3-Day Itinerary for Arenal Volcano

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration

Morning: Arrival in San Jose

• Arrive in San Jose. Both times we rented cars, first from Budget and then from Enterprise. We found Enterprise to be cheaper this time, and their shuttle service to the airport was extremely convenient and only 5 minutes away.

Drive to Arenal

• From San Jose, the drive to Arenal Volcano is approximately 3 hours. If you're arriving from Liberia, it's around 2.5 hours.

Check-in and Relaxation

• July 2021 Stay: We stayed at Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa. The highlight was their extensive hot spring pools which provided a perfect relaxation spot.
• April 2024 Stay: We stayed at Hotel Lavas Tacotal. This hotel offered breathtaking views of the volcano and was a peaceful retreat.

Afternoon: La Fortuna Waterfall Hike

• On our second visit, we hiked to La Fortuna Waterfall with our toddler. The hike is about 500 steps down, making it accessible yet exciting. The waterfall's cool waters were refreshing and a big hit with our toddler.

Evening: Dinner and Hot Springs

• Dinner Recommendation: Enjoy dinner at Awu Maki Restaurant, known for its delicious fusion cuisine.
• Free Public Hot Springs: Visit the free public hot springs at the Tabacon River. Though we missed this on both visits, it's highly recommended for a natural hot spring experience without the cost.

Day 2: Adventure and Nature Exploration

Morning: Arenal Volcano National Park Hike

• Las Coladas Trail: This 2 km trail leads to the remnants of a 1992 lava flow, offering unique experiences of walking on cooled lava and scenic views.
• El Ceibo Trail: This 1.8 km trail features impressive trees and lush scenery.

Afternoon: Arenal 1968 Trail and Cafeteria

• Arenal 1968 Trail: We visited this trail on our first visit. It's a private park offering over 30 km of hiking trails with views of the 1968 lava flow.

• Arenal 1968 Cafeteria: Accessible via the Lava Flow trail or directly by paying a $7 entrance fee for parking. The cafeteria is known for its scenic beauty, providing one of the best views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying snacks or drinks. We even saw monkeys there during one of our visits.

Evening: Hot Springs and Relaxation

• Return to your hotel for a soak in the hot springs. Baldi Hot Springs Hotel offers a variety of thermal pools, while Lavas Tacotal provides a serene environment to unwind.

Day 3: Family Fun and Exploration

Morning: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

• We visited Mistico Park with our toddler. The hanging bridges offer stunning views and an easy-to-moderate trail suitable for families. For an additional $12 fee, you can rent a stroller at Mistico Park to make the visit more enjoyable. We recommend starting early for the best wildlife sightings.

Afternoon: Water Park Fun

• Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the Kalambu Hot Springs water park in La Fortuna. This family-friendly park features slides, pools, and a range of water activities that are perfect for cooling off and providing a lighter, more leisurely experience after the more intense hiking adventures of the previous days.

Evening: Shopping and Departure

• Gift Shopping: Stop by the large Souvenir Store in San Carlos for souvenirs They offer a wide range of local crafts and gifts.
• Travel to Next Destination: Depending on your travel plans, you can continue exploring other parts of Costa Rica. Whether heading to the beaches of the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, the cloud forests of Monteverde, or returning to San Jose or Liberia for your flight, make sure to plan your route and travel time accordingly.

Additional Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (December to April) is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The rainy season (May to November) offers lush landscapes but be prepared for showers.
• Car Rental: Both Budget and Enterprise offer convenient services. Enterprise was more economical on our second visit.
• Dining: La Fortuna offers a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best places to eat in La Fortuna:
  • Awu Maki: This restaurant stands out for its fusion of Japanese and Costa Rican flavors. The sushi and other dishes are a hit with both locals and tourists.
• Soda La Hormiga: For an authentic Costa Rican experience, visit this local soda. They serve traditional dishes like casado and gallo pinto at very affordable prices.
• Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge with on site Restaurant: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The menu features organic and locally sourced ingredients.
• Additional Activities: La Fortuna offers various activities, including horseback riding, zip-lining, white-water rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, ATV tours, birdwatching, cultural and coffee tours, fishing, canyoning and waterfall rappelling which provide unique ways to explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy thrilling adventures.

This itinerary combines our personal experiences with essential activities and tips for visiting Arenal Volcano, ensuring a memorable trip for families and adventure seekers alike.