Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna

The most active volcano in Central America towers over the little town of La Fortuna. Visitors flock to the Arenal area to catch glimpses of lava rolling down the side of the perfect cone shaped volcano. Although large boulders tumbling down the volcano can be spotted during the day, to appreciate the lava you have to be there at night. As the sun goes down the show begins, as rivers of lava can be spotted splashing out of the cone, until they cool and disappear.

Unfortunately not every visitor gets to witness the spectacle, as clouds often move in to spoil the show. To guarantee lava viewing, visitors should plan to stay in the area a number of days, maximizing your chance of clear skies. Fortunately the Arenal area is full of activities to full up your days. Close by you can find thermal hot springs, nature walks, wildlife viewing, and many activities for the adventurist such as whitewater rafting trips, caving and canyon repelling.

The Tabacon resort and Baldi thermal pools are not your regular hot springs. They are both eco-designed with a series of pools at varying temperatures, complete with waterfalls and gardens, while also offering swim-up wet bars, restaurants and spas. The Catarata La Fortuna is a beautiful 140-foot waterfall, with an inviting pool to cool off on hot days. Also nearby is the Arenal National Park where nature trails lead around the base of the Volcano.

A number of nature and adventure tours are provided by the very experienced Desafio Adventure Company. Desafio pioneered rafting trips in the area, ranging from the thrill of 3 -4 class rapids, to spotting wildlife on safari floats. They also lead canyoneering trips through the ‘Lost Canyon,' a recently discovered gorge hidden by beautiful rainforest. These a merely a few of the trips offered by Desafio which range from horse riding to volunteering programs at a wild life refuge.