The location of Costa Rica's most active volcano until as recently as 2010, Arenal National Park contains a bizarre landscape of solidified lava flows, lush natural forest and tropical flora and fauna which includes howler monkeys, toucans and over 350 bird species.
After lying dormant for several centuries, Arenal erupted in 1968 and continued almost continuously for over 40 years, making it one of the world’s most explosive cones. During this period, subterranean activity often caused minor explosions and small lava flows, which – cloud cover permitting – were visible after dark from the nearby town of La Fortuna. In recent times, however, the volcano is in a period of quiescence; the customary activity has subsided and the once nightly pyrotechnic display has ceased.
During your stay you can enjoy a relaxing bathe in the thermal waters at one of the spa resorts such as Tabacón or Ecotermales, and the wetlands of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge lie only a couple of hours drive way. Other activities include hiking through the rainforest and across old lava flows, horse riding, canoeing and white-water rafting on the area’s numerous rivers and lakes.
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