Your Comprehensive Guide to Arenal in Costa Rica
Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s premier travel destinations. It boasts outstanding attractions, exciting activities, breathtaking landscapes, a captivating volcano, and abundant wildlife.
For countless travelers, it stands as one of Costa Rica’s finest destinations to explore. We, at Costa Rica DMC, aim to provide a comprehensive glimpse into this Costa Rican region through our blog post, helping you plan your corporate incentive trip with greater insight.
What to Know About Arenal
The Region
In Costa Rica’s Arenal region, several similar-sounding names often cause confusion for travelers: Arenal, Arenal Nuevo, Arenal Volcano National Park, and La Fortuna. It’s crucial to clarify these distinctions for better orientation.
La Fortuna, the primary town in the area, is situated east of Arenal Volcano National Park and serves as the gateway to the park, offering tourist services.
Notably, the original Arenal town no longer exists due to the extension of Arenal Lake in 1979. Instead, Nuevo Arenal, a smaller town on the lake’s north side, provides some accommodation options but may be considered distant from the main attractions.
People
Crowd levels and intensities vary in Arenal, Costa Rica. The crowd density can fluctuate based on factors like the time of year and specific locations. You should expect the top attractions to have some degree of crowd. La Fortuna, the main town in the area, maintains a unique atmosphere despite tourism. It’s important to note that the rainy season tends to bring by fewer visitors. If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit Costa Rica with your employees, the rainy season may be your best bet.
Arenal Attractions You Can’t Miss
- La Fortuna Waterfall
Walking down a path of 500 steps will lead you to the base of Catarata Rio Fortuna, a magnificent waterfall cascading into a pristine pool from a height of 70 meters. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit! The water is cold, offering a perfect respite from the heat of the day!
The hike to La Fortuna Waterfall typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes to descend and anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes to return.
- Arenal Volcano
Nestled within the tropical rainforest and reaching a height of 1,670 meters, Arenal Volcano stands as an active stratovolcano that is truly unique. While Costa Rica (and Central America) boasts other volcanoes, Arenal is undeniably one of the most renowned. The volcano’s flawless conical form, enveloped by the verdant rainforest, presents a strikingly picturesque sight.
- Arenal Lake
After its expansion in 1979, Arenal Lake became the largest lake in Costa Rica. Thanks to the ideal climate of the region, the lake has become the preferred destination for a wide range of activities, making it a must-visit location.
- Hot Springs
Presently, Arenal boasts twelve publicly accessible hot springs. The surge in popularity of these natural hot springs in Arenal is impressive, drawing numerous tourists who primarily come for this unique experience. Indulging in hot thermal pools is undeniably one of the top attractions in Costa Rica.
Want to Know More About Arenal’s Attractions? Contact Costa Rica DMC!
Are you still deciding on an exact location for your corporate incentive trip to Costa Rica? Ask our destination management company for expert insight on the attractions Arenal has to offer. Contact us today!