... Arenal Guide ...
by Costa Rica Traveler Magazine

Why did travelers first come here? A giant, conical active volcano, that’s why. And they still come for the pyrotechnics, but they stay for the small-town charm and multitude of outdoor activities. Mineral hot springs, canopy tours, relaxing resorts and sparkling waterfalls all call people from around the globe.

THE TOWN: La Fortuna is a busy little town, and it has all the service you’d expect from a mid-size tourist center: banks, a wide variety of dining, lodging and nightlife options, a clinic, supermarkets, and a host of interesting tours.

FOR THE BIRDS: Costa Rica’s northern zone has over 600 endemic species of birds. A varied climate, plenty of forested land and the nearby (and incredible) Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge make for a birder’s paradise.

QUITE A FALL: La Fortuna’s waterfall (catarata) is worth checking out. At about 5 km (three miles) outside of town, it’s accessible by foot, horseback, bicycle, or vehicle. Once you’re at the top, you’ll pay the entrance fee ($6 for foreigners, $3 for Costa Rican residents), and head down steep, often slippery trail (there are handrails). But once you reach the bottom, the reward is worth it: a 220-foot silver ribbon slices through the green cliffs, dropping into an emerald-colored pool with refreshingly cool water. Swimming is allowed, but don’t go directly beneath the falls.

THE MAIN EVENT: It’s the third most active volcano in the world, and catching a glimpse of its fiery cone is at the top of many travelers’ lists. On clear nights you can see lava streaming down the volcano’s flanks, and by day you’ll see puffs of smoke over scorched mountainsides. And you’ll probably hear thunderous booms as the volcano releases hot gas and rock into the air.

THREE BEST PLACES TO SEE THE VOLCANO

1. Main Street: Arenal forms a dramatic backdrop to the bustling village of La Fortuna, making for a great picture. Sit in town, grab some coffee and enjoy the view.

2. Under a volcanically heated waterfall: Tabacón Resort lets you soak in great views as you rest your weary bones in the resort’s eleven thermal hot springs. Tropical gardens and a
therapeutic spa round out the experience.

3. Up close and personal: Hotel Tabacón Resort boasts a frontrow seat to the volcano, and at night you can see the lava tumble down the mountain towards you – but from a safe distance.

GETTING THERE: Interbus and Gray Line offer 2.5 to 3 hour shuttle bus ride ($21-$25) from San Jose. Budget travelers can take a public bus from Autotransportes depot in San Jose, Calle 19, Avenidas 1/3. It costs about $3, taking between four to six hours, depending if you’re on a “directo/express” bus or a “colectivo.” If you’re driving, you can either head through San Ramón or Ciudad Quesada, and the trip should take between three and four hours. Consult your car rental agent.

Use of this article was granted by Costa Rica Traveler Magazine