The Arenal area of Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. If nature and active sports are your thing then Arenal, located in Costa Rica’s northern region is your ideal destination. Arenal has some of the most striking lakes and mountains in the country.
One of the main attractions of the country’s northern region is the Arenal Volcano. It was in 1968, after being dormant for hundreds of years that this volcano last erupted. Today, although you may not see lava spewing down the volcano, it is still considered to be active, as lava from the volcano continues to heat the countless bubbly hot springs.
Arenal National Park is the perfect place to explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica. Hike or horseback through the amazing scenic trails to view the lushness of the rainforest and see wondrous views of the Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna waterfall. Go off the beaten path and take an ATV ride, view the rainforest from above on the hanging bridges, and cruise down the Peña’s Blancas River on a safari boat to view wildlife such as monkeys, crocodiles and sloths. Explore the Venado Caves where you can see limestone rock formations, bats, frogs, spiders, and crickets. Feel like taking a break? Enjoy the soothing geothermal hot springs.
Visit the Butterfly Farm and Arenal Natura and see a netted butterfly garden and some of the best live frog, snakes and crocodile exhibits.
La Fortuna, located in the Arenal region, is also known as the North’s center for outdoor activities having some of the most scenic lakes and mountains in the country. For outdoor activities you can: go ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, canyoning, rappelling down waterfalls, canoeing, kayaking, caving, fishing, rafting, and ATVs. All these activities can be done while viewing Arenal’s magnificent scenery. The Hanging Bridges are a “must do,” a great treat that offers 14 bridges suspended over ravines and close-up views of the tropical rain forest. And let’s not forget those hot springs which are naturally heated from the heat of the volcano. For a special treat, try one of the many spas in the area.
Interested in a full day excursion from La Fortuna to the Monteverde Cloud Forest? You can travel to Monteverde by taxi –boat –taxi (as it is called) and you will get to see the most magnificent scenery along the way. You will cross Lake Arenal and view the change from the tropical rain forest in La Fortuna to the cloud forests of Monteverde.
As Costa Rica is a tropical country, rain is not only inevitable but plays an important part in maintaining the country’s beauty. The weather in this region of the country is extremely unpredictable. Rain peaks in September and October but could happen at any time. Please keep in mind that these are general weather patterns as weather can never be accurately predicted. Remember that rainfall could potentially bring uninvited guests such as ants. This is all part of living in the jungle.
As Arenal/La Fortuna is located inland there is no ocean front, but the lakes and mountains more than make up for it!
