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

Rainforest. Scorching 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 evening, 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 1000’s of years in the past, making a picturesque turquoise lagoon in its crater. 

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

However earlier than you cocoon your self in sizzling water from the Earth’s core, you’ll wish to stretch your legs on one of many many trails that reduce 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 mean of 20 minutes to finish.)

Mountain climbing can be among the finest methods to spot Arenal Nationwide Park’s wildlife, together with howler monkeys, sloths, jaguarundis, parrots, and tapir. Jaguars reside within the park however are hardly ever seen.

Rafting is one other standard approach to discover the world. Close to Arenal Nationwide Park are three important rivers, every with their very own float choices. Rafting journeys on the Peñas Blancas River are typically sluggish 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 range from Class I, which is the bottom class with small waves, to Class VI the place paddlers are in danger.)

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

Scorching spring lovers may wish to take into account staying at The Springs Resort and Spa, which has a collection of sizzling spring-fed swimming pools and lagoons which can be solely out there to visitors and sometimes 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 very best resort in Central America by Journey + Leisure readers for the fourth consecutive yr.