The Arenal area is one of the main attractions in Costa Rica due to the active volcano, as well as several other attractions nearby, including hot springs, waterfalls, and cloud forest trails. The small town of La Fortuna, which serves as a base for visiting the attractions in Arenal, has good facilities.

Arenal Volcano erupted in 1968, and has been active ever since. The level of activity varies from day to day and year to year, but at times there are very impressive displays of lava spewing from the volcano. The side of the volcano from which you can see the lava also changes from time to time, and currently the lava is visible on the western face of the volcano. The Arenal Volcano National Park is located on the western side of the volcano, allowing you to walk on trails through the old lava fields and in secondary forest. There is also a lookout from where you may be able to see lava flowing. Park rangers monitor the volcano’s activity to see which trails are safe.

Apart from the volcano, the main attractions in the area are the hot springs, heated by the volcanic activity. There are several springs in the area, of which the most extensive are the Tabacon Hot Springs. These very beautiful springs consist of many large and small pools of mineral waters set in tropical gardens. Hot water rivers, between 27ºC and 42ºC, run throughout the grounds, forming natural waterfalls and pools, some secluded, where you can bathe. The restaurant also has views towards the volcano, from where you may be able to see the red glow of the flowing lava.

The area around Arenal is very beautiful, with great views from the pretty Lake Arenal, formed in 1973 through the construction of a dam. There are also several acitivies in the nearby cloud forest, including hanging bridges and an aerial tram, although nearby Monteverde is probably better for this.