Things to see in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano National Park
After lying dormant for centuries, Mt. Arenal erupted in 1968 and has been active ever since, making it one of the world's most explosive volcanic cones. More recently it has undergone a period of quiescence, although fumaroles (steam clouds) escaping from the crater are visible from the town of La Fortuna below - cloud cover permitting.
The surrounding national park contains a bizarre landscape of lava flows, lush tropical forest whose flora and fauna includes howler monkeys, toucans and over 350 bird species.
Other things to see in Costa Rica
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Arenal Volcano National Park
After lying dormant for centuries, Mt. Arenal erupted in 1968 and has been active ever since,…
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Braulio Carrillo National Park
Just a short drive north-east of San José, this national park preserves a pristine swathe…
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Cahuita National Park
This small national park on the Caribbean coast consists of tropical lowland forest, black sand…
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Corcovado National Park
For a fitting finale to any visit to Costa Rica, take the scenic flight south to the remote and…
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Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
South of Cahuita, this stretch of Caribbean coast is one of the finest in the country. …
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Marino Ballena National Park
Named after the humpback whales that arrive between December and April each year to mate, this park…
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Monteverde Cloud Forest
This and the adjacent Santa Elena Cloud Forest, which straddle the continental divide, are…
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The Gulf of Nicoya
This stunning coastal landscape includes wetland, jagged rocky islands, cliffs and mangroves.…
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Tortuguero National Park
This is a vast area of untouched rainforest on a remote stretch of Caribbean coast, where…
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Places to stay in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Observatory Lodge [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Volcano - Arenal Observatory Lodge [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_observatory_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This is a unique property, once a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station and located… More
Arenal Springs [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Volcano - Arenal Springs [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_springs_hotel_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A delightful retreat, designed to give guests the best views of the Arenal Volcano from their… More
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Country Inn [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Country Inn [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_country_inn_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A comfortable base from which to explore the volcano, whether you choose bird-watching in the… More
Arenal Manoa [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Manoa [High]](/image_database/75x75C/arenal_manoa_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Each room at the Arenal Manoa hotel offers a panoramic view of the volcano, as does the… More
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Casa Turire [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Casa Turire [High]](/image_database/75x75C/hotel_casa_turire_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Casa Turire is in the nearby Turrialba Valley, a hotel with an old world charm. There are 12… More
Rainforest Lodge [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Rainforest Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/CRSJOWIWhite_throated_Capuchin1.jpg)
Rainforest Lodge is well-positioned for unforgettable views of the forest and mountains. It… More
Corcovado
Drake Bay Wilderness Resort [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Corcovado - Drake Bay Wilderness Resort [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/drake_bay_wilderness_resort_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This resort has 20 charming, spacious tropical cabins. Each cabin has a view of the bay,… More
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Cloud Forest Lodge [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Monteverde Cloud Forest - Cloud Forest Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/cloud_forest_lodge_costa_rica_3.jpg)
Cloud Forest Lodge is a comfortable option, surrounded by 5kms of private trails where you'll… More
El Establo [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Monteverde Cloud Forest - El Establo [High]](/image_database/75x75C/el_establo_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Situated on a private farm, the Cloud Forest Lodge offers a relaxing spot with a great emphasis… More
Hotel Fonda Vela [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Monteverde Cloud Forest - Hotel Fonda Vela [High]](/image_database/75x75C/hotel_fonda_vela_costa_rica_1.jpg)
There are nine buildings nestled in serene landscaped grounds with more than a kilometre of… More
San Jose
Grano de Oro [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - San Jose - Grano de Oro [High]](/image_database/75x75C/hotel_grano_de_oro_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Elegant and refined, Grano de Oro is located just off San José's main street - a haven in… More
The Alta Hotel [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - San Jose - The Alta Hotel [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/the_alta_hotel_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The Alta Hotel is a delightful boutique property, tastefully decorated and with wonderful views… More
Xandari Resort and Spa [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - San Jose - Xandari Resort and Spa [High]](/image_database/75x75C/xandari_resort_and_spa_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The 22 huge private villas are on a high hilltop 20 minutes from San… More
Sarapiqui
Hacienda La Isla [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Sarapiqui - Hacienda La Isla [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/hacienda_la_isla_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A delightful property with outstanding natural features for the wildlife enthusiast. Its setting… More
Tamarindo
Jardin del Eden [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Tamarindo - Jardin del Eden [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/jardin_del_eden_costa_rica_1.jpg)
A small resort and boutique hotel on a small hill a few minutes walk from the… More
Tamarindo Diria [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Tamarindo - Tamarindo Diria [High]](/image_database/75x75C/tamarindo_diria_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This is a fantastic hotel located on the white sands of Tamarindo… More
The Gulf of Nicoya
La Ensenada Lodge [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - The Gulf of Nicoya - La Ensenada Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/la_ensenada_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
This is a unique opportunity to stay on a working ranch and wildlife refuge. It offers 25… More
Villa Caletas [High]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - The Gulf of Nicoya - Villa Caletas [High]](/image_database/75x75C/vila_caletas_costa_rica_1.jpg)
Villa Caletas is a luxurious boutique hotel perched in an absolutely stunning location amidst… More
Tortuguero National Park
Mawamba Lodge [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Tortuguero National Park - Mawamba Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/mawamba_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The lodge has 54 comfortable rooms and four superior… More
Pachira Lodge [Mid]
![Arenal Volcano National Park - Tortuguero National Park - Pachira Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/pachira_lodge_costa_rica_1.jpg)
The lodge has 88 comfortable rooms in wooden cabins, each with en-suite bathroom and ceiling… More
