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Arenal – |
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 Arenal
National Park – From the entrance to the National Park, take one
of the hiking trails around the base of the volcano. Hike to the "new
lava flow" to see piles of black lava rocks. Along the way, you may
hear the volcano belching out puffs of ash and rocks. The Visitors Center
has display rooms about the volcano and local area. |
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Tabacon
Hot Springs – The Tabacon Hot Springs are a marvel. Twelve
different naturally heated pools surrounded by lush tropical plants and
flowers, with views of the Arenal volcano. Enough gushing water that you
can stand under waterfalls of warm water! |
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If you don't want to go into the resort, the Rio Tabacon has
hot springs in the river right along the road to La Fortuna. A family writes,
"Our kids just sat in the river for a relaxing soak." |
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Horseback
riding – The area is covered with dense forests and jungly
vegetation, waterfalls and rivers. Ask at your hotel for a horseback ride
suitable for kids, a hour or two, to the Arenal river, or around the base
of the volcano, whatever suits your family. |
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Night
tours – On clear nights, the lava and ash from the volcano
is unforgettable. You can arrange night tours for volcano viewing, typically
leaving around 6:00pm. Ask at your hotel to make arrangements, or there
are tours available in La Fortuna. (Some night tours also combine with a
stop at the Tabacon Hot Springs.) |
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Arenal to Monteverde – If you are going from the Arenal area
to Monteverde, consider the boat plus jeep option. You take a half hour
boat ride from one side of the lake to the other. The lake is ringed with
mysterious, jungly vegetation, and the view of Arenal volcano is impressive.
Then it's a two hour jeep ride (on bumpy roads) through a green, hilly
landscape to Monteverde (shorter than the road around the lake). |
