Lake Arenal and La Fortuna areas are known for the world famous Arenal Volcano but they're also quickly becoming known as Costa Rica's premiere Adventure Zone. A Costa Rica vacation would not be complete without a visit to Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano because of its beauty and the many things to do. While you are in the Lake Arenal area you can enjoy canyoneering, whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback rides, hikes to waterfalls, mountain biking, windsurfing, canopy tours and cave tours.
Lake Arenal and Volcano Arenal
The Arenal Volcano is the only continuously active volcano in Costa Rica. Since 1968, it has been putting on firework displays almost every day, which can be safely viewed from many places in the region. The volcano is the number one attraction in Costa Rica. The underground volcanic activity geothermally heats the many mineral rich hot springs in the area where you can relax and renew. Luxurious spas with swim up bars and beautiful gardens are built around some of the hot springs. Hiking tours can take you to the hot springs as well. Yoga retreats are another popular way to relax in Lake Arenal.
La Fortuna
The town of La Fortuna de San Carlos connects the Volcano Arenal area with the cloud forests of Monteverde and Santa Elena. A charming and quiet town, La Fortuna offers panoramic views from about six miles away of the spectacular erupting Volcano Arenal that has been spewing and spitting red hot lava and rocks on a daily basis for the past three decades.
The La Fortuna area is an ecotourism and adventure travel paradise, and a new adventure sport, canyoning, is really taking off. Canyoning involves rappelling into rain forest canyons where you hike to spectacular, hidden waterfalls and other secret spots.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde offers a wide array of fun activities for Costa Rica vacations, including canopy tours and zip lines, hanging bridges with spectacular views of the cloud forest, horseback riding and ATV tours, among others. Straddling the Continental Divide at 4662 feet, the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest area offers one of the most interesting places to visit on your Costa Rica trip. From the Lake Arenal area there is even a boat tour that goes to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, which can be quicker than by car. There is also the La Fortuna to Monteverde Horseback ride.
One of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the Americas, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve includes eight distinct ecological zones and protects more than 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals, making it a wonderful destination for Costa Rica eco tours.
