Places to See in Arenal

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.

Discover Arenal on our travel blog

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. Cerro Chato makes up part of the “Sleeping Indian” (Indio Dormido), a mountain formation that resembles a man sleeping on his back.

Tenorio Volcano, approximately a two-hour drive north of Arenal, is an excellent destination for day trips. Dormant in recent history, the volcano is surrounded by virgin rainforest, cloud forest, and the startlingly blue Celestial River (Rio Celeste).

 Lakes:

Lake Arenal
Created by ICE (the National Electrical Institute) in 1979 for hydroelectric power, Lake Arenal spans 21,128 acres (33 square miles) and is the largest lake in Costa Rica. The Arenal Dam provides almost 50% of the country's total 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 Tilaran), as powerful winds can reach up to 40 mph.

Natural Hot Springs:

Soak travel-weary muscles in volcanically-heated hot springs at one of the thermal resorts near the volcano. They all boast lushly-landscaped hot springs, swim-up bars, restaurants and some have excellent views of Arenal Volcano and the lava flow. A couple of hotels have their own hot springs, located a short distance from the rooms.

  Waterfalls:

La Fortuna Waterfall
A popular tourist attraction, the La Fortuna Waterfall cascades almost 230 feet down giant boulders and moss-covered rocks. Just three miles from downtown La Fortuna, the waterfall is accessed via a very steep, but well-marked path. Visitors are welcome to swim in the chilly pools at the waterfall’s base, but are advised not to swim beneath the waterfall itself. 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: $10
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celeste River Waterfall
Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Celeste River Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most famous cascades. The river is painted a surreal blue by a mineral mix of sulfur and calcium carbonate. Hikes through the national park offer incredible views of the river, waterfall and several other highlights, including natural hot springs. Approximately two hours north of Arenal, Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Rio Celeste make an ideal day trip for adventurous souls.

Admission: $10
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 

National Parks and Private Reserves:

Arenal Rainforest Reserve
Located near the village of El Castillo, 11 miles west of La Fortuna, the rainforest reserve has an aerial tram, hanging bridges, a zipline canopy tour and a children’s butterfly garden.

Admission to all attractions: $65
Telephone: 2479-9944

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
 
 
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 1.5 miles 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: $12 with guide / $7 without
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Telephone: 8393-8437  

Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Center
Proyecto Asis is 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. Volunteer and Spanish programs available. Call a few days in advance for reservations.

Telephone: 2475-9121 / 8379-3005 

Museums and Gardens:

El Castillo-Arenal Butterfly Conservatory
Contains several gardens over 13 acres, including six covered atriums, a ranarium, insect museum, medicinal plant garden and butterfly conservatory.

Admission: $12 with guide / $7 children 12 and over / free for children under 12
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Telephone: 2479-1149 / 8306-7390


 
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: $14 with guide
Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Telephone: 8358-6773 

Arenal Botanical Gardens
Located three miles east of downtown La Fortuna, the private reserve boasts 2500 species of tropical plants and a small serpentario and butterfly garden. Visitors can take self-guided tours. Seeds and tropical plant cuttings (pre-approved for export) are available for purchase.

Admission: $10 adult, $6 child
Schedule: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: 2694-4305

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