Arenal and the north holidays
Arenal and the north holidays at a glance
The cone-shaped Arenal Volcano dominates the landscape here, rising from a skirt of thick forest above the waters of Lake Arenal. It hasn’t erupted since 2010, but the surrounding conservation area remains one of Costa Rica’s richest: astonishingly, it protects around half the known species of birds, mammals and reptiles in the entire country.
La Fortuna, once a quiet, unremarkable town, now serves as the main gateway to the region, with easy access to Arenal Volcano National Park, wildlife reserves and outdoor activities. Rich volcanic soils support dense vegetation and diverse ecosystems, and the area’s geothermal activity means Costa Rica hot springs are never far away, offering a relaxing counterpoint to the more adventurous pursuits on offer, from waterfall abseiling to caving.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Arenal and the north
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Arenal and Northern Costa Rica combine volcanoes, rainforest, hot springs and abundant wildlife, offering some of the country’s best for adventure and nature.
When to visit Arenal and the north
Arenal can be visited throughout the year, with changing conditions creating different experiences across the seasons.
The peak season for visiting this region of cloud forest is from the end of December to the end of April, when rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are at their highest (30-32°C).
Although the rains become heavier in June right through until October, this brings the benefit of the ‘green season’ when the vegetation is at its most verdant and lush. Temperatures remain high throughout the period (29-30°C) and humidity is at its lowest.
Top Things to do in Arenal and the north
Arenal offers an ideal combination of adventure, wildlife and relaxation, making it one of Costa Rica’s most diverse destinations.
Descend a jungle gorge with ropes, dipping in and out of the torrential cascades of waterfalls.
Mountain bike along the north shore of Lake Arenal for views of rolling hills and rainforest.
Climb through primary forest to reach the lake at the summit of Cerro Chato volcano before heading down to the waterfall of La Fortuna.
Cross wobbly hanging bridges on a 3km trail through the tropical rainforest.
Bathe in steaming pools of naturally warm water set into a verdant river gorge.
Take a refreshing dip directly beneath the flume of a 70m waterfall in a rainforest setting.
Explore the channels and lagoons of a rich marshland ecosystem.
Visit the famous national parks and lesser-known private nature reserves of Costa Rica.
Accommodation in Arenal and the north
Accommodation options range from eco-lodges and boutique rainforest properties to luxury resorts with volcano views and thermal springs. Many lodges are immersed in nature, allowing you to experience wildlife and rainforest scenery directly from your accommodation.
Beautiful accommodation in an ideally-located lodge overlooking Arenal volcano.
Luxurious, multi-award-winning resort with a relaxed and rustic air, outstanding views of Arenal volcano and extensive grounds sheltering secluded, unashamedly romantic cottages.
This working farm in northern Costa Rica dates from the late 19th century with ranch-style accommodation and a range of outdoor pursuits.
One of the world’s leading boutique hotels Nayara Springs villas is a luxury retreat for couples in the lush foliage of Arenal Volcano National Park.
This contemporary lodge has a beautiful location in dwarf forest shading a river canyon, offering active adventures and thermal pools.
Bright, comfortable lodge with two pools in a great location overlooked by Arenal volcano.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Arenal and the north
Discover our range of holidays taking in the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Group Arenal and the north Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Tanager: Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest
12 days from £3,443
Tailor-Made Arenal and the north Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Osa Peninsula
13 days from £4,565
Explore and Relax in Costa Rica: Volcanoes to the beach
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
11 days from £4,100
Luxury adventures in Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north
8 days from £3,850
Mini Adventures in Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
15 days from £4,350
Self-drive Costa Rica: Coast to coast adventures
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
14 days from £2,400
Signature Costa Rica: The natural highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
12 days from £3,450
Signature: Best of Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north · Rio San Juan · Granada · Ometepe Island
12 days from £3,100
Value Costa Rica: The essential highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Pacific coast
12 days from £1,900
FAQs about visiting Arenal and the north
Arenal and the north is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Arenal?
If good weather is your priority, choose the dry season Dec – Apr when there is plenty of sun. The green (i.e. rainy) season is quieter in terms of number of visitors. La Fortuna, at 1,150m, has a pleasant climate with temperatures averaging 15-25°C.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in Arenal?
The main language spoken in Arenal is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Arenal?
The Colón is the main currency used in Arenal. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in La Fortuna using a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. If you are not going to the town of La Fortuna, bring your cash with you from San Jose.
- What is the time difference between Arenal and the UK?
The time difference between Arenal and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with Arenal?
A beach wind-down at Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast, or Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula: each 5hrs by road; Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, for excellent bird watching, 3 hours by boat and bumpy road. Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even winding ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others require 4WD vehicles.
- How do I get to Arenal?
Fly by light aircraft from San Jose, or travel by road from the capital which will take approximately 3.5 hours.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.