_**One of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions, Arenal Volcano is a volcano located in Costa Rica. This volcano is situated in Central America, in the northwestern part of Costa Rica. However, you might just miss it on your next visit! You’re probably wondering how it’s possible to overlook a volcano that’s 1,600 meters high. The answer lies in the harsh weather conditions that shroud the volcano’s summit in clouds.

Arenal Volcano remained dormant for hundreds of years until 1968, when a major eruption occurred. For a time, it was one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Back then, you could watch lava flow down the volcano almost every night from your hotel room. But today, it has become much calmer. To explore the region, the best option is to stay in the small town at the foot of the volcano: La Fortuna.

SoGuide offers you some activities to do around this legendary volcano. **_

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

One of the main activities is visiting Arenal Volcano National Park. In addition to magnificent landscapes with lush vegetation, you’ll find various hiking trails of varying lengths but all fairly easy. These hikes will give you breathtaking views of the volcano.

A little further away, at Arenal 1968: a trail that takes you through the heart of the 1968 lava flow. However, it’s less touristy but more physically demanding (there’s quite a bit of elevation gain, and you’ll be walking on rocky terrain). From the trail’s summit, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding area.

Take the “Sky Tram” and zip-line back down Although the most popular spot for zip-lining is in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, there’s a site 45 minutes from La Fortuna where you can give it a try. The Sky Tram cable car takes you through the rainforest to an observation deck at 1,000 meters overlooking the volcano and Lake Arenal. You can then choose to return the same way or zip-line down along 11 different cables.

Volcano Arena

Horseback Riding to the La Fortuna Waterfall The 70-meter-high La Fortuna Waterfall is located a few kilometers from the town. The fastest and easiest way to get there is on horseback. The journey begins with a one-hour ride through pastures and the forest before you leave your horse. From there, you’ll cross a rope bridge and descend to the hot springs at the base of the waterfall, where you can take a dip.

Canyoning and rappelling at the waterfalls If the two previous activities seem a bit too laid-back for you, you can go on a canyoning and rappelling excursion. After a 30-minute 4x4 ride through the rainforest, you’ll be geared up to start rappelling and climbing the first of four waterfalls. It’s the tallest, at 165 m. Next, there are three more descents and a hike along the canyon floor.

Swimming in the hot springs of Arenal Volcano

There are several hot spring resorts in the vicinity of La Fortuna, including Baldi Hot Springs. There are 30 different natural pools in the rainforest where you can soak in water ranging from 35°C to 65°C. It’s a relaxing spot where you can soothe your aches and pains after a horseback ride or a canyon descent. These places will let you recharge while admiring this elusive volcano—if you’re really lucky.