This was an easy one. The area of the Arenal Volcano has so much to see and do that I could tap out ten things with one hand tied behind my back. This area is a pure natural playground that attracts about 90% of Costa Rica’s tourism traffic. They say the volcano is not as active as it used to be. Well, who knows, but I still wouldn’t stand to close. Even so, these 10 cool things to do at the Arenal Volcano are sure to make your stay at Arenal memorable.
Cool Thing #1: Take a boat ride out on Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake and one of its most important source of electricity. You can’t get better views of the volcano than being out in the middle of the lake on a clear day. Best to do it in the late afternoon when the sunlight is most photo friendly. After you’re done with the oooing and ahhhing, jump in for a swim, the water is dulce delicious.
Some cool Lake Arenal by boat pics
Cool Thing #2: Hike Cerro Chato
This is the Arenal Volcano’s small sibling. It once was a volcano, but that was a long time ago. Now what you will find at the top is a crater of emerald green water. The hike up is not too long, but quite steep…get ready to sweat. You will be hiking through incredibly lush tropical rain forest and are bound to see some cool critters along the way.
Some cool pics of my hike up Cerro Chato
Cool Thing #3: Go for a swim in the La Fortuna Waterfall
You can do this a couple ways. One is by horse and the other is by foot. Either way the La Fortuna waterfall is really a site worth seeing. And a swim in the cool (no, cold) crystal clear water with huge trout darting around is a great way to cool off.
La Fortuna Waterfall by horseback tour
Cool Thing #4: The canyoning tour
This has been one of our most popular tours for some time. What is “canyoning” you ask? Well, it is trekking down into and through a deep canyon. How? You do it by rappelling down the steep canyon walls, usually beside, if not right in the middle of, falling water. Yes you do get wet! It is thrilling and really puts you in the thick of all that nature.
Cool Thing #5: Go hiking in Tenorio National Park
Tenorio National Park is a good hour to the north of Arenal, but well worth a visit. It is where the famous sky blue river, Rio Celeste, is located. A hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall on a clear sunny day will be something to remember. It also happens to be one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Costa Rica….no wonder!
Cool Thing #6: Visit the Eco-Termales Hot Springs
This is our pick for the best Hot Springs experience in Costa Rica. Why? Because while other commercial hot springs have become just that…over commercialized, Eco-Termales has tried to keep itself a secret. For a long time they didn’t even have a sign, just a gate with an intercom system. Made you feel like you were trespassing into some tropical wonderland. The springs themselves are super clean and hot. Good food as well. My recommendation is to go at night, when the the lighting makes the place all the more romantic.
Eco-Termales Hot Spring website
Cool Thing #7: Go spelunking in the Venado Caves
What’s cooler than a cave? Ever since man emerged from them, he has had a fascination with going back into them. And in Arenal you can fulfill that fantasy at the Venado Caves, complete with bats and guano.
Cool Thing #8: A super sustainable stay at Rancho Margot
Rancho Margot is the ultimate definition of what it means to be a sustainable resort. This place is completely off the grid and supplies its own food, heat, water and sewer. You will be amazed, trust me. For instance, they use compost to heat their water…now is that cool or what? It is also over on the Castillo side, which in my opinion is the most beautiful of all Arenal locations.
Cool Thing #9: Go dancing at the area’s only disco
Spending your days getting close to all that nature can wear you out. So after a full day of it, you might want to relax throwing back a few Imperials (or whatever) and maybe even some Latin dancing if you’re up for it. Well, you will have that opportunity as well at the area’s largest (and only) disco…the Vulcan Look.
Cool Thing #10: Wildlife viewing in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Like Tenorio, Caño Negro is a bit of a hike (by car) from Arenal (over an hour), but also well worth it. This is a wetlands area that is home to a large number of migratory birds. A boat cruise down the Rio Frio will put you up close and personal with all kinds of jungle creatures….maybe even a Jabiru Stork, the largest of Costa Rica’s birds. And of course there are the crocs and caimans.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge wiki
Hammering out this list was so easy that I might even have another one in me today. Nah, better to let this one sink in first. Take my advice and try out a few of the above cool things to do at the Arenal Volcano. We feature a number of vacation designs where you could easily fit them in.
Post by CRG
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