the Venado Caves feel like an entirely different planet. Located just 1.9 miles (3 km) outside the town of Venado and a 45-minute drive from La Fortuna, the caves are a spelunking and adventure-seeker’s dream. The 1.5-miles of caves feature stalagmites, stalactites and subterranean streams. As you explore the caves, you may see bats hanging from the ceiling, sightless fish swimming in the streams, and colorless frogs clinging to the rocks.
Nature buffs will enjoy a day trip to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, which is set near the border with Nicaragua. Exploring this vast network of wetlands and the huge Caño Negro Lake provides ample opportunities to spot bids and other tropical creatures.
Yes, there is something for everyone here. The quaint town, beautiful surroundings and ample activities make Arenal one of the cornerstone destinations of Costa Rica.
Comments
"We enjoy our time in Arenal. This is a tourist area and even in a big report like Arenal Spring resort we did not feel packed. This is a nature lovers area and we absolutely recommend it to all that enjoy activities like Canopy and Suspension bridge. Locals were hospitable and very nice. We had a blast in Arenal and we were sorry we had to leave so soon. One more day will have been great at this location. Your representation of this area was spot on."
Apr 2013
"Loved Montana De Fuego resort - staff was very helpful and beautiful grounds, unclear to me why so many negative reviews on Tripadvisor. Some problems with maintenance - leaky toilets and broken door locks, but all was so minor in comparison to how well we were taken care off. Wave expeditions for white water rafting is a must do - so much fun. Very safe and guides, especially Carlos, are amazing. Have to visit La Fortuna waterfall. Arenal volcano park is worth a visit although it is not presently erupting - trails are full of wild life."
Mar 2013
"Being in the rain-forest it is quiet, beautiful & clean & not over populated. In the end we wished we would have had a day or two more in Arenal. Do the La Roca Canyoneering!! "
Feb 2013
"It is home of Anywhere Costa Rica. We saw your office! :)"
May 2013
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"I felt very safe in this area. It was a bit touristy, but we expected that. I would definitely recommend this area for nature lovers. There’s so much to do that’s off the beaten path. The locals we interacted with were very nice and hospitable. We actually met a local who put us in touch with a great white water rafting tour and an authentic place to eat! "
Apr 2013