Get Active in Arenal
Arenal is the adventure capital of Costa Rica. There's more to see and do around here than just about anywhere else in the country.
Many people think, at first, that Arenal is about seeing a perfect volcano (which is true) and enjoying the natural hot springs heated by said perfect volcano (also very true!). But they soon learn, after contacting our expert travel consultants, about the vast array of adventures and activities available in the area, and why we call it Costa Rica's adventure capital.
Zip line canopy tours, rappelling, rafting, river tubing, hiking, biking, extreme hiking, kayaking, lake fishing, stand up paddle boarding, horseback riding, ATV tours, and caving. All these activities and much, much more are available around the rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls of this part of Costa Rica.
A Paradise for Thrill-Seekers
Let's take a deeper dive into what you can do and how you can spend your time in the Arenal Volcano area.
Hiking is a good place to start. Many of the hiking trails around Arenal and La Fortuna area feature hanging bridges suspended high in the forest canopy. Perfect for observing monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Some hikers hire a guide, while others explore on their own. The advantage of a guide is that they know where to look and can often point out wildlife you'd never see otherwise.
If you're looking for more adventure, try an ATV tour and rip-roar through the countryside. Costa Rica's signature canopy zip line tours are well represented in Arenal, too, as are more low-key aerial tram tours.
If that doesn't give you a rush, then maybe waterfall rappelling in hidden rainforest canyons will! Or a spot of cave spelunking deep underground, in search of stalagmites and stalactites.
Are you looking for more exercise? Rent a mountain bike and hit some challenging jungle trails. Or check out some of the incredible whitewater rafting expeditions available in the Arenal area, ranging from from easy class ones and two to challenging fours.
Relaxation in Arenal
After pounding your body with physical adventures, you'll want time to sit back and chill. Arenal offers plenty of opportunities to ease sore muscles and relax racing minds.
Luxuriate in the hot, bubbling mineral waters of Arenal's many hot springs, each heated by the power of the ever-present volcano, and let the heat knead out the kinks and melt away any stress.
Choose the hot springs that work best for you, from party places with music and swim-up bars to family friendly springs with waterslides and secluded pools for a quieter experience. Our travel consultants will guide you to the best places.
Many of our Arenal Volcano hotels have their own hot springs to make this type of relaxation even more accessible and easy.
There are also some pretty spectacular spas in Arenal, again possibly in your hotel. Many spas and wellness centers use healing volcanic mud in their treatments.
If you need to stretch yourself, you'll also find yoga and other fitness classes to fit your needs.
FAQs About Things to do in Arenal, Costa Rica
There are plenty of things to do in Arenal - it's the adventure capital of Costa Rica! Volcano hiking, mountain biking, caving, white water rafting, and rappelling are just a few.
We suggest three days minimum, but you can easily spend five days or more with the amount of activities available. But remember to take some time out for the beach!
If you love nature and adventure, then Arenal is certainly worth visiting. It's one of the most-visited part of Costa Rica - included in the vast majority of our itineraries - for a reason.
Primarily Arenal is known for its perfect, cone-shaped volcano that looms over the entire area. But that's only a tiny part of it. It's now the adventure center of Costa Rica with more activities to enjoy than just about anywhere else in the country.
