Arenal volcano

The Arenal volcano, 7km from the town of La Fortuna, is a natural wonder whose highest point is 1,648 metres above sea level. Its silhouette forms an almost perfect cone. Arenal is Costa Rica's youngest volcano, but also one of its most active. Since 2010, however, it has entered a phase of rest. When you visit Arenal National Park, you'll be able to see the traces of lava flows from some of its most important eruptions, such as the one in 1968, which marked the start of a 42-year period of intense activity involving lava avalanches and explosions. Another flow is clearly visible, that of 1993, during which four lava avalanches took place in just 20 minutes. Created in 1995, Arenal National Park is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00 and is located 16km from La Fortuna. Covering a total area of 12,000 hectares, visitors can take short trails through the secondary forest. The first measures 2 km and the second 3.4 km. Along these trails, as well as admiring the ancient lava flows, you can admire the silhouette of the volcano, Lake Arenal and the surrounding landscape from certain high vantage points. The park is also home to numerous animal species, which you may be lucky enough to spot on your walk. These include agoutis, coatis, grey foxes, anteaters, tapirs, monkeys and even felines such as cougars, pumas and ocelots, although the latter remain well off the beaten track. As for birds, over 500 species have been identified in the park, including magpies, woodpeckers, toucans and hummingbirds. In the Arenal volcano region, in addition to visiting the national park, you can enjoy a wide range of activities. There are numerous excursions on foot, mountain bike or even horseback. You can also go rafting and canyoning, cross suspension bridges or go zip-lining for the more adventurous. You'll also have the chance to see the Catarata de La Fortuna, an impressive waterfall over 7 metres high. Finally, if you want to relax a little, you can visit the thermal waters of Ecotermales or Tabacon. In a dream setting, you can bathe in waters heated naturally by the volcano, and even enjoy dinner on site. The town of La Fortuna is also a lively place where you'll find plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you entertained, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the volcano.