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 With an average of 22 eruptions every day, Arenal Volcano attracts thousands of visitors each year. Other popular attractions include the pristine La Fortuna Waterfall and several private reserves that are rich in biodiversity.
Hotspots:
Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, La Fortuna Waterfall, and natural hot springs, and Arenal Volcano National Park.
Volcanoes:
Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's youngest and most active volcano and is known for its daily eruptions and impressive lava flows. Several hotels along the north and southwest sides of Arenal offer incredible volcano views.
Chato Volcano, also located in Arenal Volcano National Park, has been dormant for over 3000 years and has a massive lake-filled crater which can be accessed on guided hikes.
Lakes:Lake Arenal Created by ICE (the National Electrical Institute) in 1979 for hydroelectric power, Lake Arenal spans 33 square miles and is the largest lake in Costa Rica. The Arenal Dam provides most of the country's electricity as well as water for farming and irrigation.
The lake is home to rainbow bass (locally known as guapote), machaca, mojarra and tilapia and is a favorite spot among freshwater fisherman. Windsurfing is a popular sport along the northwestern shores (near the town of Tilarán), as powerful winds are regular and can reach up to 40 kph.
Natural Hot Springs:
Soak travel-weary muscles in volcanically-heated hot springs  at one of the four thermal resorts near the volcano. They all boast lushly-landscaped hot springs, swim-up bars, restaurants and some have excellent views of Arenal Volcano. A couple of resorts have their own hot springs, located a short distance from the rooms.
Waterfalls:
A popular tourist attraction, the La Fortuna Waterfall towers over 70 meters high. The waterfall is accessed via a very steep, but well-marked path and visitors can swim in the chilly waters. Numerous tour operators offer trips to the waterfall, usually on horseback or on mountain bikes. There is a small souvenir shop at the top of the falls where drinks and
snacks can be purchased.
Admission: $6
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Parks:
Arenal Volcano National Park Hikers can visit this park independently or with an organized tour. The park is home to several hiking trails which meander near old lava flows. The region has unique microclimates including pre-montane forest and low montane rainforest which are rich in biodiversity. Hiking is only permitted on marked trails. Due to safety concerns, visitors are not allowed to hike near the volcano's crater....Read More
Private Reserves:
Arenal Rainforest Reserve
Located near the village of El Castillo, 18 kilometers west of La Fortuna, the rainforest reserve has an aerial tram, hanging bridges and a zip line canopy tour.
Admission to all attractions: $60
Telephone: 506-2-479-9944
Ecocentro Danaus
Named for the monarch butterflies that it houses, Danaus is a privately-run ecological reserve that includes forested trails, a butterfly garden and medicinal plants. It is located 2.5 kilometers east of La Fortuna. Several tour operators in town provide guided night walks through the reserve where red-eyed tree frogs and other nocturnal creatures are frequently spotted.
Admission: $5
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Telephone: 506-8-393-8437
 El Congal Private Reserve
A private nature reserve covering 450 acres of primary and secondary forest located on the other side of Lake Arenal, west of the volcano. Visitors can arrange guided hikes or horseback trips that afford excellent wildlife viewing.
Telephone: 506-2-479-7064
Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Center
A nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. The center's eight acres of primary and secondary rainforest are home to rescued parrots, monkeys, kinkajous, raccoons, herons, caiman, ducks and other native species. Located ten minutes outside of La Fortuna.
Telephone:506-2-475-9121 / 506-8-379-3005
www(dot)nstitutoasis(dot)com
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Museums and Gardens:El Castillo-Arenal Butterfly Conservatory
Contains several gardens that re-create different habitats, a ranarium, insect museum, medicinal plant garden and butterfly conservatory.
Admission: $10 with guide/ $8 without
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Telephone: 506-8-306-7390
El Castillo Serpentario de Zoological (Snake Zoo)
Houses more than 35 species of snakes, reptiles and amphibians. Guided tours teach visitors the differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes, local ecology and how to safely handle snakes and frogs. 
Admission: $12
Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Telephone: 506-8-358-6773
Arenal Botanical Gardens
Located 25 kilometers west of the Arenal Dam, the private reserve has over 2000 species of tropical plants and a small serpentario and butterfly garden. Visitors can take self-guided tours.
Admission: $8 adult, $4 child
Schedule: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: 506-2-694-4305
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