Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano

Famed for its impressive firework displays, the perfectly coned Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s real highlights and to see orange molten rocks tumble down its flanks at night is an incredible sight.

Why visit Arenal Volcano ?

Hike in the forested foothills of Arenal’s stunning volcano
Soak up the views whilst relaxing in the hot thermal pools
Go bird watching in the forest canopy from the ‘Hanging Bridges’
Head out onto Lake Arenal for a morning’s serious kayaking
Spot the Howler monkeys and sloths in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

This area is also home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country with its forests, rivers, hot springs, botanical gardens and National Parks. The area offers all visitors a huge variety of activities and trips to explore the area including white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River; horse back riding; hiking around the slopes of the Arenal volcano; canopy & ‘Hanging Bridge’ tours in the forests to see the flora and fauna or merely relaxing in the hot mineral-rich waters of the Tabacon springs.

The nearby Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, which stretches to over 100 sq kilometres is a fascinating reserve for those interested in birdwatching with huge numbers of resident and migratory birds (January to March is particularly good) including such notables as the roseate spoonbill, olivaceous cormorant and the Nicaraguan grackle. The reserve is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife including tapir, monkeys, alligators, sloths and even cats such as pumas and jaguars still live in the area although these are much rarer and harder to see.

The damming of Lake Arenal in 1974 flooded a few small local towns and their inhabitants were relocated to what is known today as La Fortuna, which is the main town in the Arenal area. The lake is well known for its superb windsurfing and sailing as well as some excellent fishing.

Arenal Kioro

Arenal Nayara

LOCATION

COSTA RICA KEY INFO

Visa

No Visa is required for UK passport holders.

Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Time Difference

GMT - 6 Hours

Flight Time

11.5 hours Direct

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"Many thanks indeed. Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming and all our connections etc went smoothly. Highlights included white water rafting, zip wires, releasing new-born turtles into the sea, being in a boat amongst 200 dolphins, riding on beaches... Children and parents ticked off many from our “must do things in our lives” list. In terms of lodges, would rank Pacuare and Lapa Rios equal first. Quite different, but both outstanding in terms of people, location, set up, activities, comfort etc. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J. & A. Family - Costa Rica: December
"Thank you so so much for including me in your adventure... Salt cathedrals, courtyard lunches, llamas, steak, Botero, humming birds, treks, cool pools, birthdays and lovely pressies, snorkelling, eating, drinking, music, bars with pools, boganvilla, large breakfasts, history, balconies and wooden windows, cocktails at sunset with humid sea breeze, Carribean ocean, ceviche, convents, markets, views, avocado, music, street acrobats... warmth in people, temperature and friendships. The list is endless... It was wonderful. Thank you."
Mrs S. Crawford - Colombia: November
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures! We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch H xx"
M. Party – Peru: August 2016
"We have had a marvellous holiday! All the arrangements ran smoothly, the itinerary was just what we wanted and the guides, without exception, were fantastic. The hotels were very good too. The guides exceeded our expectations in terms of punctuality, courtesy and attentiveness. We have so many amazing memories and everyone agreed that it was one of the best holidays ever! Special highlights (and there were many) included Condors at Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Pichu and the Galapagos. Thank you for all your help in making the arrangements".
The M. Party - South America: June
"We had the most fabulous time at the bottom of the world. We believed it would be good but in fact it turned out to be one of the best adventures ever. All of our arrangements rolled as planned and we felt very well cared for. Our guides were superb. Their English was excellent and they were good company."
Eileen & Jane - Chile & Argentina
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures and it was a very good balance between being busy and having time to relax. We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch"
Margerrison Party - Peru
"Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming. Your partner on the ground was efficient and good. And all our connections etc went smoothly. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J&A - Costa Rica