Costa Rica Part 3 Arenal Volcano Itinerary: Majestic Arenal Volcano, Tours & La Fortuna

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Arenal: The Majestic Volcano and Hot Springs

📌 “This article is part of my 25-Day Costa Rica Travel Series.”

Arenal Volcano itinerary

Intro

My next stop was the legendary Arenal region—home to volcano hikes, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife, and some of the best adventure tours in the country. This phase of the trip combined natural beauty with organized excursions booked through TripAdvisor, giving me a seamless way to experience Costa Rica’s incredible landscapes.

After a couple of days of just relaxing around the hotel, I started looking at another tour for Arenal which is one of Costa Rica’s most famous destinations, known for its towering volcano, lush rainforests, and natural hot springs. I booked an overnight tour via TripAdvisor, which included a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, where I hiked the rain forest and enjoyed breathtaking views of the conical giant. Arenal’s geothermal activity also means an abundance of hot springs, and I spent the evening soaking at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa in naturally heated pools surrounded by tropical gardens.

My tour guide arrived at the hotel at 9 am and I was the only passenger for the day, which always make things a little bit more relaxed and more personal. Before arriving to Arenal, my driver made a stop at a most unusual but spectacular art gallery in what looked like the middle of the jungle. This place was cool.

Nestled within the lush rainforest near Arenal Volcano, Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offers a breathtaking way to experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity from a unique perspective—high above the forest floor. As I walked along the park’s well-maintained trails, I crossed a series of suspension bridges that provided stunning panoramic views of the jungle canopy. From this elevated vantage point, I spotted vibrant toucans, playful howler monkeys, and even a sloth lounging in the treetops. The misty, dense foliage combined with the distant rumble of the Arenal Volcano created an almost mystical atmosphere.

With each bridge swaying gently beneath my feet, I felt completely immersed in nature, gaining a newfound appreciation for the incredible ecosystems that thrive in Costa Rica’s rainforests. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a must-visit destination in the Arenal region.

After a day of exploration, I indulged in ultimate relaxation at Tabacón Thermal Hot Springs, a luxurious retreat fed by the volcano’s geothermal activity. The cascading thermal pools, set within a lush tropical garden, provided a serene escape, with mineral-rich waters offering both relaxation and rejuvenation. As I soaked beneath the starry sky, listening to the sounds of the rainforest, I felt completely immersed in the magic of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Outro

Arenal Volcano itinerary

This Arenal Volcano itinerary and La Fortuna were everything I expected—lush, adventurous, and breathtaking. Every day offered something new, from waterfalls to wildlife encounters. With the volcano region complete, it was time for the final chapter of my Costa Rica 25-day adventure: Tamarindo, one of the country’s most popular Pacific-side beach towns. In Part 4, I settle into resort life, beach relaxation, and easygoing coastal living.