When night falls on La Fortuna the real show begins. The ground trembles and ash shoots into the sky as blazing lava flows down the cone. The firework spectacle is a unique experience and can be safely watched from the road or many restaurants and hotels in the surrounding area.

The drive to Arenal from San José takes about four hours but the scenery on the way makes it enjoyable. Dense forests, cattle farms, and papaya, cassava, fruit and rice plantations provide excellent photograph opportunities.

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW
Flying through the trees is definitely the best way to become acquainted with the forest, but canopying at Arenal is a lot more than that. Start your tour with a 40-minute horse back ride and hike through the transitional forest where you can see colorful birds, snakes, monkeys, orchids and an endless variety of plants.

The adrenaline rises once you reach the first canopy platform. Equipment and safety information are given at this point and then the fun begins. The entire tour consists of seven zip lines ranging from 65 yards (60 m) to 220 yds. (203 m). The platforms are placed 150 ft. (46 m) off the ground to minimize impact on the ecosystem and they all meet safety standards set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) so you have nothing to worry about.

Canopying is easy and liberating. Once the harness is fastened just let yourself go and before you know it you’ll be gliding through the trees. Take a deep breath, open your eyes to the wonderful world around you and enjoy the flight!

LAKE ARENAL
The majestic Arenal volcano is the perfect backdrop for its namesake lake, a 48-square-mile (124 sq km) man-made marvel located north of the fiery giant. The reservoir was created in the early 70s when engineers flooded the valley and built one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the country.

Lake Arenal has become a favorite of windsurfers seeking the rush of Caribbean airstreams that reach up to 60 miles per hour (96 kph). Fishermen also come by the hundreds attracted by over-sized rainbow bass, machaca and mojarra. If you prefer grounded adventures, the surrounding tropical wet forest is ideal for hiking, bird watching and mountain biking.

PLEASURE FOR BODY AND SOUL
Heated in the volcano’s core, warm waters flow down Arenal’s mound creating phenomenal hot springs surrounded by rainforest, tropical gardens and waterfalls.

Nothing short of an exotic spa, a dip in the pools will rejuvenate your body and soul. The mineral-rich water renews your skin, the steam cleanses your pores and the stream’s force massages your back and relaxes your muscles.

Birds and wildlife wander around adding a surreal touch to your experience. Night-time swimmers can also relax while gazing at the starry sky and Arenal’s pyrotechnic display.
The hot springs and volcano view can best be enjoyed at Tabacón Resort, located at the foot of Arenal and along the banks of the sizzling river. However, money is not an obstacle to enjoy the amazing springs. Free access to the stream is also available in different spots, just ask a local to point you in the right direction.

ONLY FOR NATURE LOVERS
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is Costa Rica’s prime wetland ecosystem and the home of thousands of species seeking protection. The swampy landscape is filled with aquatic birds such as the arrogant roseate spoonbills, ducks, grebes, cormorants, black-necked stilt, northern shoveler, white ibis, blue-winged teal wood stork, black-bellied whistling duck, glossy ibis, anhinga, great potoo, green heron, snail kite, and American widgeon.

The 24,633-acre (9,969 ha) refuge is also the home of many crocodiles, monkeys, jaguars, deer, fresh water turtles, peccaries, ocelots, coatis and several other exotic species.
Caño Negro’s lake is another peculiar attraction. During the dry season the 1,980-acre (800 ha) reservoir completely disappears and resurfaces with the first showers of rainy season.

ACCOMMODATIONS
The town of La Fortuna rests at the foot of Arenal offering tourists a wide variety of hotel options from small, rustic lodges to luxurious resorts. If your budget allows it, request a room with volcano view, that way you’ll have a front-row seat for the nocturnal fireworks as incandescent lava flows down the cone. Many hotels also feature luxurious spas, trails through the tropical forest, waterfalls and bird watching tours.