This National Park Has 2 Volcanos, Hot Springs, and Scenic Hiking Trails — and Now Is the Best Season to Visit

Rainforest. Hot springs. Jaguars. Active volcanoes. These different, yet related, sights are all found within the 30,000-acre expanse of Arenal National Park in north-central Costa Rica. Like much of the nation, Arenal National Park is renowned for its geologic and biological complexity. It is a place where you can experience the changing landscape.

At the park’s heart is the 5,357-foot Arenal Volcano, which is Costa Rica’s most active volcano. During the day, smoke billows from the peak, while at night, you can see red lava pouring down the mountain’s sheer slopes. The park’s second volcano, the inactive Chato Volcano collapsed thousands of years ago, creating a picturesque turquoise lagoon in its crater.

All that volcanic activity means that natural hot springs are prevalent within and outside the park. Two favorites include Tabacón Hot Springs, which is bisected by a thermal river that’s heated by the Arenal Volcano, and the terraced Titokú Hot Springs, which are surrounded by lush gardens.

But before you cocoon yourself in hot water from the Earth’s core, you’ll want to stretch your legs on one of the many trails that cut across lava fields and through rainforests. Las Coladas Trail is a fan favorite, allowing hikers to walk across ancient lava flows on a short, beginner-friendly hike. (Las Coladas Trail is less than a 1-mile round trip and takes an average of 20 minutes to complete.)

Hiking is also one of the best ways to spot Arenal National Park’s wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, jaguarundis, parrots, and tapir. Jaguars live in the park but are rarely seen.

Rafting is another popular way to explore the area. Near Arenal National Park are three main rivers, each with their own float offerings. Rafting trips on the Peñas Blancas River tend to be slow and calm, providing plenty of time to spot monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, while the Balsa River has calm stretches along with exposure to Class II and III rapids. The fastest-moving of the three rivers, the Toro River, has technical Class III and IV rapids. (Rapid classes vary from Class I, which is the lowest class with small waves, to Class VI where paddlers are at risk.)

The wonders of Arenal can be enjoyed year-round, but the weather is significantly more enjoyable in the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. (During the rainy season, the annual rainfall often averages between 3,500 and 5,000 millimeters — that’s 138 to 197 inches!)

Hot spring lovers might want to consider staying at The Springs Resort and Spa, which has a series of hot spring-fed pools and lagoons that are only available to guests and often have volcano views. The four-star Nayara Tented Camp is another great option. The glamping property has 29 tented suites with private decks and thermal plunge pools and was rated the best resort in Central America by Travel + Leisure readers for the fourth consecutive year.

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