Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the Heart of Costa Rica, and it is the home of one of the most active volcanoes of the world. In its more than 60.000 Ha, you will be able to hike through the wet forest, cloud forest, and rain forest; homes of half of the birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals that have been identified in Costa Rica. In addition, in Arenal Volcano National Park there are many activities you can do, like taking tours to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, El Venado Caverns, bird watching, horseback riding through the rain forest, mountain biking, bathing in the thermal waters of the Tabacon River, hiking, Rainbow bass fishing and windsurfing at the Arenal Lagoon.
After traveling beautiful towns like San Ramon, La Tigra, and San Isidro, you will arrive to the town of La Fortuna. Just upon arrival, you will see the Great Colossus in front of your eyes.
The Arenal Volcano will offer you two spectacular views. During the day, you can see the majestic peak; the perfect cone that rises over 1.600 meters above sea level. Lengthy smoke curtains come out of its crater, at the top of the mountain, trying to join the earth with the infinite blue of the sky. At night, the Arenal offers asynchrony of light and sound. It is a breathtaking natural exhibit or fireworks, red lava rivers, and incandescent rocks coming from the inner parts of the volcano. Noisy vibrating explosions and eruptions accompany all the sights. You will be simply awed with so much beauty!
The same volcano gives birth to the boiling waters of the Tabacon River. Downstream, you will be able to dip into the current that brings heat, steam, and noble minerals that come from the center of the earth. This will be a relaxing therapeutic experience to renew your body and spirit. At the skirts of the Arenal Volcano, we find the beautiful Arenal Lagoon. With 87 kilometers length, this water body allows for the development of several aquatic activities. With winds reaching 72 kilometers per hour, the Arenal Lagoon is one of the best places in the world for windsurfing. Likewise, it is an ideal place for sport fishing, kayaking, or just for a calm boat ride near the great volcano.
But this is not the end of the adventure…around the volcano, you can discover many other treasures by just taking a short walk. You can go into the heart of the planet, and explore the long and deep system of El Venado Caverns. Put a saddle on a horse, and begin horseback riding to one of the burned hillsides. As soon as you get started, a sound will break the silence.in the neighboring forest, a group of hauling monkeys play in the canopy. As we go up, you will contemplate with awe of how the valley, once burned out by the ardent lava, is now shining with fascinating green shades.
Also, you can live the experience of hiking through the rain forest, observing the flora and fauna that are unique in the world; and at the end of your tour, you can dip into the cold waters of La Fortuna Waterfall and bathe in its refreshing natural pool.
From La Fortuna, you can start a trip that will take you to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. With over 9.900 Ha, there are few more sites in the world that can offer such an amazing natural view as Cano Negro. During the rainy season, between October and April, extensive swamps and wetlands reaching 800 Ha become a natural sanctuary for thousands of migrating birds that find a place to rest at Cano Negro Lagoon.
This is a trip you cannot miss is you are a bird watching lover; and if not, you will be equally amazed by the biodiversity of this natural paradise. There are lots of species that harmoniously co-exist in this place; some are Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), Roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaia), White ibis (Eudocimus albus), Northern jacana (Jacana spinosa), Neotropical Cormorants (Phalacroacarax olivaceus), and Nicaraguan grackle (Quiscalus nicaraguensis). Between September and March begins the fishing season at Frio river. This is a paradise for fishermen, who can catch the huge Tarpon, that can weigh over 90 kilograms, and the slippery Snook.