lim alajuela heredia cartago san jose

Islita
Punta
Islita
Lepanto
San Pablo
Playa
Naranjo
Golfo
de Nicoya
CÓBANO
TAMBOR
Curú
PAQUERA
PENINSULA DE NICOYA
HOJANCHA
Mansión
RA
Carrillo
A
SAN RAFAEL
DE GUATUSO
ZARCERO
Zapote
Laguna
PARQUE NAC.
CARARA
OROTINA
ESPARZA
CALDERA
ATENAS
PALMARES
Cariblanco
Volcán Barva
PARQUE NAC.
VOLCAN IRAZU
GUAPILES
GUACIMO
Cuatro Esquinas
RESERVA DE VIDA SILVESTRE
BARRA DEL COLORADO
JUAN VIÑAS
PACAYAS
Empalme
PARAISO
Cot
TRES RIOS
CARTAGO
SAN JOSE
San Cristobal
Santa Ana
Ciudad
Escazú
Colón
TURRIALBA
TORTUGUERO
SIQUIRRES
PARQUE NAC.
TORTUGUERO
Volcán Turrialba
ALAJUELA
PARQUE NAC.
HEREDIA
Volcán Irazú VOLCAN TURRIALBA
SANTO DOMINGO
ZARCHI
GRECIA
PARQUE NAC.
BRAULIO CARRILLO
Varablanca
PARQUE NAC.
VOLCAN POAS
Volcán Poás
PARQUE NAC.
JUAN CASTRO
BLANCO
San Miguel
Rio Cuarto
Aguas Zarcas
CIUDAD
QUESADA
Florencia
NARNAJO
SAN RAMON
Palmichal
PUNTARENAS
Sardinal
Sarmiento
Guaciamal
Vieja
Chacagua
Tigra
MONTEVERDE
SANTA ELENA
Muelle
Tanque
Los Angeles
LA FORTUNA
Santo
Domingo
Volcán Arenal
PARQUE NAC.
VOLCÁN ARENAL
LAS JUNTAS
CAÑAS
TILARÁN
Arenal
Tenorio
Tierras Morenas
Ángeles
Puerto Moreno
BAGACES
Salitral
Quebrada
Honda
PARQUE NAC.
BARRA HONDA
CRUZ
PARQUE NAC.
PALO VERDE
DELFIA
LIBERIA
Tenorio
PARQUE NAC.
VOLCÁN TENORIO
VOLCÁN MIRAVALLES
Fortuna
R
VIDA
G
Golfo
Dulce
PARQUE N
PIEDRAS B
ESQ
San Pedrillo
Playa
San Josecito
Isla Violín
RESERVA BIOLOGICA
ISLA DEL CAÑO
BAHÍA DRAKE
DRAKE
Rincón
Sierpe
PALMAR SUR
HUMEDAL
TERRABA-SIERPE
PUERTO
CORTÉZ
Coronado
Punta Uvita UVITA
Playa Ballena
PARQUE NACIONAL
MARINO BALLENA
Playa Ventanas
PALMAR NORTE
Br
Terraba
BUENO
Volcán
San Pedro
Playa Dominical
DOMINICAL
Palmares
Platanillo
Barú
Matapalo
PARQUE NACIONAL
MAUEL ANTONIO
Playa Manuel Antonio
QUEPOS
Paquita
PARRITA
Playa Esterillos
Playa Jacó
Playa Hermosa
Reserva Cabo
blanco Isla Cabo Blanco
Playa Matapalo
SAN ISIDRO
DEL GENERAL
CERRO CHIR
PARQUE INTERN
DE LA AMIS
PARQUE NACIONAL
CHIRRIPÓ
Division
MACIZO CERRO
DE LA MUERTE
Cañon
JACO
Playa Herradura
Herradura
MONTEZUMA
Playa Montezuma
MAL PAIS
Playa San Teresa
While the eruption in
1968 of the previously dormant “mountain” Arenal
caused massive destruction, it also forever changed
the face of surrounding towns by becoming one of the
biggest tourist attractions in Costa Rica. La Fortuna,
once a farming town, is now the main destination for
tourists heading to the area. Today the small town
offers international restaurants and banks, and is the
home base for adventure tours in the area. Although
vacationing by a constantly erupting volcano may
sound risky you’ll consider yourself lucky when you
catch Volcán Arenal in the act, as it spews fiery red
lava upwards like a pyrotechnic geyser. La Fortuna is
only a short cab ride from the volcano and it’s a great
place to relax after partaking in the myriad activities
offered in the area. Whether you choose to ride the
whitewater rapids, receive a massage from one of the
area’s hydraulic hot springs, or relax in the privacy
of your a luxurious bungalow, the views of Arenal
Volcano alone are certain to make the trip worth it.
ARENAL
Arenal.
OVERVIEW
101 Things to Do in Costa Rica | A r e n a l 1 3
HOTSPOTS
15
Cheesy Photo Op
If you drive to Arenal, you will go through the
quaint mountain town of Zarcero, which is known
for two things: an eccentric topiary garden set in
front of the church (a famous photo spot), and its
cheese. Palmito cheese is made in this rich dairy
region and tastes similar to provolone. The stringy
queso unravels like your typical string cheese,
though its round shape means the strings are neverending!
16
Heat things up
Seeing red? Don’t worry, it’s just lava! The Arenal
Volcano borders cloud and rainforests and is the
third most active volcano in the world. The north
and west sides of the volcano offer the best views
especially when seen in the early morning around 4
am. The Arenal National Park includes viewing and
parking spaces close to the volcano, and there are
many trails through the forest over hardened lava
flows. Hours: 8am-10pm. Admission is $10.
17
Take the plunge!
Rio Fortuna Waterfall is no ordinary waterfall.
The teal-green water set against the deep emerald
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 the current is
very powerful, so make sure that you swim with a
friend.
If cold water isn’t your thing, visit the Tabacon
Resort hot springs. The resort features natural
rivers cascading into pools of varying temperatures,
a water slide, swim-up bar and restaurant, all set
14
101 Things to Do in Costa Rica | A r e n a l
before a tropical landscaped backdrop. A day pass
is around $60 for adults and $35 for children, and
resort guests enjoy free access. (tabacon.com, 24791010)
If you prefer the hot springs less traveled, the
Hotel Arenal Kioro’s beautiful Titoku (2479-1700)
is open to the public, while their newer, more
private hot springs option is reserved just for hotel
guests. Ecotermales is another popular rival of
the two, boasting four large pools and a popular
restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican food.
RESTAURANTS
18
Refuel after exploring the volcano!
Don Rufino’s is one of the best culinary offerings
in the La Fortuna area. The international fare ranges
from French to tropical and promises something
for everyone. ($$, 2479-9997)
Pizzeria El Vagabundo’s wood oven toasts a
variety of thin-crust pizzas. Also try their Italian
food from pasta to salads. Located on the way to
Tabacon ($$, 2479-9565)
19
Stay in
Most hotels in the region have their own
gourmet restaurants for guests to enjoy. For a truly
romantic evening, enjoy a sunset meal by the lake
at La Mansion Arenal. This boutique hotel offers a
unique and tranquil location beside Lake Arenal.
Guests enjoy their own country cottage with
European décor and direct access to kayaking or
freshwater fishing on the lake. (lamansionarenal.
com, 2692-8018)
ARENAL
The popular El Jardin offers a good mixture of
typical food at great prices from casados to pizzas
to steaks and sandwiches. Open till 2am daily. ($,
2479-9360)
101 Things to Do in Costa Rica | A r e n a l 1 5
NIGHTLIFE
20
Dance the night away!
At the Volcano Look Disco you can expect
spinning disco balls and loud dance music at “the
biggest discotheque in Costa Rica outside of San
José.” It tends to be quiet during times other than
weekends, holidays, and special events. (24799616)
21
Lay down your cards!
Luigi’s Hotel Casino is a medium-sized casino
that offers entertainment for those who enjoy highstakes action and the thrill of the game. (luigishotel.
com, 2479-9898).
The Magic Sports Bar becomes a popular
gathering place for the big game, from football to
rugby. Come for the cold beer or warm American
appetizers served up at the Magic Mountain Hotel
facilities. (2479-7246)
16
101 Things to Do in Costa Rica | A r e n a l
TOURS
22
Challenge yourself with Desafio Adventure
Company!
Desafio Adventure Company is a pioneer in ecoadventure tourism that sets high standards for the
area. The word “desafío” means “challenge,” which is
exactly what you will find canyoneering in a pristine
river canyon, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, or
volunteering at the local animal rescue center. Find
them behind the church in downtown La Fortuna.
(desafiocostarica.com, 2479-9464)
With Aventuras Arenal you can enjoy a variety
of day trips outside La Fortuna. Take a day to hike
the River Celeste, one of the area’s best-kept secrets,
or try the safari float in the Caño Negro Wildlife
Reserve, just south of the Nicaraguan border.
They also offer the best mountain bike tours with
amazing views of Lake Arenal. (arenaladventures.
com, 2479-9133)
23
Nighttime canopy tour
Sky Trek, Sky Tram recently extended their canopy
tour options offering tours at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Take the 4pm tour to get a beautiful view of the sunset
over Lake Arenal. The 5pm and 6pm tours are an
adrenaline rush as only a tiny flashlight accompanies
you as you soar through the darkness, 200 meters in
the air. (skyadventures.travel, $66)
ARENAL
For those that want to do it all, Arenal Mundo
Aventura, an ecological park, offers a full day of
adventure. Fly through the trees along 10 canopy
cables on the only tour that takes you over the La
Fortuna Waterfall. Rappel down the Pino Blanco
Waterfall, pay a visit to a Maleku Indigenous
Village, go horseback riding around the volcano
and visit a butterfly and frog garden all on the same
trip! (arenalmundoaventura.com, 2479-9762)
TicoTips The climate in Costa Rica is known as
tageszeitenklima, which means that the annual
temperature changes are very small.
101 Things to Do in Costa Rica | A r e n a l 1 7
TicoTips In order to be recognized (unofficially) in
Costa Rica, a town must possess a church, a soccer
field, and a bar. Usually these three components are
very close to each other.