Costa Rica Arenal

Arenal / La Fortuna

The La Fortuna area is most famous for being the town closest to Costa Rica?s most active volcano, Arenal. La Fortuna is approximately 4 hours from San Jose on winding mountainous roads. Dense green cloud forests cloak the rugged Tilaran mountain ranges that typify this region. Logging and farming contend with tourism to sustain the local economy. The terrain and fauna of this region seems like that of another land; of far greater altitude and longitude, almost like the Scottish Highlands or Swiss Alps. At the base of the volcano is the massive, man-made Lake. Great swaths of primary forest still remain on numerous reserves, making this region of Costa Rica some of the most naturally stunning around.

Arenal Volcano:

The Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica?s top tourist destinations, and with good reason. This perfectly conical shaped active volcano offers lucky visitors unforgettable nighttime pyrotechnic displays. On a clear evening one can see rocks and magma spewing skyward from the mouth of Arenal. Eruptions are thunderously loud and exciting, an incredible experience time and again. Many of the hotels in Arenal boast amazing glass window views of the volcano, making this awesome spectacle possible from your very own room.

Tabacon Hot Springs:

The upscale Tabacon Resort has its own set of meticulously manicured hot springs and tropical gardens. Though the entry fee is fairly pricey at $29 per person, it is worth the price of admission. Here, at the base of Arenal, you can bathe in a series of connected, warm to extremely hot baths of volcano-fed mineral water and observe eruptions. Larger pools offer a waterslide and water bar; with a cocktail in hand, enjoy a waterfall massage from the hot springs, take in the scenery, and let all stress slip away.

The Town of La Fortuna:

The pleasant little village of La Fortuna is the center of tourist activity, dining and nightlife the area offers. A series of affordable cabins, restaurants and small hotels are found in or around the town square, whose backdrop is the ominous volcano. In addition, the local chamber of tourism, and tour operators such Aventuras Arenal, Sunset Tours, and Pure Trek Canyoning are located in town. Go horseback riding, boating in the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, rafting, fishing, hiking, or treat yourself to one of the many luxurious hotel spas; the Volcan Arenal region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone in need of a relaxing vacation.

How to get there:

By Plane: Please note that several plane crashes have occurred in this area as flying is particularly difficult. The national domestic air carrier (SANSA) no longer offers flight to this region as a result. There are private charter flights available upon demand

By Car: Driving from San Jose to La Fortuna takes approximately 4 hours. The roads between San Jose and La Fortuna are in decent condition. For the first part of the drive one travels on the Pan-Am highway, which at off hours is a fairly pleasant drive. For the last stretch, slow moving vehicles, windy and steep roads in poor condition mark a good part of the last 2 hours. If done during the day, the scenery can almost make up for the frustration of the drive. It is not recommended to drive this road late at night on busy travel days (Friday and Sunday). In heavy rain at the height of the rainy season some of the smaller roads can be in dangerous condition.

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