Arenal Volvano
Arenal Volcano is perhaps the ultimate adventure activity destination in the world. Visitors from around the world flock to Arenal for its breathtaking scenery and endless activities. Arenal Volcano is located in Costa Rica’s lush interior northern lowlands. La Fortuna is quaint little town on the eastern side of the volcano and offers array of restaurants and activities. The Arenal Volcano is a 2.5-hour drive from the San Jose airport and 3 hours from the Liberia airport. It is also accessible from within Costa Rica by a commuter plane.
Arenal Volcano had been dormant until 1968 when to the surprise of local residents the volcano awoke with blasts that reached up to five miles. The Arenal Volcano rises 5,300 feet from its base. It’s dramatic rise from a dense forest provides the backdrop for this premier eco adventure destination. In the shadow of the volcano is Lake Arenal which offers wind surfing, boating and fishing.
The Arenal Volcano is the ultimate destination for naturalists and adventurers alike. Animal populations include monkeys, jaguars, tapir, sloths, deer, coatis and snakes. Bird watchers will find that nearly all of the 850 bird species identified in Costa Rica can be found in the area. Plant life is abundant and orchids, heliconias, ferns, laurel, palms, bromeliads and strangler figs can be seen while hiking. The rugged terrain, rivers, and lake provide the stage for countless activities.
Day Trips
- Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Lake Arenal
- Venado Caves
Activities and Tours
- Zip Lining
- White Water Rafting
- Safari Float
- Horseback Riding
- Hanging Bridges
- Waterfall Rappelling
- Hot Springs
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Coffee Tour
Monteverde
Monteverde is a small town located in the Cordillera de Tilarán. Monteverde offers a unique cloud forest habitat to enjoy and explore. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and various other reserves draw naturalists, bird watchers and adventures from all over the world.
Monteverde was founded by passivist Quakers from the United States that chose to defy the American draft during the Korean War. Along with the Quakers, the group, included other pacifists and conscientious objectors. The group chose Costa Rica because of its tradition of nonviolence and because it had recently abolished its military. Specifically the pacifists chose Monteverde for its cool climate, which is suitable for dairy farming.
Monteverde is known for having the largest number of orchids in the world, with over 500 species discovered. Monteverde is home to the famed quetzal, which resides there seasonally. The mammals of Monteverde include over 60 species of amphibians, including the extinct Monteverde-endemic golden toad, have been found here. This area is also a stop for 91 species of migratory birds.The mammals in the area include six species of marsupials, fifty-eight species of bats, three primates, six species of felines, two species of wild pigs, and a species of tapir.