South & Central America

Arenal Volcano

Famed for its regular fireworks displays, the perfectly coned Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s real highlights and to see orange molten rocks tumble down its flanks at night is an incredible sight.

This area is also home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country with its forests, rivers, hot springs, botanical gardens and National Parks. The area offers all visitors a huge variety of activities and trips to explore the area including white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River; horse back riding; hiking around the slopes of the Arenal volcano; canopy & ‘Hanging Bridge’ tours in the forests to see the flora and fauna or merely relaxing in the hot mineral-rich waters of the Tabacon springs.

The nearby Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, which stretches to over 100 sq kilometres is a fascinating reserve for those interested in birdwatching with huge numbers of resident and migratory birds (January to March is particularly good) including such notables as the roseate spoonbill, olivaceous cormorant and the Nicaraguan grackle. The reserve is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife including tapir, monkeys, alligators, sloths and even cats such as pumas and jaguars still live in the area although these are much rarer and harder to see.

The damming of Lake Arenal in 1974 flooded a few small local towns and their inhabitants were relocated to what is known today as La Fortuna, which is the main town in the Arenal area. The lake is well known for its superb windsurfing and sailing as well as some excellent fishing.

Our preferred hotels include:

Tabacon Thermal Spa Resort

Arenal Kioro Hotel

Arenal Nayara Hotel & Spa