Activities
Don’t let the tranquil beauty and serenity of the Lake Arenal area fool you. There are plenty of recreational activities and scenic wonders here. Just pick your own pace! We're happy to help in planning your itinerary and booking your activities.
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5-day Suggested Itinerary |
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Arenal Volcano |
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One of the world’s most active volcanoes is located a safe and scenic 40 minute drive to the east of Villa Decary. Dormant for over four hundred years, Arenal Volcano erupted in 1968 and is now constantly active and a major attraction in this region. From silent explosions emitting large clouds of ash to booming explosions spewing fiery hot rocks, ash and glowing red lava flow, this natural and thrilling phenomenon offers the excitement and beauty of nature in progress. |
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| Arenal Hanging Bridges & Natural History Walk |
A highly successful eco-tourist project of Costa Rica, the Arenal Hanging Bridges offers an unforgettable hike through 3 kilometers of primary tropical rainforest crossing eight fixed bridges and six hanging bridges. This trek offers a close up exploration of the forest canopy, rivers and waterfalls as well as glimpses of wild life and panoramic views of Arenal Volcano. This tour is a must for all nature lovers, adventurers, and those eager to learn about this abundant natural reserve. |
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| Treetops Zipline Canopy Tours |
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Costa Rica is known for Canopy Tours and the Lake Arenal region has two excellent ones. Sky Trek is a premiere canopy tour, and one of the newest. Starting with a Sky Tram ride to reach the top of the Arenal reserve, this zip line tour courses over 1.7 total miles through the forest and above the treetops. Using 8 cross-sectional cables, with distances from 100 to 2460 feet and reaching a maximum height of 660 feet, Sky Trek offers stunning, adrenaline pumping bird’s-eye views of the forest, Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Professionally run with an emphasis on safety, this tour is sure to be an unforgettable adventure for those wanting yet another perspective on the natural beauty of Costa Rica. |
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| Sky Tram Gondola Tour |
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The slow-paced Sky Tram gondolas will provide a smooth ride through the rain forest, with endless views along the way, so you can appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you on your way to the top. Once at the observation deck, you will be able to enjoy the most magnificent views of the volcano's south face for as long as you desire. You'll have two options for returning to the base: ride back down the same way you came up on the Sky Tram, or zip your way to the bottom along the fast-moving canopy tour zip lines, the best option for those seeking a rush of adrenaline.
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Tabacon Hot Springs |
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Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, the Tabacon Hot Springs are natural geothermal pools fed by the Tabacon River which begins deep within the Arenal Volcano. The mineral pools and hot springs are set in exotic gardens landscaped with tropical plants, waterfalls and streams. Tabacon is an excellent spot from which to view the volcano and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica as well as bar, restaurant and full spa facilities. |
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| Eco Termales |
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| Eco Termales Hot Springs is a family run operation and the smallest of the Arenal Hot Springs. The Hidalgo family limit the number of visitors to ensure a sanctuary of nature and beauty. Visitors are invited to relax and enjoy four mineral pools and authentic Costa Rican cuisine. |
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| Birding |
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Arenal is a bird watcher’s paradise, whether you chose to birdwatch at Villa Decary or explore the Lake Arenal region. Early Bird Tours are offered at Arenal Hanging Bridges at 6:00 AM. with a naturist-ornithologist searching out birds at the forest edge, in the pasture lands and through trails leading into the forest.
View our Costa Rica Birding List.
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| Kayaking |
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Easy for beginners, and enjoyable for the experienced, kayaking is an exciting way to experience Lake Arenal. Observe over 400 species of birds, hear and see howler monkeys, fish for guapote, tilapia and machaca, take a swimming break, paddle leisurely or have yourself a cardio workout. Kayak on your own or with a tour guide as you explore the largest lake in Costa Rica. |
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Tenorio and Montezuma Volcanoes in Tenorio Volcano National Park |
In the Arenal Tilaran Conservation area, this national park features the Tenario Volcano with its four volcanic peaks and two craters and the awe-inspiring Rio Celeste (Light Blue River). The terrain of this national park includes both rain forest and cloud forest and is filled with thermal springs, small geysers, waterfalls, lagoons and countless panoramic views. Local residents include tapirs and the rarely seen puma.
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Venado Caverns |
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Wade through rushing underground water, crawl through narrow openings and see stalactites, stalagmites, corals, chalk rocks and even bats. These amazing caves were formed between 15-20 million years ago and discovered by the Guatuzos aborigines. No floodlights or piped-in music here! A must for intrepid spelunkers. |
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Corobici River Float |
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A gentle, tranquil excursion along the Corobici River bordered by the rare tropical dry forest of mahogany, ceiba and palms trees and inhabited by up to 300 species of birds, including egrets, parrots and toucans. Other local residents you may sight include howler and spider monkeys, iguanas and perhaps even a sunbathing crocodile.
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| Las Pumas |
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Just minutes from the Corobici River, the Los Pumas Rescue Center, founded by the late Lily Bodmer, a Swiss-born environmentalist whose passion was saving and raising big cats, offers a chance to see ocelots, a jaguar, cougars, and other large wild cats as well as white face monkeys and a variety of birds.
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Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour |
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The delicate ecosystems found here supply a plethora of different plants and animal life, many of which are endangered or rare. More than 200 bird species can be found inside Cano Negro and its environment is especially vital for those species that migrate here from the north. Many of the fowl found here include anhingas, the captivating ibis, jabiru storks, the curious roseate spoonbill, a very large population of cormorants, northern jacanas, ducks and egrets. Other wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs, deer, monkeys, caiman, turtles, snook, tarpon, and guapote find homes here. Also keep an eye out for sloths hanging from the trees above. |
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| Horseback Riding |
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Ride along the lake or explore the forest by horseback. Horses for all levels of riders are available to rent. Or you may wish to join guided horseback tours through spectacular forest trails.
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| Fishing on Lake Arenal |
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Whether you’re a novice or a serious angler, Lake Arenal is stocked with rainbow bass, or guapote, and machaca. The 33-mile Lake Arenal is sure to offer you a fishing adventure you won’t forget. Fishing boats, tours and professional guides are available for half day and full day tours. |
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| Windsurfing |
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Costa Rica windsurfing is at its finest on Lake Arenal, one of the top windsurfing destinations in the world. Winds reach 30 to 40 miles per hour to speed your way across the shimmering waters. Equipment and lessons for windsurfing and kiteboarding are available year-round. |
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| Arenal Lake Tours |
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Experience the beauty and serenity of Lake Arenal by boat during the day while fishing, water skiing or just cruising. In the evening, enjoy magnificent views of Arenal Volcano on a romantic sunset cruise. |
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| White Water Rafting |
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Raft the untamed Peñas Blancas River, one of the best kept secrets of Costa Rica and one of the truly premier rafting adventures in the country. One day rafting trips to Sarapiqui River are also available, offering white water rafting, challenging rapids and crystal clear pools in a tropical rainforest setting surrounded by abundant wildlife. |
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| Hiking |
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Get an up-close view of the amazing bio-diversity of plants, animals and insects on guided hikes with botanists and naturists in primary and secondary rainforests; witness lava flows and rumblings on sunset/night hikes to the Arenal Volcano; explore the grounds and rainforest of the Villa Decary. |
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Biking
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Explore the beautiful lush rainforest around Lake Arenal by mountain bike. The quiet country road around Lake Arenal is perfect for biking. Tours and professional bilingual guides are available for excursions to Arenal Volcano |
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