Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano is the most obvious star of the area, as it serves as the stunning background for your stay in Arenal. On a clear day, you can enjoy great views of the volcano from just about anywhere in the area. This massive volcano is not currently active, but nature and science lovers enjoy hiking around its base to learn about local ecology. Hikers of Arenal volcano are often hiking across old lava flows from past eruptions. It’s not possible to hike to the top of the volcano but a half-day guided hike is a great way to get to know this beheamoth wonder of nature.
Hot Springs
The allure of volcano-fed thermal hot springs also play a big part in the Arenal volcano experience. There are several hot springs experiences offered in the Arenal area, all varying in quality. The Experts recommend one of three experiences:
- Tabacon Thermal Resort: Stay as a guest and you’ll receive unlimited access to the Tabacon Hot Springs, allowing you to enjoy them before and after the day trippers arrive. Couples will enjoy the adults-only Shangri-La section, which features romantic palapas, individualized service, and the famous Tabacon spa.
- The Springs Resort & Spa: Families flock to The Springs for the one-stop-shop Arenal vacation experience. The network of hot springs and pools at The Springs is conveniently adorned with a swim-up bar at the main pool and other small bar carts throughout the cleanly manicured grounds. More hot springs can be found at Club Rio, the outdoor adventure activity center at The Springs.
- Nayara Springs: Enjoy your own private thermal plunge pool at Nayara Springs, the adults-only sister resort to Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens. Perfect for honeymoons, celebrations, or simply indulging in one of Costa Rica’s best hotel experiences.
Day passes can be purchases to visit the Tabacon Hot Springs and The Springs Resort & Spa. This pass includes an afternoon or evening visit to the respective hot springs facilities with either lunch or dinner (buffet-style).
A more low-key approach to the hot springs experience is the Ecotermales Hot Springs, a quaint set of hot springs on a private piece of family-owned land. The experience here is a bit less manicured and includes a typical Costa Rican meal.
Adventure
Arenal is the adventure capital of Costa Rica. If you want to get your adrenaline fix in a visually stunning locale, the Arenal Volcano area offers the best variety of tours. Arenal is home to one of the best Zip-lining experiences in the county. There are equally thrilling Waterfall Rappelling tours, and Whitewater Rafting tends to be popular with all types of travelers.
Hiking in Arenal will seem fairly moderate for advanced hikers, but the 500 steps at the La Fortuna Waterfall are no joke for most people! Don’t worry – the waterfall can be enjoyed from above thanks to the observation point near the entrance. Travelers with mobility restrictions can observe the waterfall from there and enjoy a snack at the café. Hiking the base of the Arenal volcano is a great morning or afternoon tour, and the Arenal Hanging Bridges hike offers a nature-focused experience. The blood-pumping part is walking across the bridges, which hang among the canopy, high above the floor of the secondary rainforest.
Get to know Lake Arenal via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Explore the area by mountain bike, with a number of a half and full-day tour options for experienced mountain bikers and leisure riders alike.
