I only spent one night in Arenal, and I wish I could have been there longer. At night we went to a hot springs that was owned by a resort. It was amazing. the surrounding town is also nice, but nothing special. The volcano is also nice, but the top is often blocked by clouds, so if you only have a little time to spend there, you'll have to get lucky if you want to get some good views.

Arenal is a one-of-a-kind treat for everyonel!

We just got back from Costa Rica and had a great time. We spent a couple of days in the Arenal area and several days in Quepos (Manuel Antonio Park area). I've been all over the world and I must say that seeing Arenal when the sky is clear, day and night is truly spectacular. It was nice to relax in the hot volcanic water pool at our hotel and drain down an Imperial (beer) or two while watching the volcano blow smoke rings. No lie. At night we went around to the observatory to get a glimpse of the hot rocks tumbling out of the top of the volcano. The observatory area is supposedly safe because there's a valley of sorts between the bottom of the volcano and the observatory. They say it's safe because if Arenal blew it's top, the valley would offer some protection from the rivers of fiery lava. That's what they say. But, of course it won't erupt while you're there. So don't worry. Really. Enjoy it.

The rainforest and river trips are all good at Arenal.

In Manuel Antonio Park we snorkeled and surfed. Granted, the surfing ain't exactly Waimea Bay, HI, but for aging surfrats like me, 3-4 ft sets were just about right. We were fortunate to have had great weather during the rainy season in Aug-Sep.

A few last thoughts - the people are about the friendliest and most helpful I've ever encountered. Also, be sure to venture out from the hotel for local food-it's cheaper and much better. Go and have fun!

Arenal is so beautiful and scary at the same time. This was one of my favorite stops in Costa Rica. We stayed for a week in the area so we were able to see the volcano which is usually covered by clouds and also the Lava flows at night. Early morning seemed to be a good time to snap so clear photos.

The lava flow changes directions and right now it best seeing it from the road going to Arenal National Park.

Try the hike up to the old 1992 Lava flows. It's well marked and very easy. There is some climbing once you reach the lava. Great views and wildlife.

The Drive from San Jose was easy, all paved roads and they have many signs to lead you there. I recommend a stick car/SUV since there are many steep hills to climb.

We travelled to Arenal by private taxi from the Tamarindo Beach area because I was determined to see the Arenal Volcano and lava display at night. We did not realize when we booked our vacation that it would be a 4 hour each way trip or we would have stayed closer to Arenal in the first place. IAt any rate our cab was a $300 US round trip...but he drove us one day and picked us up the next and made any stop we wanted to along the way...basically becoming a private guided tour....so it was well worth the money (renting a vehicle would have been about the same $) and we were thankful we didn't have to navigate some of those roads! One place we stopped at was The Hanging Bridges at Arenal, a 600 acre private reserve of rainforest with a 1.9 mile walking tour that was truly fabulous, a spectacular view of the volcano, great clean restaurant...worth every dollar of the $20 admission. The entire Arenal area was spectacular...it was the true, lush tropical jungle experience that we were looking for (not so where we were on the coast...much drier and far less lush). When we first arrived, only the tip of the Volcano was topped with cloud...so we could not really see the cone, but the view of the entire mountain was quite stunning. We'd arranged to stay one night at the Tabacon, in hopes of viewing the lava, but unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate. Heavy cloud and pouring rain moved in prevented ANY view of the volcano that night (although the hotel staff offered to wake us if conditions changed). However, we were still glad to have made the the journey...the hot springs were spectacular, the scenery magnificent and all in all it was a truly magical experience. We WILL be back! And when we are, we will be spending a lot more time in the Arenal area and less at the "routine" beach resort areas.