Arenal Volcano

The Adventure Center of Costa Rica. And Ya Gotta Love the Hot Springs!

The area around the Arenal volcano offers something for everyone. My personal favorite activity is soaking in one of the numerous hot springs around the base of the volcano.  Admission fees vary, but once inside you can enjoy the waters in several different fashions.

There are waterfalls that offer a wonderful natural massage, small pools surrounded by tropical flowers, and modern swimming pools of different temperature. Most offer swim up bars and cool down pools.

The volcano has been a little sleepy over the last decade.  You will occasionally see some steam escape from the top vent.  But nothing like it was ten years ago.  This could change tomorrow, or in another decade, or in a lifetime.  No one knows for sure.  But the area has reinvented itself as the adventure center of Costa Rica.  Numerous outfitters offer whitewater rafting, ziplines, ATV tours, horseback riding, hiking, walks with naturalists, even some local history and cultural tours.  There is also terrific fishing to be enjoyed on Lake Arenal – fly fishermen go after both Rainbow Bass and the spirited Machaca. Lake Arenal is also world renowned for wind surfing, and hikers also enjoy trekking to the waterfall outside of the town of La Fortuna. Trips to the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve can be arranged by most hotels.

You won’t be bored here!  Of course, the most compelling reason to visit this area is the volcano itself.  This hotel looks like your fifth grade science project, with it’s stereotypical cone.  Several hotels in the area offer spectacular views of this awe inspiring natural spectacle.

Featured Hotels

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Hotel Arenal Kioro

Hotel Lomas del Volcan

La Pradera del Arenal

The Springs Resort and Spa

 

 

Arenal Volcano, from Downtown La Fortuna

 

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