Please see our full disclaimer page for more information. It's basically a shortcut to make our lives easier. Corcovado. You can say that La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. Mountain biking or horseback riding are also great ways of experiencing the cool, shady jungle and farmland areas. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. Galloping (or slowly riding) across Costa Rican countryside allows you to interact with nature uniquely, and you will see things from a different perspective. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [emailprotected]. The chances are that you have already seen photos of Arenal even without knowing the name of the place. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. This Costa Rica 11 day itinerary offers plenty of adventure, relaxation and fun. Serving BBQ, BBQ, and more BBQ, this is a place to come for your daily protein intake. But first things first. You also have to book the tour in advance, in case you don't want to walk alone. In our opinion, as we travel on a budget, seeing a waterfall for eighteen bucks is simply way too expensive. Lava Lounge doesnt just serve a good selection of local dishes, craft beers, and delicious desserts but they also offer a great vibe with Latin music and a buzzing an atmosphere. Arenal Observatory Lodge is located within the Arenal Volcano National Park, meaning the location is hard to beat, and you really won't find better places while in the area. This version of the popular combo tour includes a guided Hanging Bridges nature walk, a visit to the La Fortuna waterfall, a guided tour to the Arenal Volcano National Park, and finally a relaxing evening at Eco Termales hot . It offers the best of Arenal without the hassle of arranging things for those who want to have a stress-free holiday, and it's also perfect for travelers without a rental car. Most of the Horseback Riding Tours are beginners friendly, and even suitable for people who have never ridden a horse in their life. Get a serving or chicken and some of their succulent ribs! Both options present you with great opportunities to learn about the environment and . 1. While this is technically the proper way to explore the national park, soon enough, you will realize that some of the best trails are located on private properties. A Complete Guide to Arenal and La Fortuna in Costa Rica Review my 4-day itinerary for La Fortuna and Monteverde - Costa Rica When looking at the map, the most obvious way is to take Highway 1 and leave San Jose via the northwest exit. The only caveat is that you must show proof of departing flight prior to boarding. Best Itineraries for Costa Rica with Kids - Families Love Travel is the one word to express our trip to Costa Rica. If you bring a swimsuit, remember that the changing rooms are at the entrance, not at the waterfall. Here, you'll enjoy amazing rainforest views and hikes along old volcanic lava flows and atop hanging bridges. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities. Arenal Volcano hike - easy hike with a great view. Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary 5 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas. The other facility offering hanging bridges is Sky Adventures Arenal Park. These are natural pools, so bring water shoes as the area is not landscaped. Our blog post will hopefully show you this area more closely, so you can plan your visit to this incredible Costa Rican region. The hot springs boom in Arenal is staggering, and many visitors travel to this area mainly for this experience. Organized tours in Costa Rica are not as cheap as you might think, but they are lifesavers in areas without good public transportation. A rental car is often the fastest and most convenient means of transportation in Costa Rica, though a bit more expensive. The area is rich in geothermal activity, so youll find some popular hot springs operating in the area. The trails are often muddy, and you should bring a lightweight cycling rain jacket as it rains a lot in the area. The total length of all routes ranges between 130 and 160 kilometers, but you will need three to four hours to get there, depending on the traffic. Arenal is a popular place for wildlife spotting, but you need to start your day early to see some animals. The conical-shaped volcano, which not that long ago was one of the most active of the bunch, is on Costa Rican every postcard. The perfect conical shape with a surrounding lush green rainforest is incredibly photogenic if you are lucky to see it in its full glory as it's on most days covered by clouds. There are some things you should know about hot springs in Arenal first, though. We have reviews of the best places to see in Arenal Volcano National Park. The entrance fee to Arenal Volcano National Park is 15 USD for an adult per day, and the park is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM. . Learn about the ingredients and preparation methods required for traditional Costa Rican cuisine, and then sit down to enjoy your creations afterward. Mid-range | Tifakara Boutique Hotel and Birding Oasis - The hotel is set at the foothills of Arenal Volcano National Park, offers an outdoor pool, tropical garden, air-conditioned rooms, and stunning natural environment that surrounds the property. El Castillo | Nepenthe - El Castillo is a small village near Arenal Lake, and you might find its laidback vibes more welcoming than the crowded La Fortuna area. Nevertheless, if you are really short on time but still want to see the best of Arenal, you can take a guided tour from San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. Day 1: Hiking and Exploring Spend your first day exploring La Fortuna's signature attraction: Arenal National Park. Two Monkeys Travel Group Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. Renting a car in Costa Rica is very easy and straightforward, and thousands of travelers decide to travel around the country this way. Plus, it's about equidistant from San Jos and Liberia, two cities with major airports that travelers fly to and from, so it's a convenient place to get to. Not much more to be said! However, depending on your travel itinerary, you might want to take different roads to get to Arenal. Weather in Arenal is not the only factor you should consider before you go. A small part of the Rio Chollin is used as a free hot pool, though you need to find a way to get there (it's twelve kilometers from the town). There are not many worthwhile things to do in the town of La Fortuna, but it serves its purpose. In general, the Arenal area is safe to visit, though you still should use your common sense. La Fortuna is a perfect place to base yourself in the Arenal area. It's near the Tabacon Hot Springs, but the site gets crowded with both locals and international visitors. However, hiking in Arenal is not as simple as you would expect. The easiest way to get to La Fortuna/Arenal from San Jose or Liberia is by car. Despite the price, they are perfect for people traveling in larger groups (usually six, eight, or twelve passengers). Zipline, rappel, and raft your way through the region and enjoy some of the best volcano views the country has to offer. Food is passable (comes with the day . Taking this road also makes a lot of sense when leaving the San Jose area from Alajuela, where you can find the Juan Santamara International Airport. Arenal is known for many things, but hanging bridges are somewhere at the top of the list. Tabacon Hot Springs is the first and most elaborate hot springs resort out of them all, so if you have the cash splurge on an all inclusive $105 daily pass and enjoy a day of relaxation and healing in its elaborate garden of hot spring pools. That's another 300 dollars. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The town of La Fortuna might not feel like a typical tourist town (we mean we've seen worse), and we believe it's due to the fact that there are dozens of accommodations scattered around the area that leaves the town to keep its own atmosphere. Still, the Arenal Volcano National Park is arguably the best place to go hiking, and you won't make a mistake by traveling there. If you arrive solely to spot the volcano, then you have better chances in the dry season. At least if you want to visit the best places in Arenal, which are mainly outside the town or main roads. 11 years ago Save I am looking to spend a long weekend in costa rica. Tour companies and booking agencies are located in La Fortuna making it easy to plan and book all of your activities in the region upon arrival. Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour. I loved my first trip to the country because of the combination of accessible adventure activities, beaches and outstanding bird life. Both private shuttles and public transport lack the freedom aspect that you get from a rental car. Arenal 4-in-1 Tour Arenal Volcano Costa Rica In the afternoon, try one of Costa Rica's most famous adventure activities: ziplining through the canopies. Don't get too excited, most of these places are aware of this fact, and the accommodation prices reflect it. Our", "We had the most amazing vacation trip to Costa Rica in June 2023. Nepenthe B&B is a lovely place, with nice rooms, a pool, a spa, and it offers great views of the Arenal area. As La Fortuna is a small and compact town, you can easily get around by walking everywhere. Staying safe is the essential part of your trip. 1. Costa Rica is famous for its river rafting and is often called one of the best destinations in the world to go on a whitewater trip. That's why you should plan your itinerary carefully. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Wilie from Serendipity was wonderful. Of course, the Arenal Volcano itself is huge and can be easily admired from afar from most hotels in the area, but those looking for a more active trip will enjoy checking out the nature trail inside the park. Our friendly travel advice is to budget a bit more for Arenal. The truth is somewhere in between, and we hope our article answered some of the questions you had before you started reading our blog post. Your email address will not be published. By far, the best way to get to Arenal Volcano National Park is by car. There are plenty of places to go ziplining in Arenal; some places offer a more intimate experience while others will get your heart racing. It's almost impossible to answer the question of whether Arenal is crowded or not as it depends on many factors. And that's our biggest issue with this place. If you are staying at one of the resorts outside of town, your resort will most likely have a restaurant on site. And that's not so simple to answer. It offers affordable and clean rooms starting at just $44 in low season. Especially at night? Im considering returning to Costa Rica next year. You can say where there is a rainforest, there is a canopy, and Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to try this unique activity. Due to the perfect weather conditions, the lake is a popular spot for all sorts of activities, and you shouldn't miss it. If you can only spend a few days in Costa Rica, then La Fortuna is a great place to focus on, as you'll be able to experience many of the country's highlights without needing to jump around to different places. Arenal and a small town La Fortuna, which is the gateway to the national park, serves as a perfect introduction to Costa Rica, and you can't choose a much better location that will slowly show the beauty of the dramatic nature forming this region. EcoTermales Hot Springs and Paradise Hot Springs are also popular but have lower entrance fees. 12:33 pm. Trip Check in a few weeks 9:47 am. SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. Citizens of US, Canada, Australia, UK and many other western countries will be granted a 3-month visa. Keep reading for a 4-day Itinerary in the area. For many, it's one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. We are Oksana & Max St John, a nomadic couple inspired by the world, fuelled by curiosity, a sense of adventure, and an occasional cup of tea. If you have bad knees, remember that you will also have to climb back, though the trail is paved. On top of that, the hike is often described as strenuous, the trail is not maintained, and can be dangerous during the rain. Costa Rica: Your One-Week Itinerary - Two Weeks in Costa Rica The most famous attraction within the national park is Arenal Volcano, which is coincidently the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. minimum number of days for arenal and monteverde - Costa Rica Forum Not that you won't find other volcanoes in Costa Rica (or Central America), it's that this one is arguably the most famous one. If you are someone who loves to explore Volcanos, hike through the wild forests, zipline, and explore the largest waterfalls, you will certainly love visiting Arenal, Costa Rica. Read more Costa Rica itineraries below! Join us on our journey on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. It is a Costa Rican philosophy that encourages the appreciation of life's simple treasures. But these things change in Costa Rica, and it's better to check which volcano is currently active and which isn't before you go. Must do's in la Fortuna/ arenal area : r/CostaRicaTravel - Reddit Stunning views, island hopping, and wildlife observationthese are just a few of the things awaiting you on Costa Ricas Lake Arenal Kayaking Tour. Arguably, the best way to explore the Arenal area when on a short time is by taking a combo tour, which includes a combination of top activities and must-visit places. Arenal 4 In 1 Combo Tour. Otherwise, we would go somewhere else (especially if you travel on a strict itinerary), as Costa Rica offers better waterfalls for lower prices, such as Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park (some of them are even free). Airport Shuttle Service from the airport costs around $45/person and should be reserved in advance. 10 Best Things to Do at Arenal Volcano | Costa Rica Experts There are hundreds of accommodation options in La Fortuna and much more in the surrounding area. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Arenal Volcano National Park packs all of Costa Rica's allure into one place: incredible hiking, magnificent views, abounding wildlife and the country's most active volcano. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If your first destination on your travel itinerary after landing in Costa Rica is La Fortuna, you don't need to go to San Jose. Arenal Volcano National Park (Arenal Volcano + Cerro Chato) and La Fortuna town Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica La Fortuna is best for nature lovers, adventurers, couples, solo travelers and families. Each part of the trip took place without any issues and the itinerary was great. Why Do Flights Get Cancelled and What To Do? 3 weeks in CR- doing too much? HELP - Costa Rica Forum Answer 1 of 8: You guys have been awesome for helping me plan our trip and I very much appreciate it! Check out of your hotel and head to the airport or your next destination in Costa Rica. If you decide to stay outside of the city, you will need a rental car to get around or be prepared to pay a lot for taxis or tours. Rates at Tabacon start at $400/night, but unlimited access to the hot springs is included in the price. You can always take a taxi in La Fortuna to take you to Arenal's top places, though it's the most expensive way of getting around, especially for solo travelers. There are lots of great stores in town! 1968 Arenal Trails offer mountain biking (and also hiking) trails on private property, and the variety of terrain, beautiful scenery, and wildlife will keep you entertained for a few hours. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. Also, getting up early will increase your chance of seeing Arenal Volcano in its full glory, as clouds usually roll over it later in the day. An active stratovolcano amid the tropical rainforest rising to 1670 meters, Arenal Volcano is one of its kind. Local cuisine in Costa Rica isnt as rich as in other parts of Central and South America, but restaurants in popular areas generally do a great job with grilled meats, seafood, and of course a variety of takes on Costa Rican local favorite, the casado. Our helpful travel tip is not to expect to have top-rated attractions just for yourself, and also be prepared that some places will be overcrowded. In an afternoon, you can get a feel for the park from one of its hiking trails or hot spring pools, but you'll need a few days to further take advantage of the views and adventure activities that make this region special. The Arenal Volcano region is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, thanks in part to the countless tours that operate in the area.Travelers have access to secondary rainforests, waterfalls, the country's largest lake, cultural experiences, and a diverse selection of hotels in Arenal, which has earned it the adventure capital of Costa Rica title in the eyes of many. 5 Ways to Travel and Study at the Same Time, Ultimate Travel Checklist: From Essentials to Adventure, Master the Magic of Video Background Removal: Top Tricks to Try. Costa Rica Itinerary 2: Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest to Manuel Antonio National Park. Remember that while staying in La Fortuna is easy and convenient, hotels outside of the town will often have much better views and offer better value than those in town. We can't deny that Arenal has an excellent tourist infrastructure, it's one of the safest places in the entire country, and the scenery is breathtaking. A half-day guided hike that takes you through the amazing landscape of Arenal Volcano National Park is always a solid choice. This resort is located about 1km outside of La Fortuna but offers lots of great amenities on site including three on-site restaurants, pool, hot springs, gym, daily yoga classes and an on-site spa. Tap water is often potable in Costa Rica, though, you might want to use SteriPen or water bottle with a filter for extra precaution. People believed that Arenal is dormant for centuries, and then, in 1968, it suddenly erupted. Costa Rica is home to adventure ziplining, and seeing the rainforest from above is a fascinating experience. The falls are 210 feet (64 m) high and are best seen from below via a 500-step downhill hike. He was very responsive and helped us plan an amazing trip for a very diverse group - we had vegans in the gro", "The trip was seem less as it pertains to the travel arrangements and punctuality of all of the transportation vans that were provided to us. When we asked at the kiosk, the information we got was quite confusing, and we were not much smarter after we left. On top of that, you might want to wear them in the evening when the temperature drops. Arenal 1968 Park is a popular private reserve featuring man hiking and biking trails. The entrance fee is 17 USD (plus add the cost of renting a bike). Day 4 Explore Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, a 4-hour drive (via car service) Drive 30 . Admire the views of Arenal from up close and dont forget to bring a camera. The rest of the hot springs drill wells and uses pumps to get the warm water from the underground. Where to Stay In Arenal, Costa Rica You can use this exact itinerary or if you have more/less days, I'll tell you how to adjust it. Biking is an exciting way to explore the Arenal area. Unfortunately, biking along the main road is not fun, and the lack of official biking trails is disappointing. 4 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas | kimkim When you start searching for information about this top Costa Rican destination, you will soon enough find names such as Arenal, Arenal Nuevo, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, and La Fortuna. A lightweight rain pants or rain poncho should be packed in your backpack any time of the year as it rains a lot in Arenal. Plan Your Trip Arenal Expedition Self Drive Tour - 4 Days This itinerary is one of the shortest, yet most action-packed options for travelers looking for a compact Costa Rica experience. So here is the conclusion of all we have learned so far. Chocolate and coffee are two of Costa Rica's most important exports, and by visiting cacao and coffee plantations around La Fortuna, you can see where your favorite snacks or beverages come from and how it's prepared in Costa Rica style. If you are staying in a resort with on-site amenities like hot springs or a pool, this would be the perfect time to enjoy them. The most famous attraction within the national park is Arenal Volcano, which is coincidently the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. On the other hand, buses in Costa Rica are cheap, reliable but often slow. We are not complaining about the fact that prices are higher or that there's a fee; we do not mind contributing to the local economy. We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Even if you stayed at a hotel with hot springs on site, it is still worth splurging on a day pass to Tabacon. All of the driv", "Olman was very informative and always available to answer our questions. Foodies won't want to miss the chance to learn to cook some Tico dishes at an authentic cooking class. An easy hike to the waterfall opens up into a cool swimming hole, offering a refreshing dip on a hot sunny day. Popular destinations are known for higher prices, and you can expect to pay a bit more here in Arenal as well. Tabacon Hot Springs is the only place in the area that offers a natural river, which means that this place is highly exclusive and offers a bit more distinct experience. Arenal has two areas where you can discover the rainforest from above. The bad part is that it's not that easy to find a good and cheap place to stay in at the same time, as they often can be booked out (in high season). Don't forget your action camera at home; you are going to need it! Furthermore, now, when someone asks you, "Have you been to Arenal? However, local busses and shuttles also operate along the route. Thanks for the fact that Arenal Volcano is located in close proximity to a couple of Grade 3-4 rivers in Costa Rica, this region is a popular spot for white water rafting. Our trip coordinators, Jessica and Brittany did an amazing job. San Jose (1 night) Monteverde ( 2 nights). 4 full days: Arenal and "quiet" beach itinerary suggestions - Costa Punta Gabriela Tony Starks Holiday Hangout in Costa Rica! From Nicoya and Liberia, drive to Canas, and then take a scenic Road 142 along the Lake Arenal to La Fortuna. Of course, that's in case you don't want to drive, because you can rent a car in Arenal for a day or two, and then return it there. Good organic food options ranging from salads to ceviche and beyond. You can expect to spot lots of birds (toucans, macaws), frogs, snakes, insects, sloths, monkeys, or peccaries. Our trip went very smoothly, allowing everybody to relax and enjo", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in July, 2023, "Wonderful trip, Olman found us the best guides for all our experiences. With two to three days in La Fortuna, you can enjoy the above-mentioned activities and add some more active or cultural adventures into the mix (or both if you have three days). Fortunately, everyone was safe, and at least we could enjoy more time on the lake and soak up the views. We didn't go to Cerro Chato and were debating whether even to include it on the list for obvious reasons. You would think that you simply drive to the ranger station at the official Arenal Volcano National Park entrance and start hiking from there. Both hotels offer luxury rooms, hot springs, and excellent service, and you won't make a mistake in staying in one or another. As a matter of fact, the international airport is located in Alajuela, and you can catch a bus there. Vacation Package to combine two special places in Costa Rica; La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio or Cloud Forest and Rain Forest Arenal Volcano and Monteverde. Since then, Arenal became one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica until the activity stopped in 2010. Must rent a car for the ultimate road trip adventure. Arenal Observatory Lodge-inconvenient? Hiking and horseback riding tours allow you to get up close and personal with this incredible area, which encompasses close to 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) and extends into eight different life zones. Theft at Crocodile Bridge at Tarcoles River 1:24 pm. Arenal Volcano - Monteverde - Guanacaste Beaches - Tripmasters From hikes, canopy tours, waterfalls, ecolodges to hot springs or hanging bridges, you sure will have fun in Arenal. Costa Rica Itinerary 3 night and 4 day - Arenal Evergreen Make sure you do have some experience with driving, as Costa Rican roads can be narrow, winding, and driving long distances challenging. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Pleasant way to get your exercise and nature fix in. Rates are reasonable starting from just $100 in the low season. How Many Days to Spend in Arenal Arenal Volcano National Park (along with the gateway town of La Fortuna) is a highlight of any Costa Rica itinerary. Veronica was incredibly knowledgeable and customized our trip perfectly for our family of 7: four boys ages 17-27 and ", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in June, 2023, "This was my familys first time working with a travel agent and it was definitely worth it. Chato Volcano is a beautiful inactive volcano next to the Arenal with a water-filled crater that first erupted 38 000 years ago. Do you think I can pass the immigration in the philippines? No Arenal tour operators will take you there, and until the situation changes, don't go on your own; it's not worth the risk. If you have only one day in Arenal, don't despair. Arenal Hanging Bridges are among the best activities for families with kids. Best Costa Rica 4-Day Tours & Itineraries - kimkim Get there early to increase your chances to spot wildlife. Tabacon hot springs - must do for just how paradisical and intricate the maze of hot springs is! Do you think it will be safe for two young girls to walk to it? 1 month road trip itinerary Highlights Destinations: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Hermosa, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Uvita and Drake Bay. Three days in Arenal are more than enough, and you will enjoy the area at a way more relaxed pace. Technically, it is not. As the result of a massive and violent eruption, the small villages of Tabacon, Pueblo Nuevo, and San Luis were destroyed, and 87 people were killed during the events. Prefer relaxing activities. Hi! ", you know what they mean. We are arriving in San Jose on 30th July and leaving 21 August. Basing yourself in La Fortuna for a few days means you'll have access to hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, plantations, and much more. Starting early in the morning, your tour begins with your choice of either a guided walk at the Arenal Hanging Bridges or a safari float along the Peas Blancas River. Where to go on Guanacaste Coast. To be completely honest, there aren't many free things to do in Arenal. Well-marked trails and bridges, and platforms through the treetops give you a great view of the volcano as well as the lush rainforest. We loved both places. Lunch will probably be provided on your activity, but since there are still lots of restaurants to discover in town, head to La Fortuna for dinner and give yourself some time before or after the meal for a bit of souvenir shopping. Arenal Combo Tour - Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, typical lunch, and Arenal Volcano hike are a perfect combination to have an unforgettable day in Arenal. 5 days Arenal and Monteverde: Ideas for La Fortuna and Monteverde cloud forest. Well, sure, go ahead, it's 'only' eighty bucks. Great place for dinner and a few drinks!