Arenal Hotspots

Seeing red? Don’t worry, its just lava!
Arenal Volcano borders cloud and rainforests and is constantly active. Therefore it isn’t safe to climb, as there have been fatal accidents. Perhaps the most striking view is from a distance at night, when the volcano is a dark shadow laced with glowing red traces of lava, illuminated by the star-filled sky. The North and West sides of the volcano offer the best views. The Arenal National Park includes viewing and parking spaces close to the volcano. Hours: 8am-10pm. Admission is $6 and there are many trails through the forest over hardened lava flows.

Take the plunge!
Rio Fortuna Waterfall is no ordinary waterfall. The teal green water set against the dark green of the forest is an unforgettable contrast. The hike down is a bit steep and slippery but the workout is worth it. The water is refreshing but very powerful, so while swimming be very careful with your strokes. Trail hours are 8am to 4pm and admission is $3.