Holidays to Arenal

10 Best Things To Do at Arenal Volcano

1. Hike along the base of the Arenal Volcano

 Arenal is the most popular and well-recognised of Costa Rica’s volcanoes. Until recently, it was the country’s most active volcano with an average of 41 daily eruptions. While it isn’t currently legal to hike to the top, visitors to Arenal can hike along the base of the volcano with a naturalist guide to learn about old lava flows and local wildlife. Combine the hike with a visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs and you’ll have the quintessential Arenal volcano experience.

2. Soak in the volcano natural hot springs

Is there anything more relaxing than a soak in warm, thermal waters after a day of adventure? Formed when water is heated underground and bubbles to the surface, the Arenal volcano’s mineral waters have been used as therapeutic baths for more than two hundred years. Today, the hot springs are a highlight for travelers after a day of adventurous activities like whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling. Hot springs entrance is included at some hotels, while other hot springs in the area can be visited with a day pass.

3. Fly through the forest canopy by aerial tram or zipline

Arenal hosts one of the best zip-lining experiences in Costa Rica, offering incredible views with a side of adrenaline! You’ll ascend on an aerial tram to the top of an observation point overlooking Lake Arenal. From the observation point, set off on one of the highest and fastest ziplines in Costa Rica! As you fly through the treetops, you’ll be treated to incredible vistas with the Arenal Volcano looming in the background. This exciting Arenal zip-line is a must-do for anyone with a taste for adventure – all ages are welcome!

4. Experience a sloth tour

The sloth is one of Costa Rica’s most adorable mascots, ranking atop the Must-See Wildlife lists of many visitors. Known to be elusive and subtly tucked among the treetops, seeing a sloth out in the wild can be something of a challenge. Thankfully, the Arenal region is a great place to spot the sweet, smiling sloth of your dreams. Wildlife enthusiasts have a choice of an early morning sloth tour (in general, wildlife is usually best at sunrise) or an afternoon tour that departs after lunchtime. This walking nature tour takes you to the best locations for seeing sloths in Arenal, depending on recent sloth activity reported in the area. If you don’t have a whole day to dedicate solely to sloth tours in Arenal, there’s also a chance you could see one on the Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike and other local nature walks. The resorts of Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs and the Nayara Tented Camp are known to have a few resident sloths, which guests can watch out for during their stay. The sloth is one of Costa Rica’s most adorable mascots, ranking atop the Must-See Wildlife lists of many visitors. Known to be elusive and subtly tucked among the treetops, seeing a sloth out in the wild can be something of a challenge. Thankfully, the Arenal region is a great place to spot the sweet, smiling sloth of your dreams. Wildlife enthusiasts have a choice of an early morning sloth tour (in general, wildlife is usually best at sunrise) or an afternoon tour that departs after lunchtime. This walking nature tour takes you to the best locations for seeing sloths in Arenal, depending on recent sloth activity reported in the area. If you don’t have a whole day to dedicate solely to sloth tours in Arenal, there’s also a chance you could see one on the Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike and other local nature walks.

5. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

The little farming town of La Fortuna is named for its beautiful neighbour, the La Fortuna Waterfall. Surrounded by lush rainforest greenery, La Fortuna plummets 200 feet to fall into a pool of crystal-clear water. Visitors arrive at the park entrance, where the cascade can be observed from a viewing point high above. Then, walk down a long pathway of stairs (about 500, to be exact) for an up-close look at this amazing force of nature.  Don’t forget a swimsuit – the pool is delightfully cool on a hot day! 

6. Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike

The Arenal Hanging Bridges are the best place for a taste of the rainforest during your stay in Arenal. Visitors hike through a private nature reserve along well-maintained trails and across a series of fixed and hanging bridges. This unique vantage point provides a glimpse into life in the secondary rainforest canopy – a unique habitat for birds, monkeys, and countless other Costa Rican creatures. A naturalist guide accompanies guests and reveals secrets about the reserve’s flora and fauna and points out hard-to-spot wildlife.

7. Cruise along Lake Arenal

With the mighty Arenal volcano and the surrounding hills as its backdrop, Lake Arenal is truly a vision. Costa Rica’s largest lake can be explored by kayak or stand-up paddle board, but the most popular option is a boat ride followed by a gentle walk along the Arenal peninsula trail. Honeymooners should consider the sunset cruise for the ultimate romantic Lake Arenal memories. Even if you can’t fit a lake day into your itinerary, you can certainly enjoy the beauty it adds to the local scenery. Views of Arenal Lake can be admired from zip lines, hiking trails, and en route to your hotel.

8. Whitewater Rafting Tours

The Balsa River is one of the most popular rafting rivers accessible from Arenal. Rio Balsa’s Class II-III rapids are a great choice for anyone age 7 and up, regardless of previous rafting experience. As with any whitewater rafting trip, your professional guides will teach you the basics of paddling and safety before heading out on the river.  The rafting portion lasts about two hours, during which you’ll enjoy scenic forest views and, if you’re lucky, a peek at some local wildlife. The Sarapiqui River can also be reached from the Arenal volcano region. Rafters can choose from level II-III or level III-IV rapids, depending on the desired adrenaline rush.

9. Look for wildlife on a safari river float

If getting on a raft and paddling through roaring rapids sounds too adventurous, try a safari float down one of the gentle rivers near Arenal. Floating down a river without whitewater rapids is a safe and unique way to experience the nature and wildlife of the Arenal Volcano region. About 45 minutes away, the Penas Blancas River offers a suitable safari float experience for travellers of all ages. If you’re willing to drive a bit further, you can explore the extensive network of rivers and marshes on a day tour of Cano Negro National Wildlife. The refuge is a thriving habitat for a variety of aquatic bird species such as Jaribu storks, roseate spoonbills, and egrets. To see more wildlife, visit in the green season when the rivers swell and the animals are plentiful.

10. Costa Rican cooking classes

There’s more to Arenal than zip lines and hot springs. If you’re the kind of traveller who gets excited about a destination’s culinary highlights, try a Costa Rican cooking class in Arenal. This is a great way to explore Costa Rica on a deeper level that involves all your senses. You have the option of getting hands-on while being guided by a professional chef, or simply sitting back as you watch and learn the art of local cuisine.