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 totally 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 may expertise the altering panorama.

On the park’s coronary heart is the 5,357-foot Arenal Volcano, which is Costa Rica’s most lively volcano. In the course of the day, smoke billows from the height, whereas at night time, you may 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 sizzling 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 sizzling water from the Earth’s core, you’ll need 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 historical 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 also be among the best methods to spot Arenal Nationwide Park’s wildlife, together with howler monkeys, sloths, jaguarundis, parrots, and tapir. Jaguars reside within the park however are not often seen.

Rafting is one other common technique to discover the realm. Close to Arenal Nationwide Park are three primary 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 courses 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 could be loved year-round, however the climate is considerably extra satisfying in the dry season, which generally runs from December to April. (In the course of the wet season, the annual rainfall usually averages between 3,500 and 5,000 millimeters — that’s 138 to 197 inches!)

Sizzling spring lovers would possibly need to take into account staying at The Springs Resort and Spa, which has a sequence of sizzling spring-fed swimming pools and lagoons which can be solely accessible to friends and infrequently have volcano views. The four-star Nayara Tented Camp is one other nice possibility. The glamping property has 29 tented suites with non-public decks and thermal plunge swimming pools and was rated the most effective resort in Central America by Journey + Leisure readers for the fourth consecutive 12 months.