Arenal: More than the Volcano
Arenal is still one of Costa Rica’s strongest destinations for active travellers, even though the volcano’s long eruptive period came to an end around 2010. The attraction today is the landscape it left behind. Trails in Arenal Volcano National Park cross regenerating forest and old lava fields, with views towards the cone and Lake Arenal when the weather cooperates.
The lake itself is often overlooked. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding makes for an easy half-day activity and gives travellers a different perspective of the volcano without adding another demanding excursion.
After a day outdoors, the hot springs are an easy change of pace. La Fortuna has a wide range of thermal experiences, from simple pools surrounded by vegetation to more complete resort-style facilities, making it possible to choose according to budget and travel style. We generally prefer visiting in the evening, when temperatures are cooler, and it fits naturally after hiking or other daytime activities.
Wildlife After Dark – And on the River
A guided night walk is one of the best ways to see how much the forest changes after sunset. Frogs, insects, snakes and sleeping birds are among the wildlife guides may find, although sightings naturally vary from one evening to another.
The Peñas Blancas safari float is a completely different experience. Rather than white-water rafting, this is a gentle journey along the river with a naturalist guide looking for wildlife along the banks and in the surrounding forest. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, bats and waterbirds can all be seen in the area. It works particularly well for travellers interested in wildlife who do not necessarily want another long hike.
Monteverde: A Different Kind of Forest
Monteverde changes the feel of the trip completely. At around 1,600 metres, the cloud forest is cooler, wetter and shaped by mist, wind and dense vegetation. Walking here is less about covering distance and more about observing the forest closely, from birds and orchids to mosses and epiphytes.
For active guests, Monteverde is also one of Costa Rica’s classic zip-line destinations. The combination of elevation and cloud-forest canopy makes it particularly well suited to the more adventurous part of the itinerary.
Coffee tours are another experience worth considering. There are several options around Monteverde, and they offer a good introduction to one of Costa Rica’s most important crops. Visitors can learn how coffee is grown, harvested and processed, follow the journey from the coffee cherry through drying and roasting, and finish by tasting the final product. Some experiences also include cacao or sugar cane, making them a good choice for travellers interested in the agricultural and cultural side of the region.
Why Combine Arenal & Monteverde?
When combining Arenal and Monteverde, we usually avoid repeating the same activities in both places. Hiking, Lake Arenal and thermal springs fit naturally around La Fortuna, while zip-lining, cloud-forest walks and coffee experiences are particularly strong in Monteverde. Together, the two regions offer plenty of activity without making the itinerary feel extreme.
If you would like more information about these experiences and destinations with Ecole Travel, please contact millie@americas.co.uk
