Arenal Volcano — Attraction in La Fortuna

This was our first trip to CR in May 2010, and lucky we went when we did as it was the last year it was active at the time I’m writing this, AND we were lucky enough to have clear days without clouds for a perfect view. We stayed at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. It was hands down the COOLEST thing laying in bed at night with all your lights off, you have a wall of windows in front of you with a picture perfect Volcano right in front of you, and you watch the volcano spewing hot balls of fire as they roll down the side of the volcano. There’s another one! Look honey, there’s another one! It was really amazing to watch Mother Nature in her finest glory. Now, from where we were the “fire boulders” didn’t look very big. However, after speaking with a guide, we were told those balls of fire that we see from where we are, at a safe distance, are actually the size of BUSES spewing from the volcano and rolling down the side of the mountain. What an incredible thing to see, and to see it at night from the vantage point of your bed is pretty darn amazing. We are going back to CR next year, and I was disappointed to hear the volcano is no longer active. At the resort, there were monkeys galore which included howler monkeys - entire clans of monkeys traveling by in the treetop canopy with their young hanging on their backs, I was in complete awe. We saw a myriad of birds (a guide with a trained eye is helpful to spot them), and hummingbirds galore right off our deck. The nature and fauna here is absolutely glorious... everything is HUGE, the trees are like skyscrapers. Truly an amazing trip. We stayed a few days in Arenal, went on an awesome rafting trip in LaFortuna and then drove back to San Jose to drop off our car rental and then took a commuter flight over to Manuel Antonio for more amazing things to see in the national park - sloths, more monkeys, birders paradise, HUGE toads, too much to list, and of course beautiful beaches. Careful of the rip tides in CR though, very dangerous. Can’t wait to go back, it’s a beautiful country and the people here are...

Visiting the Arenal Volcano with friends was an unforgettable adventure that combined the raw beauty of nature with thrilling experiences. Nestled in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano stands majestically, offering breathtaking views that captivate from every angle.

As we embarked on guided hikes around the volcano, we were enveloped by the vibrant flora and fauna. The trails were well-maintained and offered varying levels of difficulty, accommodating both casual walkers and avid hikers. Our guide was knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem and the volcano’s history.

One of the highlights was the natural hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after a day of trekking. We soaked in the mineral-rich waters, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest — a truly serene experience that felt like a slice of paradise.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the zip-lining experience through the treetops provided an exhilarating perspective of the area. Flying over the canopy with the imposing Arenal in the background was both thrilling and awe-inspiring.

Throughout our stay, the local hospitality was exceptional. We indulged in delicious Costa Rican cuisine and enjoyed the vibrant culture and warmth of the local people.

Arenal Volcano is a destination that thrills, relaxes, and educates, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This journey with friends will be cherished for a lifetime, and we left with memories etched in our hearts and a deeper appreciation for the wonders...

Yet another magical place in costa rica.

This thing is huge!!! And it is just humbling to look at. Once you go in the park and take the short but hard in places hot and arrive to the lava place, it stands there as high as the sky...

You look closely and the damage from the lava is very visible on the sides and there are areas that are very clear where the lava was flowing and the color difference.

The whole area has a lot of scenery, coming on and going out of it is just majestic.

We ran into some animals trying to get a feed. A lot of lakes surrounding the area.

A lot of restaurants, places to stay, and markets. The whole area has a different vibe than let's say san jose.

If you ever visit, i highly recommend visiting this Volcano. The drive from San jose takes about 3 hours or more. So it's a whole day thing. The entry to the park is 4000 crc per person. And the streets leading are curvy and ups and downs mixed with beautiful scenery.

I enjoyed every bit of that trip big...