Volcanoes & Cloud Forests

Costa Rica

With its impressive waterfalls, La Fortuna is the jumping-off point on route to the very much live Arenal volcano, one of the absolute highlights of a trip to Costa Rica. This colossal mountain is only visible if the weather conditions are in your favour, so while it is always a gamble as to whether Arenal will be shrouded in mist, on a clear day the mountain is simply stunning, with plumes of smoke hovering above it.

For obvious safety reasons it’s not possible to scale the volcano itself, however there are a number of hiking trails around the base that can be explored on foot or horseback. The National Park is also home to thirteen hanging bridges boasting spectacular views, and the more adventurous can explore the canopy by zip wire. Rafting, canyoning and mountain biking are just a few of the other activities that you can do in the surrounding area – and the best way to finish off an action packed day is to relax in Arenal’s thermal waters – Original Travel can recommend the best spot for this so you’re not having to share your hot spring with the masses.

Near the volcano is the largest lake in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal, big enough for windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing. A 30 minute trip in a small motorboat across the lake followed by a car journey brings you to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which was set up by the Quakers who settled here in the mid 20th Century. This high elevation forest offers miles of trails, walkways and hanging bridges with excellent opportunities for bird watching; the resplendent Quetzal can be spotted up here between January and July.

Alternatively you can explore the trails around San Ramon, closer to the Central Valley, which is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. Here you can see the cigar making process in action – at one point this used to be one of the main exports in Costa Rican history.

Testimonials

Don't take our word for it...

The experience for my family was a once in a lifetime one.

Frances

Also Try


	Family Costa Rica Costa Rica Costa Rica is very much a pioneer of eco-tourism, and fully a quarter of the country is protected as reserves and national parks that make perfect adventure playgrounds for children and parents alike.
	Tortuguero National Park Costa Rica On Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park protects one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America.
	Osa Peninsula Costa Rica On the Pacific coast of south-western Costa Rica, The Osa Peninsula is home to more than 400 species of birds and more than 100 species each of amphibians and mammals.
	Central Valley Costa Rica Any holiday to Costa Rica will begin and end in the heart of the country; the Central Valley, home to about three quarters of the country’s residents.
	Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica A trip to Costa Rica isn’t complete without an escape to the beach. Fortunately, there is no shortage to choose from, with both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts on offer.