Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls
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Nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park
Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Nature & Parks in Arenal Volcano National Park
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44 places sorted by traveler favorites
Top-Rated Outdoor Activities (461)
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Hot Springs & Geysers
Admission tickets from $64.00
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National Parks • Volcanos
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Hot Springs & Geysers
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Hot Springs & Geysers
Admission tickets from $38.00
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
Admission tickets from $32.00
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
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What travelers are saying
- Jessy MunchHillsboro, OR50 contributionsWe went to La Fortuna waterfall and we are so glad we did. Beautiful!! Felt so good to swim in, the waterfall definitely puts a lot of pressure in the water and makes it wavy but it was great and beautiful. The steps down were great and rest areas along the way and water faucets so you could rest and drink water.
The steps up were not bad either, we stopped at the river on the way back up and it was incredible. Such clear water and you could see the fish.
We even saw a toucan on the way back up to the lodge. Completely worth the entry fee and the parking was easy.
One of our favorite things we did while in La Fortuna, this and Mistico Bridges. Definitely must do.Written May 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Meg KRingwood, NJ16 contributionsWhat an amazing experience. The grounds are beautiful and staff is amazing. Proyecto Asis mission is to rehabilitate and release animals back to the wild whenever possible. They provide expert care and work hard to educate those that come to see their facility. They don’t believe in handling the animals as they want to release them to the wild whenever possible. Their tour consisted of seeing macaws, monkeys, parrots, coatis etc in their enclosures and educating on what the animal was and what the approach is to evaluating health and readying/preparing to be released. There are of course animals that cannot be released due to age, injury, etc and they do an amazing job of providing a happy comfortable and enriching home for the remainder of the animal‘s life. We also participated in preparing food and enrichment toys for some of the animals. Again, an opportunity to see how they manage care and ensure stimulation to the animals during their recovery. We learned so much from our guide Carlos and would highly recommend a visit to this facility.Written April 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joana S.1 contributionJust want to thanks to Chef Alex and Mesero Danny for all the care and hospitality. They prepared in the moment my special meal because I was recovering from a gastritis . Amazing place to chill out on the hot waters and have a drink with a soft meal . Thank you a lot , in love with Costa Rica 🇨🇷Written May 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fiona T20 contributionsGreat tour with our fantastic and knowledgeable guide Alex. We saw 6 sloths and 2 varieties of sloths, strawberry blue jean frogs, lizards and birds. The tour had been there highlight so far in Costa Rica. We finished the tour with a freshly cut pineapple. We absolutely recommend having a guide it would be nearly impossible to find the animals on your own and their knowledge is amazing.Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sam C2 contributionsReally good. We arrived as a pair without having made a reservation and the team kindly arranged an impromptu tour with an excellent guide. We went into the caves, armed with helmet + headtorch provided and clothes that we didn’t mind getting very wet/ quite muddy + water shoes (would recommend to bring, they have boots if you don’t). Our guide spoke good English and was able to explain a lot about the history, geology (the stalagmites and tites) and most interestingly to us the zoology.
Inside the caves we saw spiders, cave crickets, catfish and several kinds of bat. The caves lead through narrow pinches, up through tunnels and through shallow waters. It was definitely an adventure, moderately physically exerting but I think they could cater for a variety of abilities/ shapes and sizes if needed. At the end there was some showers and changing facilities.
I would highly recommend, it was great fun and very authentic/ not dolled up for tourists. Thank you to the team there.Written May 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - yyesiamtrish2Victoria, Canada1,358 contributionsWe went at night with a group of 14 and a local’s help. I have to say, it’s one of the most magical experiences I’ve had, but not sure we could ever recreate it without a local’s help. That night, the parking was crazy, but this was all arranged for us. We all had our bathing suits and water shoes on (you MUST wear these for comfort) and a big cooler of beer. To reach it, it’s down a steep hill, there is a rope to help guide you down, but this is not a lit path, so a headlamp was super helpful. As you descend down this short hill, you can see all the pools and all lit by candlelight. Amazing. Somehow our local guide had secured a pool area for our group too, and had somehow raced ahead to light a circle of candles around this pool too, and this is what we saw, as we made our way down the hill. Beautiful. It’s still very dark down there, and can be unsafe if you aren’t wearing shoes and have your own light source. It’s all rock as you make your way through the river to your spot. We could see circles of candles down the river as far as you could see, and we would see processions of people still coming down the hill with their candles already lit. Sitting there in the dark in warm water, sipping a beer, surrounded by candles. Pure magic.Written March 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cosmopolitan2550895 contributionsWe loved the butterflies and frogs…
Very sad to see all the Mariposas in the souvenir shops….
Lovely Irish girl giving us lots of expertise..Written May 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - GinaBifMetuchen, NJ94 contributionsWe stopped here on our way from Liberia airport to La Fortuna! What a way to start our trip. The views are absolutely beautiful! I will warn the roads are super windy and definitely made me car sick but still worth it!Written March 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- betteskidBoston, MA1,203 contributionsWe visited here during a recent trip to Costa Rica and did a short hike in the area. The highlight of the hike were the birds (toucans especially) although the lush vegetation we saw was also nice. We were treated to a clear day and could see the entire mountain and wisps of smoke emerging from the top. All in all this was a nice way to spend a few hours. I would recommend insect repellent if you plan on taking a hike.Written April 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Melissa B10 contributionsGreat experience here! The view from our room was breathtaking although I think that all of the rooms have an amazing view. We were here for 5 days and absolutely loved the experience. The resort is huge but luckily we rented a car and could get around easily. The resort has a shuttle that drops you off at your room though. The drive from San Juan was not what I expected, the roads are narrow and traffic was not good but once we made it here we forgot about the drive.
There are several hot springs on site to relax in. The complimentary breakfast was really good and a variety of food to choose from. The room itself was clean and spacious and again, the view of the volcano and mountain was breathtaking. Spa services were also great and very well priced. We debated on another beach vacation but this one was exactly what we needed to get away and unplug.Written May 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Farria13 contributionsWhen we arrived it was during the day and overcast so it was really wonderful. It wasn’t overpacked so it was a nice and intimate experience. I really enjoyed all the different thermal pools and temperatures… so relaxing. I’m a huge hot spring connoisseur and I loved it! It included a buffet lunch and it was just a simple and basic lunch options which also was nice.
Ooooh and the water slides totally ignited my inner child! Highly recommend :-)
All around I enjoyed my experience here and felt it was totally worth it!Written March 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LOVETOROAM1Lincoln, NE54 contributionsWe stayed 3 nights and it was a wonderful way to start our vacation in Costa Rica. The hotel room was good size with very comfortable beds. The air conditioning and dehumidifier worked well. Water bottles were stocked daily. The bathroom and shower were huge. And, the rooms were very clean. A breakfast buffet was included with a standard variety. Evening meals were either buffet (which didn't change too much) or menu entrees (which weren't bad). The staff was exceptional and very welcoming! The Hotsprings were in an idealic junglelike setting. The large pools were drained and scrubbed every other day and the small pools daily, so very clean. The place got a bit more crowded when the "day trippers" arrived, but it was never overly crowded. The coffee bar/ lookout area to the volcano was stunning. If we get back to Costa Rica, we'd definitely stay again!Written May 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- avid_traveler_2007Mountain View, CA135 contributionsDid two tours here, one night hike to spot frogs, insects, and reptiles, and one early morning bird watching with delicious breakfast. Both tours were excellent and we learned so much from our friendly and informative guides.Written February 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Maria G14 contributionsThe excursion to Natura Eco Park was one of the options on our Trafalgar trip and ended being one of the main highlights of our week long trip.
This was an easy way to see up and close, in one place all the different species of animals that are typical of Costa Rica.
Sheryl Ferreto welcomed us, speaking both English and Spanish, and turned us over to Ashly Ramirez, who was our guide for the next almost 2 hours.
Ashly was very nice and knowledgeable, giving us plenty of information about the plants and animals in the park, and answering all our questions. She took her time showing us all the areas, never rushing us, letting us take many-many photos, helping us get the best shots of all the animals. At the butterfly enclosure she held some gorgeous butterflies for us and passed them to us to hold on our fingers. At the frog enclosures Ashly even went inside each frog habitat to find the tiny frogs for us, and even taking our cell phones inside each enclosure to get the best shots of each little frog, making sure we could see all their bright colors. She took great pictures and videos of these little beautiful creatures.
Now I get to home home and show everyone my beautiful pictures, and make everyone envious of my beautiful PURA VIDA Costa Rican experience!Written April 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jmalandraToronto, Canada68 contributionsArenal 1968 Volcano View & Trails was a lot of fun to visit. Our family hiked to the observatory tower which gives you a great view of the volcano and surrounding area above the tree canopy. There are numerous trails on-site which range from light walking to challenging hikes. You could really spend an entire day here or like us only a few hours. On the way out we grabbed some smoothies on-site. The drive there gets a bit rough but nothing too bad.Written March 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arenal Volcano National Park
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:
- Full day Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and Hotsprings
- North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour
- Sloths Watching Tour through Sloth's Territory
- Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano Hike
- Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica
- These places are best for nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:See more nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for kid-friendly nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:See more nature & parks for kids in Arenal Volcano National Park on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:See more nature & parks for couples in Arenal Volcano National Park on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:See more nature & parks for groups in Arenal Volcano National Park on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:See more budget-friendly nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park on Tripadvisor
- These are the most romantic places for nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:
- Proyecto Asis
- Bogarin Trail
- Arenal Wilberth Stables
- Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge
- Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal
- These are the best hidden gems for nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:See more hidden gem nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adventurous nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:See more adventurous nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for nature & parks in Arenal Volcano National Park:
- Parque Vista Arenal
- Venado Caves
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano)
- Cerro Chato ANC Park & Gardens