Around Arenal
The Arenal volcano is the most active volcano in Costa Rica, even more impressive because it oozes lava periodically, and spits out ash and rocks here and there. Unpredictable weather can cause the volcano to be obscured by clouds for weeks at a time. When it does clear for a full panorama of the volcano, it is spectacular! But even if Arenal is hidden by clouds, kids can listen to sounds of the volcano rumbling at night.
Arenal -
Arenal National Park - From the entrance to the National Park, take one of the hiking trails around the base of the volcano. Hike to the "new lava flow" to see piles of black lava rocks. Along the way, you may hear the volcano belching out puffs of ash and rocks. The Visitors Center has display rooms about the volcano and local area.Tabacon Hot Springs - The Tabacon Hot Springs are a marvel. Twelve different naturally heated pools surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers, with views of the Arenal volcano. Enough gushing water that you can stand under waterfalls of warm water!If you don't want to go into the resort, the Rio Tabacon has hot springs in the river right along the road to La Fortuna. A family writes, "Our kids just sat in the river for a relaxing soak."
Horseback riding - The area is covered with dense forests and jungly vegetation, waterfalls and rivers. Ask at your hotel for a horseback ride suitable for kids, a hour or two, to the Arenal river, or around the base of the volcano, whatever suits your family.Night tours - On clear nights, the lava and ash from the volcano is unforgettable. You can arrange night tours for volcano viewing, typically leaving around 6:00pm. Ask at your hotel to make arrangements, or there are tours available in La Fortuna. (Some night tours also combine with a stop at the Tabacon Hot Springs.)Arenal to Monteverde - If you are going from the Arenal area to Monteverde, consider the boat plus jeep option. You take a half hour boat ride from one side of the lake to the other. The lake is ringed with mysterious, jungly vegetation, and the view of Arenal volcano is impressive. Then it's a two hour jeep ride (on bumpy roads) through a green, hilly landscape to Monteverde (shorter than the road around the lake).
