Arenal & the Cloud Forest

Volcano mornings and cloud forest afternoons, linked by the boat crossing over Lake Arenal rather than the long road around it. The introduction to Costa Rica most people should have.

Day by day

1. 1

   1

   Arrival

   Met at San José and driven to a highland coffee estate for the first night. Short, gentle, and it puts you ahead of the traffic.

2. 2

   2

   North to La Fortuna

   Through Sarchí and the Cordillera to Arenal. Afternoon free; the volcano usually clears around five.

3. 3

   3

   Volcano and hanging bridges

   Old lava flow trails inside Arenal Volcano National Park, then the canopy bridges. Evening in the thermal rivers at Tabacón.

4. 4

   4

   Río Celeste

   A day into Tenorio Volcano National Park for the blue river and the waterfall. Roughly three hours on foot, worth every step.

5. 5

   5

   Across the lake

   Boat across Lake Arenal with the volcano behind you, then the climb to Monteverde. Afternoon in the Santa Elena reserve.

6. 6

   6

   Cloud forest

   Early into Monteverde with a naturalist — quetzals are about between February and May. Afternoon at a family cheese dairy or a night walk.

7. 7

   7

   Return

   Down the mountain to San José or straight to the coast if you are continuing.

Why it works

• Lake Arenal boat crossing instead of the four-hour road
• Río Celeste on a weekday, before the tour buses
• Private naturalist in Monteverde at opening