Arenal Costa Rica

Costa Rica ‘s most active volcano is the Arenal volcano located only minutes out of La Fortuna. It’s daily eruptions, the rainforest and lakes around it, all spectacular destination for tourists. The arenal volcano erupted with full force in 1968 covering over 5.8 miles in hot lava and ash. Three little Costa Rican towns were destroyed in the process. Today, you can still find evidence of the 1968 eruption in crater size holes in the area. It actively has small eruptions one or two times daily now, with a smoldering small lava flow heading down the southwest side. Surrounding the volcano are geothermal mineral hot springs, some cool enough for human enjoyment. The arenal volcano is in the heart of a spectacular rainforest full of rivers and waterfalls. Arenal lake is at the base of the volcano and the largest lake in Costa Rica at almost twenty four miles long. This manmade lake is host to windsurfing and fishing. Both local and tourists fish for trout called guapote and machaca.

If you were to hop on the trails at the rainforest’s edge, you wouldn’t have to go very far before you came across one of the many suspension bridges to cross. These suspension bridges are built with the latest technology and sometimes as much as 98 meters long. Even the trails are mastered professionally so anybody can walk on them. You will know you are in an intense jungle when you catch the cries of the howler monkeys off in the distance or your guide points to the many sloths hanging from the trees. It is not uncommon to see macaws, toucans, or any of the other 800 species of birds living within the Costa Rican world.

Not a main attraction, but worthy of note is the caves located in the arenal area. The Verando Caves are at least 15 million years old. If you are claustrophobic, this is not a good pick for you as an activity. The caves are bare offerings with no modern construction and minimal amenities. It does have bats, an underground river, and plenty of crawling for those who are fearless. And for those who would rather be an observer than an active participant, the arenal region offers a gondola ride from the lake up to the volcano, with sightseeing and nature education on the way up. Those who wish to take the fast way down can take the zip line and feel apart of the jungle.

The La Fortuna waterfalls is also located in the arenal volcano region of Costa Rica. The fun way to these waterfalls is on horseback, plowing down trails and through afternoon rains in the jungle. Once at the falls, swimming is encouraged before taking the long trek back towards civilization.

Arenal Volcano National park reigns a top premiere spot for tourists and a wide variety of hotels include this in their tour packages. Due to the all the activities that can be done and so much to see in the park, it is encouraged to include in your travel planning of Costa Rica. Being a part of something so beautiful and majestic is worth the trip alone.