Arenal & Monteverde
Why go?
These 2 quite different regions, northwest of San José, are
deservedly popular among visitors. Close on the map, but up to 4
hours’ drive from each other in reality, they're often
visited together.
Arenal is the country’s most active volcano, providing
constant drama through plumes of smoke by day and cascades of red
hot lava by night. Bask in hot springs at the volcano’s feet,
then fly through the surrounding rainforest canopy along
zip-wires.
Monteverde cloudforest offers spectacular wildlife in 2 reserves
shrouded in mist atop steep mountains. Go bird-watching before
breakfast to spot the aptly named resplendent quetzal, and let your
expert guide reveal the rainforest’s secrets as you wander
along hanging bridges on a level with the treetops.