Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
- Route Duration From/ to San Jose (SJO)
- Airports in Arenal
- El Tanque - La Fortuna (FON)
- Arenal Hotels Helipads
- Top Destinations from Arenal
The dramatic contrast between stark lava fields and green forest
Rising from the surrounding lava fields, Arenal Volcano’s classic cone dominates the surrounding landscape and is visible for miles.
Last active in 2010, the stratovolcano erupted periodically since its initial 1968 eruption, which destroyed the village of Tabacón and laid out acres of lava fields.
The Arenal Volcano National Park encompasses nearly 30,000 acres set within the 504,094-acre Arenal Conservation Area. The Conservation Area includes 16 reserves between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges.
Fly into Aeropuerto El Tanque in La Fortuna for an eagle-eyed view of the countryside. From San Jose, the flight only takes 20 minutes, with incredible views of the volcano on the way. When you land in Fortuna, the airport is just 20 minutes from the main hotels in Arenal.
Many hotels in the area have heliports on their properties, so you can land at the hotel directly or at a distance of 5 minutes, such as Springs Resort, Arenal Kioro, and Nayara Springs
From Arenal you can fly to any part of the country.
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Arenal Kioro Green Luxury is a boutique luxury hotel, complete with 27 acres of botanical gardens looking out to the volcano. Personalized service is key here, and Neidin Spa offers a full menu of spa and beauty treatments.
Nayara Springs is a romantic and luxurious boutique hotel for adults only, located at the edge of the national park. Each villa has a plunge pool fed by hot springs, a private garden, and an outdoor rain shower. On the higher end, this is the perfect hotel for those who are seeking luxury, privacy, and romance.
Closer to Arenal Volcano than most hotels, Amor Arenal sits at a higher elevation for views of the volcano and the virgin rainforest canyon below from the private deck. Its casitas offer prime views in a luxury setting of indigenous woods and airy space.
One of the most romantic settings in La Fortuna, The Springs Resort and Spa is a place of relaxation and pampering. Enjoy the spa or one of several hot springs. On 165 acres, the property perches 1,000 feet above the Arenal Valley.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a unique escape into an exotic jungle adventure. Rooms and suites balance the tropical rainforest with indigenous materials and art. The network of thermal pools is the largest in Costa Rica, and by night offers a mystical experience of the forest. In addition, the resort has several restaurants and bars, including a swim-up bar in the main pool.
If fine dining is your aim, try the restaurant at your hotel- especially Las Ventanas at The Springs!
But, if you’re a foodie who longs for authentic local fare, give these places a try:
El Novillo del Arenal in El Castillo district of La Fortuna gets 4.5 stars, featuring steaks a la Central America. Also recommended: chicken with mushroom sauce. The bartender gets the mint for the mojitos from the garden outback.
La Ventanita. This family-run restaurant is aptly named, La Ventanita means little window. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with the great flavors of its Central American menu and views of the volcano.
Rated no. 1 on TripAdvisor, Spectacolar Cantina is modestly priced. Everything is made fresh, right down to the tortillas. The ceviche and street tacos (try the pulled pork) get rave reviews.
Sodas (not pop) are a frequent sight in Costa Rica and a great place to try an authentic Tico meal. Soda Mima in La Fortuna (a bit tricky to find, it’s at the end of an alleyway) gets high marks from diners.
Arenal National Park has miles of hiking trails that circumnavigate the volcano and pass through old lava flows. The hikes take you through unique microclimates and highly adapted ecosystems. Be sure to hire a naturalist guide.
Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica, is at the base of the volcano. Kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing and boat tours are good ways to explore the lake.
Whitewater rafting on the Balsa River has Class II and III rapids, suitable for beginners, and is a 2-hour trip. The Sarapiqui’s Class III-IV rapids will challenge more advanced rafters.
Arenal Hanging Bridges, the Sky Trek, and the Sky Tram take visitors up through the canopy. Thrill-seekers can make the return journey from Miguel Angel Observatory via 4.5 miles of zipline.
And finally, last but certainly not least, are numerous hot springs in the area. There are a number of great little hot spring resorts to choose from. Some are stand-alone and some part of a hotel resort.
Tabacon Hot Springs is the oldest, most well-established, and popular resort to spend your day and evening. With a full experience offering of restaurants, bars, hot and cold pools, waterfalls, a spa, and more, you can check in mid-morning, store your stuff in a locker, and enjoy the park for the day or evening, or both! Fully immersed in the jungle with winding rivers and pools at varying degrees of hot water, Tabacon is a must-do experience.
Eco Termales is Arenal’s only “truly natural” hot springs. Not a hotel or resort, just a great place to spend a few hours of the day soaking up the thermal waters of varying degrees in the staggering pools. With a restaurant and bar, lounge chairs, and plenty of plunge pools, this special little resort feels rather exclusive as they only permit a certain amount of visitors at any given time. Reservations are a must so be sure to visit their website and book your space before your trip!
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