This Nationwide Park Has 2 Volcanos, Sizzling Springs, and Scenic Mountain climbing Trails — and Now Is the Finest Season to Go to

Rainforest. Sizzling springs. Jaguars. Energetic volcanoes. These completely different, but associated, sights are all discovered inside the 30,000-acre expanse of Arenal Nationwide Park in north-central Costa Rica. Like a lot of the nation, Arenal Nationwide Park is famend for its geologic and organic complexity. It’s a place the place you’ll be able to expertise the altering panorama.

On the park’s coronary heart is the 5,357-foot Arenal Volcano, which is Costa Rica’s most energetic volcano. Through the day, smoke billows from the height, whereas at night time, you’ll be able to see pink lava pouring down the mountain’s sheer slopes. The park’s second volcano, the inactive Chato Volcano collapsed hundreds of years in the past, making a picturesque turquoise lagoon in its crater. 

All that volcanic exercise implies that pure scorching springs are prevalent inside and outdoors the park. Two favorites embody Tabacón Sizzling Springs, which is bisected by a thermal river that’s heated by the Arenal Volcano, and the terraced Titokú Sizzling Springs, that are surrounded by lush gardens.

However earlier than you cocoon your self in scorching water from the Earth’s core, you’ll wish to stretch your legs on one of many many trails that minimize throughout lava fields and thru rainforests. Las Coladas Path is a fan favourite, permitting hikers to stroll throughout historic lava flows on a brief, beginner-friendly hike. (Las Coladas Path is lower than a 1-mile spherical journey and takes a median of 20 minutes to finish.)

Mountain climbing can be probably the greatest methods to spot Arenal Nationwide Park’s wildlife, together with howler monkeys, sloths, jaguarundis, parrots, and tapir. Jaguars dwell within the park however are not often seen.

Rafting is one other fashionable option to discover the realm. Close to Arenal Nationwide Park are three major rivers, every with their very own float choices. Rafting journeys on the Peñas Blancas River are usually gradual and calm, offering loads of time to identify monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, whereas the Balsa River has calm stretches together with publicity to Class II and III rapids. The fastest-moving of the three rivers, the Toro River, has technical Class III and IV rapids. (Speedy lessons differ from Class I, which is the bottom class with small waves, to Class VI the place paddlers are in danger.)

The wonders of Arenal might be loved year-round, however the climate is considerably extra pleasant in the dry season, which usually runs from December to April. (Through the wet season, the annual rainfall typically averages between 3,500 and 5,000 millimeters — that’s 138 to 197 inches!)

Sizzling spring lovers may wish to take into account staying at The Springs Resort and Spa, which has a collection of scorching spring-fed swimming pools and lagoons which might be solely accessible to company and infrequently have volcano views. The four-star Nayara Tented Camp is one other nice choice. The glamping property has 29 tented suites with non-public decks and thermal plunge swimming pools and was rated the very best resort in Central America by Journey + Leisure readers for the fourth consecutive yr.