This action-packed four-day adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park leads you around the park's lush rainforest and white sandy beaches for kayaking, surfing, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing. Day 1 Early Morning. Hike the trail system surrounding the volcano, or head down to the nearby La Fortuna waterfall, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. Another great alternative is Viator. And if you want to manage it in one or two days. In the evening, head to La Fortuna for a lively dinner at Lava Lounge. You'll experience three of the most popular tourist destinations so this itinerary is ideal for first time visitors. The things is I am not into bird or wildlife watching or adventure options (hiking, rafting, ziplining). Or not, you might be even more confused than you were before reading those lines. The park contains fewer hanging bridges but offers some other attractions such as the Sky Tram gondola. In one day, you can have a very similar itinerary as if you were staying two days, but you need to plan it more carefully to avoid rushing things. There are stores, ATMs, banks, gas stations, travel agencies, and rental companies. Or read our blog post on How to Save Money for Travel. We didn't go to Cerro Chato and were debating whether even to include it on the list for obvious reasons. During this retreat you will be staying in a private room with private bathroom (and hot water). I would schedule for you at least two nights in each location, leaving on the morning of the third day so you take advantage of the visit. We have 4 days (limited time off) and are looking for recommendations and feedback on our itinerary. For example, if you feel safe, you can leave your daypack unattended, and tourist areas will always attract opportunistic thieves. Biking is an exciting way to explore the Arenal area. Arenal packing list is highly dependent on your travel style. It's a bit farther away, starting near the Caribbean coast, but the warm waters and lush canyons make this one of the best white-water trips in the country. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. Check out of your hotel and head to the airport or your next destination in Costa Rica. The plunge pool at the bottom is a great place to cool off with a swim. Both options present you with great opportunities to learn about the environment and . Arenal Volcano National Park is the reason why visitors flock to this part of Costa Rica. The dry season is at the same time a peak season in Arenal, and the place is buzzing with international tourists. Admire the views of Arenal from up close and dont forget to bring a camera. You can even find some cheap hot springs, but expect a lower quality of service. Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America, but it's always better to stay in tourist areas; furthermore, watch your surroundings and try not to flash your valuables. The variety of luxury hotels, spa resorts, and ecolodges is phenomenal in Arenal, but it will cost you extra. A bonus is volcano views from the property. 8:23 am. On top of that, you really do pay for everything in Arenal. The majority of restaurants near Arenal are located in the town of La Fortuna. 5 Ways to Travel and Study at the Same Time, Ultimate Travel Checklist: From Essentials to Adventure, Master the Magic of Video Background Removal: Top Tricks to Try. Arenal Hanging Bridges are among the best activities for families with kids. But if eating at the same restaurant for days on end doesnt sound appealing, there are some good restaurants worth checking out in town. Hot springs in Guanacaste Province 10:29 am. Organized tours in Costa Rica are not as cheap as you might think, but they are lifesavers in areas without good public transportation. These trails are for more serious bikers; if you are looking for a more leisure activity, ask for the trails around Lake Arenal. Don't forget your action camera at home; you are going to need it! In an afternoon, you can get a feel for the park from one of its hiking trails or hot spring pools, but you'll need a few days to further take advantage of the views and adventure activities that make this region special. Arenal Combo Tour - Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, typical lunch, and Arenal Volcano hike are a perfect combination to have an unforgettable day in Arenal. Don't get too excited, most of these places are aware of this fact, and the accommodation prices reflect it. Local cuisine in Costa Rica isnt as rich as in other parts of Central and South America, but restaurants in popular areas generally do a great job with grilled meats, seafood, and of course a variety of takes on Costa Rican local favorite, the casado. The reason why we decided to write about it is that some hikers still go there from the Green Lagoon Arenal (it's on the opposite side of the crater, and you have to pay 10 USD for entering the trail). Hi! Prefer relaxing activities. Tabacon Hot Springs is the only place in the area that offers a natural river, which means that this place is highly exclusive and offers a bit more distinct experience. 1. For example hot springs get super crowded at certain hours. If you don't like themed hot springs with steep entrance fees, this is the place to go. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Read our travel guide on the best things to do in Arenal, tips on where to stay, activities, attractions, how to get, getting around, what to pack, when to go, and budget tips. If you're a more experienced rafter or don't have young kids, the Ro Pacuare is another great river that can be reached on a day trip from Arenal. Safari Float & Tortilla Making This Safari Float Tortilla Making Tour is all about authentic Costa Rica See the animals of the Peas Blancas River, and cook in the home of Doa Maras And when something is described as the safest, it can lead to lowering your guards. Bird watching is also popular there, and some of the best spots are right near the Lake Arenal shores. There are four main roads leading from San Jose to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano Area. Tabacon hot springs - must do for just how paradisical and intricate the maze of hot springs is! 488 Ready to discover the gorgeous destination of Arenal in Costa Rica? Set in the middle of a tropical rainforest, this luxury boutique hotel offers panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, rooms with handcrafted wood furniture, and a superb restaurant. Travelers interested in learning more about Costa Rica's Indigenous people should take a day tour of the village of an Indigenous tribe. Do you think it will be safe for two young girls to walk to it? Costa Rica is home to adventure ziplining, and seeing the rainforest from above is a fascinating experience. It also means slowing things down, celebrating good fortune, refusing to take anything for granted and enjoying a laid-back lifestyle. An excellent value for money. The good part is that Arenal offers plenty of accommodation for every type of traveler. Our trip coordinators, Jessica and Brittany did an amazing job. The volcano rises to 1140 meters and is set in a dense, lush green forest, which is home to many animal species and plants. The entrance fee to La Fortuna Waterfall is 18 USD. So your best bet is to take one of the guided tours that include transportation to somewhere where you can find either well-maintained or more suitable trails. San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Smara: Best It San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itin Arenal/La Fortuna & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary Ideas, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo, How to Get from Liberia to Arenal/La Fortuna, How to Get from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park, How to Get from San Jos Airport (SJO) to the Osa Peninsula, How to Get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park, How to Get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna. With the two to four-hour driving time between destinations, 4 full days were not enough. Five hundred steps will take you down to the base of a Catarata Rio Fortuna, a beautiful waterfall plunging into a crystal clear pool from a height of 70 meters. Taking a private shuttle from Monteverde to La Fortuna offers some interesting variants. And that's not so simple to answer. La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano are among the most popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica, so however long you want to stay in the area, it's a good idea to book accommodation in advance. You can say where there is a rainforest, there is a canopy, and Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to try this unique activity. If you plan on spending one or two weeks in Costa Rica, there's no need to sign up for a similar tour all over again. Two Monkeys Travel Group Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. See their traditional homes and farming techniques, as well as their distinctive arts and crafts If you've spent any time in San Jos, you may have seen the colorful wooden masks that are made for ceremonial use. When hiking, stay on the designated trails. However, hot springs are amazing during the rain, and waterfalls more impressive. Save. First, they are not free, and even though some are affordable, some are really expensive. Enthusiastic tour guides. Tabacon Hot Springs? We just returned from one of the most memorable trips we've taken in years - my wife and 2 kids", "Eight family members traveled to Costa Rica with three generations ranging in age from 5 to 70. Tour companies and booking agencies are located in La Fortuna making it easy to plan and book all of your activities in the region upon arrival. Arenal Volcano National Park | Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa - Sometimes referred to as AOL, Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Arenal. The rule of thumb is to select an activity you haven't done before or something that is specific for Arenal. Also, getting up early will increase your chance of seeing Arenal Volcano in its full glory, as clouds usually roll over it later in the day. Arenal and a small town La Fortuna, which is the gateway to the national park, serves as a perfect introduction to Costa Rica, and you can't choose a much better location that will slowly show the beauty of the dramatic nature forming this region. Learn about the ingredients and preparation methods required for traditional Costa Rican cuisine, and then sit down to enjoy your creations afterward. Must rent a car for the ultimate road trip adventure. Arenal (2 nights) Puerto Viejo (4 nights). Chato Volcano is a beautiful inactive volcano next to the Arenal with a water-filled crater that first erupted 38 000 years ago. That's why you should plan your itinerary carefully. Rental cars are perfect for families, groups of friends or even couples, as it's always better to split the cost of travel. The best chance to spot wildlife is early in the morning. Buses from San Jose to La Fortuna leave from the 7-10 Terminal, which is close to the city center. All the children gave him", "AMAZING !! Get there early to increase your chances to spot wildlife. Secondly, the hot springs are also adjacent to hotels or resorts, so you can stay there to save some money on the entrance fees. The entrance fee is 17 USD. While this is technically the proper way to explore the national park, soon enough, you will realize that some of the best trails are located on private properties. To be completely honest, there aren't many free things to do in Arenal. The chances are that you have already seen photos of Arenal even without knowing the name of the place. This quick itinerary includes three action-packed days in Arenal. Great facilities, fun activities, amazing scenery, beautiful volcano, and abundant wildlife, all that and much more offers Arenal. La Fortuna waterfall - what a wonderful swim and view. The rest of the hot springs drill wells and uses pumps to get the warm water from the underground. You can also catch a bus in San Ramon or Quesada, but that's just for your information.
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