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What A Fortune!
ARENAL IS MUCH MORE THAN A VOLCANO.
Distinctive landscapes, a full list of activities and
attractions, beautiful thermal spas, a majestic active volcano, multiple
opportunities for animal interactions, several types of forests, the largest
lake in Costa Rica, a multitude of waterfalls and exuberant gardens are just
some of what Arenal offers to make you fall in love with it. And the list goes
on and on…
The action in the area is centered in the town of La
Fortuna, which has been transformed from a quiet cattle-raising community into
a dynamic tourist pole over the last 30 years. This pole also includes the
shore of Lake Arenal, the Arenal National Park, the town of El Castillo and the
slopes of the Arenal volcano where many resorts, restaurants and tourist
attractions can be found.
Since the 80’s, several of the “haciendas” (ranches),
many with thermal hot springs on their land have been converted into hotels or
spas. In turn, what used to be the usual cattle rancher quickly became a
tourist entrepreneur.
Despite the vast differences in the two occupations
they quickly learned. These men, country folk with an understanding and vision
for the future, have managed the abundant beauty of the place in a respectful
manner and have given life to a very hospitable, sustainable and efficient
tourism platform.
Asdrúbal Villegas of the local Chamber of Tourism
(CATUZON) explains that one of the key factors in La Fortuna is just that. “Over 90% of the hotel and service operations are in
the hands of Costa Rican entrepreneurs with local roots. That is why the
subject of environmental and social sustainability has developed here in such a
natural and spontaneous manner. We grew
up here and we want our grandkids to get to see and enjoy this in the future.”
In addition to the volcano, the lake and the national
park, there are dozens of other attractions in the area.
Exuberant flora and
fauna, adventure tours and restful activities highlight just some of the great
recreation that is available in conjunction with good service and amazing
views.
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Arenal National Park
This 29,959 acre
National Park is the heart of the Arenal-Tilaran Conservation Area, which in
total protects some 222,400 acres of forest in the areas of Monteverde, Arenal,
Tenorio and Miravalles. The varied topography of Arenal´s 4 different types of
forests (Pre-mountainous
Humid, Rainy Mountainous, Tropical Humid and Lower Mountainous Rainy) greatly enriches the
range of biodiversity and landscapes offered. It is easy to take hikes thanks to excellent trails and available tour
guides. There is a plethora of flora
and fauna varieties to be seen in addition to very close views of the volcano. |
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Arenal Lake
It used to be a smaller
lagoon until the surrounding area was flooded to create a hydroelectric plant
in the 1970’s. Thanks to a dam, the
influx from 4 rivers and several streams the small lagoon grew to 34 sq. miles
in just three years. Currently, the lake
is one of the main attractions as tourists and locals alike enjoy sport
fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddle and boat tours. The lake is
located just 10.5 miles from La Fortuna and 4 miles from the volcano.
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Arenal Volcano (5,358 feet)
Less than 3000 years
old, it is considered a very young volcano. Curiously, it was believed to be inactive until it’s eruption in 1968,
which also triggered an explosion of tourism. First it started with groups of scientists who came to study the volcano
and later with an influx of amateurs and the curious at heart. These first tourists began to spread the news
about the beauty and exuberance of the area and since the 1980’s the volcano
has been one of the major tourist attractions in the country. It’s most recent eruption was in 1992
although it continues to release some lava and fumaroles on a daily basis. |
Hotsprings
With
close to 10 different thermal centers and most hotels boasting spas and hot
water pools, Arenal is an area where relaxation fanatics are sure to feel 100%
satisfied. |
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Adventure
For
those seeking adventure, everything imaginable can be found here: Rafting on several rivers, countless canopy
tours, bungee jumping, climbing to a sleeping volcano (Cerro Chato), cave tours, four wheeler trails, horseback
rides, canyoning, tubing and mountain biking, all of which added to the already
mentioned lake activities, create a list of inexhaustible options. |
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Animal Contact
In addition to the sighting of a large variety of mammals, birds and
reptiles in their natural habitat, there are many places with frogs, serpents,
birds, crocodiles, butterflies and other insects on exhibit. The Arenal area is a great location for
animal contact and a perfect site for photography lovers. The list of mammals includes tapirs, jaguars,
tepezcuintles, deer, wild boars, coatis and 3 varieties of primates (White-headed Capuchin, Mantled Howler and
Spider monkeys). Among the birds: macaws, several types of
parrots, woodpeckers, orioles and hummingbirds stand out, as well as the famous
quetzals.
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La Fortuna
This
town is the strategic center and the heart of tourism in the area. There are
dozens of restaurants, hotels with great views of the volcano and all the
services and amenities one might need.Its proximity to the volcano and the lake make La Fortuna an urban oasis with
the style of an authentic tourist town. Its residents proudly care for its church and central park filled with
beautiful gardens, with an imposing view of the volcano as the backdrop.
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Waterfalls
Several
waterfalls in the area compliment the forest landscape and provide the opportunity
for a refreshing dip during various different tours. The La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most
impressive and also one of the most popular outings in the area.
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Caño Negro Refuge
This
refuge is composed of 24,710 acres protecting the basin of the rivers Barranca
and Ciruelas. This area has the reputation of being the most biodiverse site in
Costa Rica, where it’s easy to observe alligators, sloths, turtles, monkeys,
iguanas and an extensive diversity of birds.
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Venado Caves
The Venado Caves (Deer Caves) are a network of
tunnels, vaults and corridors that in total extends over 8,202 ft. The traversable 2,600 ft. route is quite
humid so be careful with your camera. The cave trails take you through a subterranean estuary with water
dripping from above, and passages through narrow stretches, climbing rocks and
small waterfalls. By the limestone rock
formations one can find evidence of fossils and traces of corals formed over 30
million years ago, when Central America and these caves were still under the
ocean. |
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El Castillo area
This
small village, tucked away between the lake and dense forests is made up of eco-lodges, restaurants,
ranches and several tourist attractions worth visiting. One can arrive over land or by crossing the
lake on a boat. El Castillo offers nice views of the lake and the volcano and
excellent opportunities for encounters with animals and rural tourism. As a lodging locale it’s perfect for those
looking for a quiet, tranquil stay.
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In the Arenal area there is rain practically every day
of the year, particularly in the mornings.
However, due to the temperature that wavers between
72°and 83° Fahrenheit in the shade, the rain is really not uncomfortable.
With over 100 hotels, this area has a very wide array
of lodging options, ranging from $20 to $300 per night. The same goes for tours, which start from as
low as $10.
This means that one’s budget will not be
prohibitive…there are options available for all income levels.
Or as they proudly say around here… ‘‘There is
Fortune for everyone!”
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