Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
The Arenal area in northern Costa Rica centers on a near-perfect volcanic cone that erupted dramatically in 1968 and remained active for decades before quieting around 2010. The town of La Fortuna sits at its base, surrounded by rainforest, pastures and the long reservoir of Lake Arenal, and it has become one of the country's busiest bases for outdoor adventure.
Trails in Arenal Volcano National Park cross old lava flows with views up to the summit, and a steep staircase descends to La Fortuna Waterfall, where swimming is allowed in the cool pool below. Hanging bridges strung through the forest canopy give a close look at birds and plants, while guided night walks and sloth tours reveal frogs, snakes and slow-moving wildlife. After a day out, hot springs warmed by volcanic heat range from simple free streams to elaborate resorts. Lake Arenal offers kayaking and windsurfing, and the hillside village of El Castillo looks across the water at the volcano. Hikers can climb to the crater lake on Cerro Chato, and longer day trips reach the blue river at Río Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park or the wetlands of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
The region suits families, couples and active travelers who want a lot within a short drive. Clouds often hide the summit, so plan more than one chance to see it.
WiserMap travel guideArenal Costa Rica Volcano Hikes Hot Springs and BridgesArenal and La Fortuna guide: volcano trails, La Fortuna Waterfall, hanging bridges, hot springs, Lake Arenal, Río Celeste, plus seasons, transport and tips.Read the guide
The protected area around the near-perfect cone of Arenal Volcano, with trails across old lava flows from the 1968 and 1992 eruptions, secondary rainforest and a giant ceiba tree. Views of the cone are best early in the morning. Bring rain gear, as clouds often cover the summit by midday.
A 70-meter waterfall dropping from a gap in the rainforest into an emerald pool a few kilometers from La Fortuna town. A stairway of about 500 steps leads down to the river, where swimming is allowed in calmer side pools. Wear water shoes and save energy for the climb back up.
A private reserve near Lake Arenal with a trail of about 3 km crossing several suspension bridges at canopy height, plus a small waterfall. Toucans, monkeys and snakes are often spotted from the bridges. Go early morning with a guide for the best wildlife, and expect some steep sections.
The largest lake in Costa Rica, a reservoir west of the volcano known for windsurfing and kitesurfing at its western end, fishing for rainbow bass, and scenic drives on the shoreline road. Boat crossings link La Fortuna with Monteverde. Stop at lakeside cafes on the road to Nuevo Arenal.
A small private reserve on the edge of La Fortuna town known for close sightings of two- and three-toed sloths, plus frogs, birds and caimans in its ponds. Guided day and night walks are offered. It is an easy flat walk, and a guide with a scope makes spotting sloths high in trees much easier.
A hot springs resort where a naturally heated river flows through landscaped gardens, forming waterfalls and pools of varying temperatures at the foot of the volcano. Day passes usually include lunch or dinner. It is pricier than other springs, so book ahead and go in the evening when it is lit.
A smaller hot springs on the road toward the volcano with natural-feeling pools set in tropical forest and a strict cap on visitor numbers. It is quieter than the big resorts. Entry is by reserved time slot, so book in advance, and bring a towel and flip-flops for the paths.
A small hillside village on the southern side of Lake Arenal with direct views of the volcano, eco-lodges, a butterfly conservatory and quiet trails. It feels far calmer than La Fortuna. The access road is partly unpaved, so a higher clearance car helps, especially in the rainy season.
A dormant volcano next to Arenal with a crater lagoon of green water at the top, reached by a steep and often very muddy trail through cloud forest. The hike takes four to six hours round trip. Start early, wear boots you do not mind ruining, and note that swimming in the lagoon is not permitted.
A private reserve on the volcano's flank with trails over the lava flow of the 1968 eruption and through forest to a viewpoint facing the cone and Lake Arenal. It is an easy to moderate walk of about two hours. Come in the late afternoon for clear views and sunset over the lake.
An adventure park near El Castillo with a gondola up the hillside, a long zip line course over the rainforest with lake and volcano views, and hanging bridges. Tours run several times a day. Book a morning slot when skies are clearer, and wear closed shoes and clothes that can get wet.
Limestone caves about 45 minutes north of La Fortuna explored on guided tours that wade through underground streams and squeeze through narrow passages, past stalactites, bats and fossils. Helmets and lamps are provided. Expect to get fully wet and muddy, and bring a change of clothes.
No reviews yet. Been to Arenal? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Arenal? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: BNP-CR506, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Central Intelligence Agency, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Christophe Meneboeuf, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Lars0001, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Imatges, algunes lle…, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Isabella Jusková bellaskova, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Christophe Meneboeuf, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Hanay, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Unai (Tagzania user ID: 10352), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Unai (Tagzania user ID: 10352), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Unai (Tagzania user ID: 10352), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Unai (Tagzania user ID: 10352), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Eric T Gunther, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Eric T Gunther, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Bravodelnorte, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: S. Rae from Scotland, UK, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: m.prinke, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Peter Hook, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Peter Hook, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Peter Sheik, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Grez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Beate Schröder-Wettwer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: BNP-CR506, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antonio Solera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Antonio_Solera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Fcb981, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DiverDave, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DiverDave, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: James St. John, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Everhard van Eimeren, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Everhard van Eimeren, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lars0001, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Philip Halling , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Elevateadventurepark, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Peter Elsdon , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Stanley Howe , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0