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Imagine Latin America  >  Destinations  >  Costa Rica  >  Arenal
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Arenal

As Costa Rica’s adventure capital and home to the best known volcano in the country, it’s easy to see why Arenal is one of the most popular destinations to explore. Enclosed by verdant rainforest, filled with pristine waterfalls, bubbling hot springs and nature trails, Arenal National Park is an eco-wonderland bursting with activities for all ages and interests.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

In 1968, the dormant Arenal volcano exploded and became Costa Rica’s most active volcano. For some time, on most evening’s, it was known to emit streams of glowing red lava which encouraged many visitors to flock in hope of witnessing this spectacular phenomenon first hand. In 2010, the volcano’s activity subsided and has since remained dormant. Despite losing its main draw, at 5,437 feet, the Arenal Volcano looms large and ominous over the pastured green hillsides that surround its base.

With a multitude of adventure activities on offer, Arenal remains a popular destination. The great wealth of biological and geological diversity of the area means you can hike through flourishing rainforests and old lava fields, trek to the emerald crater lagoon of the dormant Chato, or discover the magnificent La Fortuna waterfall on horse-back. Thrill-seekers can rappel through forest canopies, ride on rushing white-water rapids and soar through its valleys and treetops on the country’s longest zip line canopy tour. Costa Rica's largest lake, Arenal Lake is a popular place to try out kayaking and paddle-boarding and boasts some of the most spectacular views in the area. For wildlife-enthusiasts, a visit to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is well worth a day trip, where two and three toed sloths can be found, as well as monkeys, caimans and more.

Arenal volcano powers numerous hot springs dotted around the area which serve as the perfect place to relax after a day’s exploring. The Tabacon hot springs are the top-rated, with views of Arenal Volcano. Another popular choice is EcoTermales hot springs which is made up of five romantic pools nestled in the rainforest offering a more intimate experience.

La Fortuna town is the main gateway to Arenal and is where many of the hotels, bars and restaurants are located. Just outside of town, our favorite properties can be found hidden in their own slices of rainforest and offer the best views of Arenal Volcano, privacy and more amenities than those in the centre of town.

If you love adventure, you’ll love Arenal. In the shadow of the amazing Arenal Volcano, you can go zip-lining, white water rafting, horse riding or enjoy some stunning hikes...


Tessa Morrison

At the end of an action-packed day, I’d highly recommend rewarding yourself with an evening at the Tabacon Grand’s thermal springs – bliss!


Tessa Morrison
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Arenal, Costa Rica

Revered for its picture perfect views of Arenal volcano, this family friendly option is a great base from which to explore Arenal. With unlimited use of its hot springs, lush manicured gardens and excellent service, Nayara Gardens is a great value option.

Nayara Gardens

Arenal, Costa Rica

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is located just outside of La Fortuna and offers astonishing views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano. Arenal Kioro is sustainably run and makes a very comfortable option in La Fortuna’s adventure playground.

Hotel Arenal Kioro

Arenal, Costa Rica

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a luxury hotel at the foot of Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano. With natural thermal springs, rainforest views and smiling service, Tabacon Resort makes a great base for enjoying Arenal’s jungle adventure playground.

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Arenal, Costa Rica

Amor Arenal Rainforest lodge sits in the foothills of the Arenal Volcano, with luxurious cabins, a spa, gym, yoga pavilion, two hot spring pools, a cosy bar and a restaurant tucked away in a remote and tranquil setting.

Amor Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

Arenal Manoa is a secluded resort in the Arenal countryside of northern Costa Rica. Offering fantastic volcano views and plenty of opportunities to relax, Arenal Manoa is a good mid-range option for enjoying Costa Rica’s premier adventure playground.

Arenal Manoa

Arenal, Costa Rica

Located in the northern region of Costa Rica, only 2½ hrs from San Jose, the Arenal Paraiso is a beautiful hotel, located amongst exotic flora and lush fauna and has stunning views of the majestic Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Paraiso

Arenal, Costa Rica

Perfectly situated at the base of the staggering Arenal Volcano, Lomas del Volcan offers comfortable accommodation in one of the most picturesque locations. With a large pool and surrounding lush flora and fauna, you're sure to have a pleasant stay.

Lomas del Volcan

Arenal, Costa Rica

Nayara Springs is a stylish jungle spa retreat with magnificent views of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. With its chic accommodations, excellent facilities and spa, this is a wonderfully luxurious adult only base to enjoy Arenal’s adventure playground.

Nayara Springs Resort

Arenal, Costa Rica

Nayara Tented Camp is the newest addition to Nayara Resorts, a collection of beautiful properties overlooking Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano which have long been popular with Imagine guests.

Nayara Tented Camp

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San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Tamarindo

Costa Rica is a land of winding nature trails, dense green jungle, deserted beaches and home to over 600 species of wildlife, making it the ultimate destination for nature lovers.

9 nights from $2686 per person Beach, Family, Beach

Simply Costa Rica

San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Osa Peninsula and Manuel Antonio

An all-encompassing highlights tour of Costa Rica, taking in some of our favourite sights and staying in some of our top properties! Perfect for a first time visitor looking to indulge and see the best of this enchanting country.

13 nights from $5491 per person Highlights, Honeymoon, Luxury

Deluxe Costa Rica Highlights

Alajuela, Tortuguero, Turrialba, Arenal and Santa Teresa

This is the perfect trip for active travellers looking for adventure with a difference! Indulge yourself in a splash of luxury while surrounded by Costa Rican nature.

13 nights from $4057 per person Beach, Honeymoon, Imagine Favourites

Active Costa Rica

Alajuela, Turrialba, Arenal and Santa Teresa

Discover sweeping views, unspoilt beaches, and rich scenery that makes Costa Rica such a refreshing destination.

11 nights from $4189 per person Beach, Honeymoon, Imagine Favourites

Classic Costa Rica

Alajuela, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja and Nicoya Peninsula

This is the perfect adventure with something for everyone. Families can fully indulge in this exciting itinerary, which offers exhilarating experiences across the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica.

14 nights from $3925 per person Beach, Honeymoon, Imagine Favourites

Costa Rica with Teenagers

San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

This action-packed family itinerary is the perfect way to explore the best of Costa Rica. From horse riding through the rainforest, hiking active volcanoes and navigating wildlife-rich national parks, there is something for everyone.

13 nights from $3573 per person Family, Wildlife, Beach

Family Friendly Costa Rica

Heredia, Osa Peninsula, Arenal and Gulf of Papagayo

Discover a less explored part of Costa Rica, whilst staying in some of the country's most luxurious boutique hotels. Explore a wealth of wildlife, discover unspoilt beaches and experience a fascinating slice of Costa Rica.

14 nights from $7083 per person Wildlife, Beach, Spectacular scenery

Luxury Wildlife and Beach

Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero and Arenal

A wonderful introduction to the numerous highlights of both Panama and Costa Rica, this itinerary packs a punch and covers a number of diverse attractions throughout both of these stunning countries in just 14 days.

13 nights from $3774 per person Beach, Culture & history, Wildlife

Panama and Costa Rica

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Turrialba, Sarapiqui and Pacuare, Costa Rica

Enjoy an exhilarating and unforgettable journey travelling over the rolling white water rapids of the Pacuare River, one of the top five in the world for rafting, surrounded by the natural beauty of cascading waterfalls and lush tropical rainforest.

Pacuare Whitewater Rafting Class III-IV

Arenal, Costa Rica

Arenal Canopy tour is an unforgettable adventure with incredible views of Costa Rica's magnificent tropical rainforest and waterfalls. Suitable for all ages, this zip-line experience offers incredible views and will be memorable for the whole family.

Arenal Eco Glide Canopy and Tarzan Swing

Arenal, Costa Rica

Enjoy sensational views during a gentle two and a half hour hike along the base of the Magnificent Arenal Volcano. Venture over lava encrusted trails that destroyed the area in 1968 and witness the area's fascinating regeneration.

Arenal Volcano Hike - Light

Arenal, Costa Rica

Visit the Ecotermales Hot Springs for a relaxing and soothing experience. Sip a cocktail whilst enjoying the different hot and cold rock pools and indulge in a sumptuous poolside dinner. With a romantic ambience, its the perfect place to spend an evening.

Eco Termales Hot Springs

Arenal, Costa Rica

Spend a full day hiking through the lush Arenal area, visiting invigorating waterfalls, passing along hanging bridges high above the canopy and hiking up the majestic Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Waterfalls & Volcanoes

Arenal, Costa Rica

Enjoy sensational views during a gentle hike along the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Venture over lava encrusted trails, and finish with a dip in the volcanic thermal mineral pools at the hot springs.

Arenal Volcano Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs

Arenal, Costa Rica

The tour begins in the Sky Tram, an open-air gondola, that lifts you through the treetops and offers sweeping views of the Arenal volcano, lake and lush surrounding area. Once at the top, get ready to begin your Sky Trek zipline adventure!

Arenal Sky Tram & Sky Trek

Arenal, Costa Rica

Board your boat and traverse through the diverse wildlife reserves of Caño Negro and the Rio Frio, incredible for bird watching and for observing the Costa Rican wildlife. Look out for sloths, monkeys, caiman and bats, as well as numerous tropical plants.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge by Boat

Arenal, Costa Rica

Enjoy a guided walk to the lava flows in Arenal Volcano National Park and take in the magnificent sight of the volcano. Afterwards, relax your muscles at Eco Termales Hot Springs and indulge in a delicious dinner.

Arenal Volcano Hike & Eco Termales Hot Springs

Arenal, Costa Rica

Enjoy a beautiful day out on Arenal Lake with this wonderful guided excursion. You will paddle along the gentle waters, observing different species of birds and monkeys, all whilst admiring the staggering views of the imposing Arenal Volcano.

Kayak on Arenal Lake

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