Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Region
Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Region Vacations
After flying into Liberia (LIR) or San José (SJO) airports, you begin your journey to the Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest regions. The areas of the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde are special ecological wonders, the perfect spots for the ultimate Costa Rica vacation and are best reached with the use of a rental car.
You can combine your visit to the Arenal Volcano/Monteverde area with a stay in either the cosmopolitan city of San José or the beach region of Guanacaste—or you can combine all 3 areas for a great Costa Rican adventure. If you'd like to combine 2 or 3 areas, contact a reservation agent for more information.
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The Springs Resort & Spa
Fortuna-Arenal
With spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, The Springs Resort & Spa provides the best in every aspect of quality, service, and design. This lavish, 165- acre boutique resort offers a variety of activities ranging from soaking in the 18 hot spring pools spanning over 4 acres of landscaped... Read more
Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens
Fortuna-Arenal
The Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is a world of comfort and style surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Make 1 of the 24 deluxe casitas home in this lush and verdant natural wonder, where simply waking up to the wondrous sight of the Arenal Volcano is an experience in itself. Read more
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde
Set on a private, 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve and within walking distance of the Butterfly Garden and the Ecological Farm. This family-owned, 155-room lodge offers a solar-heated pool and whirlpool, and a lake, as well as private cloud forest trails. Read more
Hotel Arenal Manoa
Fortuna-Arenal
A beautiful place to rest, relax, and enjoy the marvelous views of Arenal Volcano. The hotel is surrounded by gardens and pastures and each room offers a panoramic view of the volcano. Read more
Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Fortuna-Arenal
Volcano Lodge and Gardens is set within a tropical garden, offering panoramic views to Arenal Volcano and the lush tropical rainforest. This hotel is ideally located within close proximity to nearby hot springs, canopy tours, and other activities. Guests can also enjoy amenities at the... Read more
The areas around Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest are truly ecological wonders. You will hear the deep rumbling of the world's third most-active volcano as showers of lava fall from a distance. The base of the volcano is alive with comforting hot springs and soothing warm mud baths, making for a unique experience found nowhere else. The Monteverde cloud forest is Costa Rica's most internationally recognized ecotourism destination. An ecological wonder hundreds of feet up in the rainforest canopy, the cloud forest is home to an overwhelming number of flora and fauna, as well as colorful parrots, monkeys, sleek mountain cats, and a host of other breathtaking wildlife.
You can combine your visit to the Arenal Volcano/Monteverde area with a stay in either the cosmopolitan city of San Jose or the beach region of Guanacaste or you can combine all 3 areas for a great Costa Rican adventure. If you'd like to combine 2 or 3 areas, contact a reservation agent for more information.
Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Ecotourists
Jungle adventure amid some of the most unique flora and fauna anywhere is why Costa Rica is one of the planet's top destinations for out-of-this-world eco-vacations.
Adventure Seekers
The Arenal/Monteverde regions of Costa Rica are an adventurist's dream come true. Spouting lava flows, steep mountain hikes, high-flying zipline adventures, and countless ecological wonders are just a taste of some of the exhilarating activities found in these areas.
Families
Families can enjoy the expertly guided tours through the jungle in search of exciting plant and animal life native to the region, including colorful amphibians, tree-swinging monkeys, and leisurely moving sloths.
What's the climate like?
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | |
| Average High | 73° F | 72° F | 78° F | 77° F |
| Average Low | 59° F | 60° F | 62° F | 60° F |
| Average Rainfall | 0.4" | 0.5" | 11.3" | 13.1" |
Costa Rica's year-round average temperature is 76°F. Costa Rica has 2 seasons; Rainy and Green (May-Nov) and Dry (Dec-Apr). Temperatures are dictated more by elevation and location than by season.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers are not included with our packages to the Arenal Volcano/Monteverde area. A rental car is recommended.
Car
A rental car is a great way to see the countryside and explore on your own, if you aren't taking any tours. However, keep in mind that many of the roads in the Arenal Volcano area and Monteverde are in poor condition with potholes, unpaved areas, and sharp turns, which make travel times longer than what you may expect. Due to the terrain and weather, it is best to rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Make sure to check with your car insurance company about coverage in Costa Rica, and don't leave any valuables in your car at any time. Do your driving in daylight hours (before 6pm), as it is much easier to navigate.
Taxi
A taxi is another method of transportation for getting around if you didn't rent a car. Make sure to only take metered taxis and/or agree on the price before you get in. Your hotel can help you determine what the taxi fare should be to your intended destination.
Bus
Bus travel is not recommended.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
The food in Costa Rica is an eclectic blend of Caribbean, South American and native Indian cuisine. Dishes rely heavily on rice and beans, served to accompany various dishes. Bananas, succulent local fruits, and seafood remain popular staples throughout the region.
- Don Rufino
La Fortuna's most elegant restaurant, although still very casual. A popular tourist hangout, this restaurant serves up tasty local foods. - Rancho la Cascada
The tall, palm-thatched roof in the center of La Fortuna rises above the other buildings. This restaurant has a fun atmosphere, with a large TV upstairs and neon signs and flashing lights. Spacious dining area is home to mid-priced Costa Rican fare. - De Lucía
Lucía is a distinct restaurant with South American flair. The Chilean owner is eager to assist in choosing something from the elegant menu and is fluent in 5 languages. Entrees are served with grilled vegetables and succulent fried plantains. Monteverde - Sofía
Sofía is one of the most stylish restaurants in the Monteverde area, though dressing up is not necessary. Attentive waiters serve up several different main courses, accompanied by an extensive wine and cocktail list.
There isn't a lot of nightlife in the La Fortuna area, as people tend to turn in early. Those looking for some action will find it at Volcán Look Disco, which bills itself as the largest disco in Costa Rica, outside of San José. Pizzeria Vagabundo turns into a lively bar in the evening, complete with foosball and pool tables.
Where should I go shopping?
Costa Rica has yet to evolve into a shopping destination. For souvenirs, the shops in your hotel are the best bet. Things to look for are coffee, woodcarvings, wood salad bowls and platters, ceramics from central Guanacaste, wonderful reproductions of pre-Columbian jewelry, and crafts from Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.
Beside coffee, you can also purchase a coffee-creme liqueur called Café Rica; a line of salsas from Tipica Tropical Sauce; and a unique condiment, Salsa Lizano, that Costa Ricans use as steak sauce.When are the local events?
Bullfights
Various. Most towns have a permanent bullring (rondel), but some of them erect one for the fairs. In Tico (Costa Rican) bullfights, the bull is not harmed, though one might suspect he gets pretty irritated at times. The Costa Rican bullfight is more of an improvisation than an art, where the matadors scurry about, attempting to slap the bull between the horns. No harming of the animal is involved.
Fairs
Various. Costa Rica is famous for it fairs (ferias) It is almost guaranteed that some town, somewhere in Costa Rica is sponsoring one of these events just about every weekend year around. The one constant in every fair is the food. Most fairs offer truly excellent Costa Rica cooking.
Parades
Various. Parades are very popular in Costa Rica. The best ones are during November and December. These events are free to the public.
What are my sports and recreation options?
Hiking
The rainforests around Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde area are one of the Earth's most complex and important ecosystems to view wildlife, exotic plants, and spectacular waterfalls.
Horseback Riding
There's nothing like riding a sturdy horse through the rainforest. Let the horse lead you on an exciting journey through vibrant rainforests where unique flora and fauna unfold all around.
Kayaking
Depart from the delightful town of La Fortuna to enjoy a pleasant morning of kayaking on Lake Arenal with breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. On your trip you may observe different species of birds such as the "flycatcher," "kingfisher," "great blue heron," and "anhinga." Listen out for the disconcerting roar of the Howler monkeys.
Windsurfing/Kiteboarding
Take advantage of Lake Arenal's gracious winds and surf along beautiful blue waters, while enjoying superb vistas of the region's mountains. For the seriously adventurous, turn to the high-octane sport of kiteboarding, and get whisked high above the waves for some heart-pumping fun.
Travel tidbits
Must see spots
Tabacón Hot Springs
At Tabacón Hot Springs, enjoy natural thermal springs with a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. Make sure to bring a swimsuit, or wear one under your clothes.
Arenal Volcano
Enjoy viewing stations around Arenal Volcano. Watch as lava slides down the sides of this impressive and lively crater. On a clear evening you can see rocks spewing skyward and molten lava rolling down its sides. Arenal has been in a constant state of activity—eruptions, accompanied by thunderous rumbling sounds, are sometimes as frequent as one per hour.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. In this cloudforest there are more than 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants including 420 kinds of orchids.
Important Tips
Alcohol
No alcohol is served the two days before Easter and the two days before and after a presidential election.
Clothing
You wouldn't think of it, going to the tropics, but if you are planning to go to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, it's advised to bring a jacket. The elevation is around 10,000 feet and it can get quite cool. A rain jacket is a must, remember you are going to a cloud forest.
Cash vs. Travelers Checks
It is advised to bring cash, not travelers checks to Costa Rica. Some large hotels will refuse them or will only give you $25 cash because the banks often take a month to pay on them. Smaller hotels and merchants won't touch them, so it's really not worth bringing them. Plus, lines at banks to cash them can also be quite long—not something you want to spend your time doing on vacation. Cash or credit cards work best.
Driving
Driving in Costa Rica can tend to be a bit more of an adventure than in other vacation spots. Roads are often in disrepair and often warrant a 4-wheel drive vehicle. If they are paved, the road markings seem to be more of a suggestion, rather than the law and many roads are not marked at all. Watch out for people on bicycles and walking down roadways as well; pedestrians share the roads equally with cars.
Good to Know
| Airport Name: 3-letter Code: |
Daniel Oduber International Airport – Liberia Juan Santamaría International Airport – San José LIR (Liberia) SJO (San José ) |
| Best Weather: | November - May |
| Best Values: | June - October |
| Currency: | Costa Rican colon or colones (plural) |
| Language: | Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, although many people speak English, especially in tourist areas. |
| Time Zone: | Costa Rica is in the Central Time Zone. Costa Rica does not adapt to Daylight Saving Time, so during that time (April – October) the time is one hour later than Central Time. |
| Proof of Citizenship: | Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| Tipping: | A 10% service charge is usually added to the bill (or included in the prices on the menu). If you aren't sure if it has been added, ask. Additional tipping is not expected, but if the service has been especially good, some people leave a little extra. |
| Dress: | Dress in the Arenal/Monteverde area is very casual, with dressing up reserved for visiting churches. |
For questions about Honeymoons, call 1-866-238-5378
Honeymoons in Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Region
Choose the ecotourism hotspot of the Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Region for your Costa Rica honeymoon. Delta Vacations makes it easy for you to get away with one of our special honeymoon packages, you'll receive fabulous complimentary amenities available at your resort, such as room upgrades, a bottle of sparkling wine in your room upon arrival, and more.*
Upon check-in at your resort, you'll need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
Costa Rica Honeymoon Vacations Include:
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| *Complimentary amenities vary by resort. **All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Bonus miles do not count towards Medallion status or Million Miler status. Please allow 6-8 weeks after qualification for miles to be posted to your account. | ||
Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
The Springs Resort & Spa
Fortuna-Arenal
With spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, The Springs Resort & Spa provides the best in every aspect of quality, service, and design. This lavish, 165- acre boutique resort offers a variety of activities ranging from soaking in the 18 hot spring pools spanning over 4 acres of landscaped... Read more
Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens
Fortuna-Arenal
The Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is a world of comfort and style surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Make 1 of the 24 deluxe casitas home in this lush and verdant natural wonder, where simply waking up to the wondrous sight of the Arenal Volcano is an experience in itself. Read more
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Region:
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