Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal – Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna – Costa Rica

Situated in Costa Rica’s lush north central region is Lake Arenal, the country’s largest lake. Towering over its southern shores is the majestic, perfect cone of Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Lake is actually a dammed river, taking on a typical dammed lake shape – very long and narrow, running northwest to southeast, and surrounded by rich, hilly farmlands and dense jungle. The main road into the region runs along the lake’s northeastern shores, dipping up and down, winding around the unending hills and then past stunning Arenal Volcano and eastward to the small tourist base town of La Fortuna.

Dozens of small hotels and resorts are situated along this pretty winding road, some of them over-looking the lake, but many more set very close to the volcano on the forested section of road between the lake’s end and La Fortuna.

one of the thermal pools at a luxury resort in the area

Many of these resorts, tucked into the rolling hills and thick rain forests, are super luxurious, including several boasting natural thermal springs, a resort frequented by Hollywood stars and another that’s regularly rated as among the five top resorts in the world by the likes of Travel & Leisure and Conde Naste Traveler.

Over the past 20 years the Arenal area has bloomed into a major adventure and naturalists’ travel destination. Besides the many beautiful panoramic views of the lake and volcano, adventurous travelers can zip-line, cross canopy bridges high in the jungle trees, raft down 4-5 class rapids, hike in hills and rain forests, visit waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs, ride horses or ATVs, kayak the lake, visit remote rivers, do some serious world-class bird-watching and have a very good chance to see some unusual wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys and coatis.

coatis at Arenal –

But the most spectacular of all attractions at La Fortuna used to be the dramatic explosions, lava flows and smoke plumes bursting from Arenal Volcano. The extremely active volcano began erupting in the late 1980s and continued regularly until 2010, when it finally became quiet once more.

Arenal’s astounding volcanic explosions are what really made the region a major tourist draw. For nearly 20 years, from the early 1990s until 2010, Arenal Volcano was spewing thick clouds of ash and fiery lava into the air on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis.

Volcanologists and other scientists flocked to Arenal to observe, study and learn more about the processes of volcanic activity. They set themselves up at a spectacular high altitude vantage point on the north side of the volcano, which was relatively safe from toxic activity. It became known as Observatory Lodge and gradually was converted into a hotel open to the public.

view of Arenal Volcano from Observatory Lodge

It’s located within Arenal Volcano National Park and has miles and miles of forest trails, stunning up-close vistas of the volcano and amazing panoramic views of Arenal Lake far below.

As Arenal Volcano continued its dramatic activity during the 90s and 2000s, more and more small luxury resorts established themselves in the hills and forests east of the volcano. La Fortuna town, just a few miles east of the volcano, grew into a major tourist town with shops, restaurants, cafes, tour operators and small hotels.

Quite unfortunately for visitors, the volcano stopped all its exciting activity by 2010. No more fiery lava or loud rumblings or thick ash clouds. Just the volcano itself, quietly towering over little La Fortuna town and Arenal Lake.

panoramic view of Arenal Volcano

However, the still volcano is itself quite spectacular. Nearly a perfect cone, it’s a beautiful, majestic sight – at least when it’s not hidden by clouds or heavy rain, which is the normal weather in the area.

Quite luckily for the now well-established tourist industry and the many stunning luxury resorts, La Fortuna area keeps on drawing a steady stream of international visitors. Even though the volcano is no longer active, there’s still plenty to see and do.

The hot springs, adventure activities, bird-watching, animal sitings and beautiful views are well worth a solid visit.

For those who can afford to stay at one of the superb luxury hotels out in the hills and forests, they’ll be blessed with amazing volcanic views (weather dependent), rejuvenating natural hot springs and spa treatments, gourmet food and friendly hospitality.

luxurious restaurant at one of Arenal’s top resorts

Those who can’t afford such luxury can stay comfortably in La Fortuna town, which also has great views of the volcano, and then join various adventure tours, hikes and soaks in free hot springs nearby. La Fortuna offers all kinds of accommodation, from budget hostels up to mid-range hotels.

Thus far, the Arenal area is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. Part of that, no doubt, is because I’ve been ultra-lucky with perfect weather for nearly two weeks, Apparently, that’s something pretty rare here.

During my visit, every day has been sunny and warm with cool breezes blowing. Every day I’ve seen spectacular views of Arenal Volcano from various vantage points, helped in great part by all the luxury hotels I’ve been visiting. Every single one of them has stunning volcanic views from their properties, including from nearly every guest room!

more hot springs at an Arenal area resort

The weather is cooler in the Arenal area than at Costa Rica’s broiling Pacific coast beaches, which makes it considerably more comfortable for most visitors. Views are spectacular. And outdoor adventures are plentiful.

In short, I recommend it highly!

Next I’m off to Monteverde, another jungle area south of Lake Arenal, which is famous for cloud forests, more outdoor adventures and…of all things…a colony of Quakers who do dairy farming! I guess I’ll soon be feasting on homemade icecream. Lol

From there I’m heading back out to Costa Rica’s vast Pacific coast…

So stay tuned for more travel tales and tips from lovely Costa Rica.

Cheers, Lash

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