Why Arenal is Costa Rica’s most famous volcano
Rising in a near-perfect cone above the northern lowlands, Arenal Volcano is the postcard image of Costa Rica. After decades of spectacular activity in the late 20th century, the volcano entered a resting phase in 2010 — which means today you can hike its old lava fields, swim beneath waterfalls on its flanks, and soak in the hot springs its geothermal system still feeds, all without the drama.
The volcano anchors Arenal Volcano National Park, part of a region of rainforest, rivers, and small agricultural towns known as San Carlos. This guide covers how to visit — and how to do it without spending your whole trip in the busiest corridor.
Top things to do around Arenal
1. Hike the lava trails
The national park has well-marked trails crossing old lava flows from the 1968 and 1992 eruptions. The Coladas trail gives you the classic close-up view of the cone; go early morning for the clearest skies before clouds wrap the summit.
2. Soak in volcanic hot springs
Arenal’s underground heat warms rivers and springs throughout the region. On the quieter, eastern side of the volcano corridor, El Tucano’s thermal mineral pools are fed by a naturally hot river that runs right through the resort’s rainforest — the same geothermal system, without the tour-bus crowds.
3. Chase waterfalls
La Fortuna Waterfall is the famous one, but the region hides several less-visited cascades — see our guide to the best waterfalls near La Fortuna.
4. Canopy tours, rafting, and hanging bridges
The Arenal region is Costa Rica’s adventure capital: zip lines over the canopy, white-water rafting on the Balsa and Toro rivers, and hanging-bridge walks at treetop level. Most operators offer hotel pickup — our experiences page covers how we arrange them for guests.
5. Wildlife watching
Sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, and hundreds of bird species live in the surrounding rainforest. Dawn and dusk are prime time; a good guide will spot ten times more than you will alone.
Practical tips
- Getting there: The region is about a 2.5–3 hour drive from San José’s international airport. Roads are paved and well-marked.
- Will I see the summit? The cone is often wrapped in clouds by mid-morning. Best odds: December–April, before 9 a.m.
- How many days? Three nights minimum — one for the park, one for adventure activities, one to do absolutely nothing but soak.
- Where to stay: The main tourist strip west of La Fortuna is convenient but busy. Staying on the San Carlos side puts you in quieter rainforest with easier access to Río Celeste and the Sarapiquí lowlands.
The quiet side of the volcano
El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa has welcomed travelers to the San Carlos side of the Arenal region since 1993 — colonial architecture, a thermal river, rainforest gardens, and seven room types a short drive from the volcano’s attractions but far from its crowds. Check availability on our direct booking engine — best rate guaranteed when you book direct.