Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Adventure hub and lava viewing wonder

Jul 26, 2007 Nicholas Gill

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and attracts bus loads of tourists to indulge in the natural surroudings and posh resorts.

Arenal Volcano, or Volcán Arenal, in northern Costa Rica is a hub of not just volcanic activity, but adventure, wildlife, stunning hotels and thermal spas, and brilliant natural surroundings.

With nightly eruptions that can be seen from hotels and viewpoints surrounding Arenal Volcano, the volcano is the main attraction. It sits in the Parque Nacional Arenal, or Arenal National Park, which is home to diverse rainforest plants and a wide variety of wildlife such as brightly colored birds, Capuchin monkeys, Howler monkeys, Coati, and others.

Arenal Volcano is located not far from the town of La Fortuna, 5 hours north of San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. Day trips leave San Jose in the morning, let you wander around the volcano in the afternoon, and see the glowing red lava flows roll down the slopes as you soak in a relaxing thermal bath at night. Most decide to stay in one of the many hotels surrounding the volcano that have picture perfect views from every room. Cheaper lodging is in the town of La Fortuna nearby. Many combine trips here with visits to Monetverde, the Pacific coast, Tortuguero, or Corcovado in their visit to Costa Rica.

Arenal Volcano’s thermal baths

Tabacón Grand Spa and Thermal resort - The best and poshest thermal spa and bath is at the Tabacón, a five star resort that many consider the best in Costa Rica. You can jump from thermal pool to thermal pool all the while staring at the power of the bright red lava flowing down the slopes of Arenal volcano.

Baldi Termae - Baldi went a major renovation in 2007 to compete with Tabacón. Prices are about 25% lower than its rival and the number of pools and fun atmosphere are roughly equal.

Natural Hot Springs - At thenatural rustic baths near the Tabacón resort you won’t be able to sip a martini, but you won’t spend much either.

Arenal Volcano Hotels

Tabacón (Tel: 1-877-277-8291) - Mentioned above, this is the best hotel and has a wide variety of suites. Prices are high, but well worth it and the views of the volcano at night are the best.

Arenal Volcano Inn (Tel:(506) 461-2021)- Just 11 charming rooms with great amenities surrounding a lovely pool make up this cozy new hotel. Every room faces and has a spectacular view of the volcano. You can literally fall asleep as you watch lava flow.

Arenal Observatory Lodge - An older hotel with dramatic views in all of its 37 rooms.

Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa(Tel:1-888-886-5027) - A luxury oriented new hotel with deluxe rooms with Rooms private Jacuzzis, Air Conditioning, mini-bars, satellite television, safety deposit boxes, and hair dryers. Beautiful pool area and 27 acres of land make this a retreat within a retreat.

Also near Arenal Volcano

-Rio Fortuna Waterfall - Six kilometers south of La Fortuna, the large waterfalls plunge 70 meters into the forest floor where bathers wait below. Biking or horseback is the best option to get to the waterfall, but some guides will arrange bus tours. Admission is $3.

-Lake Arenal - Kayaking or fishing on Lake Arenal are a good option to get in touch with nature around Arenal Volcano if you are spending several days in the area. Any tour operator can arrange an excursion on the lake. Taking a ferry across the lake is a quick way to get to Monteverde, just a few hours away rather than the eight hours by road around the lake to Monetverde.

The copyright of the article Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica in Latin Am/Caribbean Travel is owned by Nicholas Gill. Permission to republish Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica