Explore lush forests, go hiking and soak in hot springs
Nowhere else in Costa Rica allows you the luxurious yet captivating proximity to a (now) dormant volcano encircled by rich rainforest, diverse wildlife and a multitude of adventure activities. Spend your days here exploring the lush forests, getting to know your local hosts, soaking in a variety of different hot springs and looking out for the wildlife that call this area home.
Encompassing over 120 square kilometres (46 square miles), Arenal Volcano National Park lies on the southern shores of Lake Arenal with the conical peak of the volcano at its heart. Park rangers and geologists keep a very sharp eye on the volcano’s motions, whose last eruption was 1968, giving you the chance to get very close to the exhilarating and powerful mountain.
The great wealth of biological and geological diversity of the area means you can follow hiking trails through flourishing rainforests, coffee plantations and old lava fields, trek to the emerald crater lagoon of the dormant Chato, take a dip in hot thermal springs, rappel through forest canopies, ride white water rapids or visit La Fortuna.
You could also spend some time on a Costa Rican farm, harvest some crops with the farmers and enjoy an interactive cooking class using local ingredients like cassava, plantain, taro and sweet potato. You can also head out on specially designed Arenal wildlife tours and keep a look out for hummingbirds, tapirs, quetzals and deer. All of this while staying at some of Arenal’s most stylish and luxury hotels.
Highlights
Enjoy an exclusive forest picnic with uninterrupted views of one Costa Rica’s most iconic vistas, the imposing Arenal Volcano
Float from La Fortuna to Arenal along the Peñas Blancas River, getting a unique view of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest along the way
Experience a unique and exclusive evening tour led by an expert in conservation biology, delving into the fascinating world of bats
Prepare a feast of Latin and Costa Rican flavours at a private cooking class with an expert chef
If you want to add a little adventure to your luxury journey, then Arenal is a great place to spend some time. Think soaking in hot springs with a volcano view, zip-lining through rainforest canopies and unwinding in stunning eco-lodges. It's the perfect mix of adventure and pampering.

James Sirotkin
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Arenal
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Trip Inspiration
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Puerto Viejo
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Rio Celeste
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San Jose
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The Central Cloud Forests
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The Guanacaste Coast
Known for wide, long stretches of coastline and consistent sunshine, Guanacaste has long been a ‘surfers paradise’. Explore inland to discover the region's wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
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Tortuguero
Explore this region on foot or by boat, discovering its many lagoons, canals and rivers. With 11 different habitats attracting a diverse range of wildlife species, including turtles, this is a great place for nature lovers.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
The dry season runs from mid November to April, and most areas are dry, warm and sunny. Occasional blustery winds blow during January and February bringing the temperature down. During the wet season, from May to mid November, expect afternoon rains and sunny mornings.

Caribbean coast
May–November

Sea turtle nesting
May–November

Pacific Coast for winter sun
December–April

Birdwatching
Year round
Costa Rica Travel Guides
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