Smoking Arenal Volcano

Arenal is the adventure capital of Costa Rica, and some even say of the world. On the menu for my week-long travels: hiking to Rio Celeste, spelunking at Venado Caverns, becoming a human projectile on Arenal Bungee’s catapult, whitewater rafting on the Balsa River, lava-watching at Arenal Volcano, soaking in volcanic hot springs, and so much more. I was nervous and enthusiastic, prepared to try new activities and enjoy old favorites.

It’s hard to understand Arenal’s awesome offerings until you get here and are craning your neck up at an active volcano, speeding down a foaming river, standing in awe before a celestial blue waterfall, or hurtling upside-down through the air at 60+ mph. (In my defense, they didn’t warn me about that part in advance!)

White Rapids on the Balsa River (© Desafio Adventures)

My travel style is one part adrenaline, two parts nature; bonus points to any activity that combines the two. La Fortuna offers both in spades: whitewater rafting takes time for a nature break, intense hiking is accentuated by waterfalls and swimming, hanging bridges offer insight into the forest canopy, and even the bungee jump offers incredible views of Arenal Volcano. Each day, I challenged myself to push harder, hike longer, and be more daring.

Ready for Free Fall on the Big Swing

La Fortuna’s adventurous offerings are eclipsed only by the magnificence of Arenal Volcano. Watching lava tumble down the side of an active volcano was inspiring, and the only event that could trump the week’s other experiences. I often feel that each new place I travel is my favorite, and Arenal certainly lived up to that expectation. I sampled only a portion of what Arenal offers, and there are still so many things left to see and do. I look forward to returning someday soon, but for the moment, I’m still riding the adrenaline high of the last seven days.

Join me on my adventures:

Day 1: San Jose to Arenal on the Balsa River
Day 2: Adrenaline is Good for the Soul
Day 3: The Bluest Water You’ve Ever Seen
Day 4: A Little Bit of Everything Arenal
Day 5: A Hike, Hot Springs and a Spa Treatment
Day 6: Spelunking in the Venado Caverns
Day 7: Ending With a Safari Float

For more travel information, see our Arenal Travel Guide.