Visiting Arenal, Costa Rica

Located northwest of San Jose, Volcán Arenal towers over the surrounding jungles and serves as a mecca of adventure, biodiversity, and natural beauty. The active volcano is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, which provides a plethora of activities for all travelers.

If you visit the park on a clear day, you’ll spot the iconic cone-shaped peak standing guard over the lush landscape below. While you won’t see flowing lava at the park, you can take a guided hike across lava fields and take in the one-of-a-kind scenery left behind by previous volcanic eruptions. From romantic getaways to family rainforest explorations to big adventure trips, Arenal is a place that caters to any kind of traveler.

Activities & Things to Do in Arenal, Costa Rica

Arenal has something to offer every traveler, from the highly adventurous to those seeking a more relaxed experience. Thrill seekers who often opt for our Avid Explorer package love canyoning (waterfall repelling) with a guide or white water rafting.

Others enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal hot springs. If you’ve got the time, why not try it all? Nothing beats a warm soak in hot springs after a long day of adventuring under the sun.

Other adventures in Arenal include exploring the rainforest, which is home to a breathtaking amount of biodiversity. Along the park’s many hiking trails, you’ll spot colorful butterflies, birds, frogs, and even the occasional spider or howler monkey family.

One of the area’s most memorable hikes is the Rio Celeste, a guided hike to a stunning aqua-blue waterfall, (one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica), and river. Getting to this waterfall on your own can be a challenge. If you’re interested, let us know and we’ll arrange transportation to and from with the accompaniment of a local bilingual guide. On the tour, your guide will teach you about the ecological history of the area and point out the stunning flora and fauna along the way.

Additional outdoor activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, exploring the nearby Venado Caves, walking across hanging bridges, or swinging through the canopy like Tarzan in one of the canopy parks.

Hikers and nature lovers will fall in love with Arenal and the many land activities that are available.

Animals & Wildlife in Arenal

If you keep a keen eye out, you may spot sloths hanging in the nearby trees, colorful birds, white-faced capuchin monkeys, snakes, deer, frogs, and other exotic creatures. The rainforest around Arenal Volcano is alive with movement if you know where to look. Sloths are often spotted hanging in the trees, barely moving as they blend into the canopy. White-faced capuchin monkeys are more active, darting through the branches in groups, while howler monkeys make their presence known with echoing calls in the early morning.

Birdlife is especially rich here. You’ll likely hear toucans before you see them, and if you’re paying attention, you might spot motmots with their long tails, parrots flying overhead, and flashes of color from hummingbirds and tanagers. Birders travel from all over just to explore this region.

Look closer and you’ll see signs of life on the forest floor too—red-eyed tree frogs clinging to leaves, tiny poison dart frogs in bright blues and oranges, and maybe even a harmless vine snake slithering through the undergrowth. Coatis and agoutis scurry across trails, and deer are sometimes spotted in the quieter corners of the park.

Cultural Activities Available

If you are looking to experience the local culture, visit La Fortuna for nightlife, local restaurants, and artisanal shops. Immerse yourself with a visit to the local farmers’ market. Here you will see a colorful display of a variety of tropical fruit and local vegetables. Try tamales, homemade bread, rice and beans, and pork rinds.

Weather in Arenal, Costa Rica

A trip to the rainforest means a humid and warm climate year-round. The weather patterns are influenced by the powerful Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Nights can be a bit cooler and provide a comfortable condition for sleeping. Many lodging options in the area do not provide AC. If you’d like to ensure your lodging has AC, let our trip planner know.

What to Pack When Visiting Arenal

Be sure to pack a pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt (for the evenings), a swimsuit and water shoes for water adventures, sunscreen, bug spray, a light rain jacket, walking shoes, a small backpack for excursions, and a refillable water bottle. If you are visiting during the rainy season, which runs from May to January, prioritize quick-drying items. While the rainy season is wet and humid, it is also a chance to see the area in its most vibrant state. If you’re visiting during the dry season, from February to April, you will be prepared for warmer temperatures.

Book a Trip to Arenal, Costa Rica

With so many options for adventure and leisure in Arenal, it can be tough to know where to start. We’ll ensure your stay in Arenal is optimized to meet your needs. Most excursions around Arenal are just a short drive from local lodging, but getting there can be tricky if you’re not booking through a tour operator. Roads in the area are often rough and poorly marked, and local driving habits can be a bit overwhelming for visitors.

That said, Arenal has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning an adventure with friends, a family trip that works for all ages, or a romantic getaway, we can help put together a custom experience that fits your style.

• Family: Costa Rica Collection, Rainforest-to-Beach, Rainforest Escape
• Honeymoon: Romantic Tropical Paradise, Destination Weddings
• Adventure: Avid Explorer

While these packages are pre-made, we also create custom itineraries that include Arenal as part of any itinerary, including corporate event planning. Reach out below to start planning.