Absolutely no trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting this spectacular region! While La Fortuna is the main town in the area, Arenal refers to the general area in the region. The region is named after the volcano that is visible from almost anywhere. Up until 2010, it was Costa Rica’s most active volcano! You’ll have no problem getting in touch with nature here. Here is how to spend a day in Arenal, Costa Rica!
Stay at the Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort
For a home base while spending a day in Arenal, Costa Rica, I can think of no better place than the Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort! It is located here, about 15 minutes outside of La Fortuna and secluded on a (secured) back road in the middle of the jungle. We woke up to the sights and sounds of exotic birds, frogs, and other wildlife. All of their rooms are villa style, which makes it feel really private and luxurious. I loved spending mornings watching the sunrise on the private lanai with gorgeous flowers surrounding! The rest of the property is just as stunning, with a huge infinity pool, restaurants, and EIGHT luxurious hot springs! It felt like we were staying in a private country club. We could have easily spent and entire day at the resort just enjoying their amenities! It really was a luxurious!
Start your day bright and early with their complementary breakfast buffet. This spread included everything from local dishes, to items more familiar to their US visitors. Freshly squeezed juices, build-your-own omelette station, fresh breads and fruits and more all await. It’s the perfect fuel for a long day ahead!
Morning river tubing at Club Rio
After fueling up, make your way over to Club Rio inside the luxurious The Springs Resort. Club Rio is a subset of the resort that offers dozens of different adventures and activities in the valley. River rafting, tubing, or horseback riding are just a few of the activities here! We booked a morning river tubing excursion, which was such a blast!
Upon arrival at the resort, we were shuttled down to Club Rio (located on the Arenal River) to gear up and set off down the river. We got fitted for life jackets and helmets, jumped on a quick bus ride down to the river to set off on our tubes! We rode down the Arenal River through Class I and II rapids! The ride was about an hour total, broken up into two sessions with a short break in between. It was a perfect thrill for this non-thrill seeker and I felt perfectly safe the entire time.
Tip: don’t forget your water shoes, and it’s recommended to wear long sleeves to avoid abrasion from the life jackets and tubes!
Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
Next, make your way into the jungle with a hike at Mistico Park! Their hanging bridges walk is not to be missed on your day in Arenal, Costa Rica! Reservations are required in advance, and can be made by clicking here and clicking Book Now. I’d recommend the self-guided walk, which will take you along a ~2.2 mile hike through the jungle. You’ll pass over several hanging suspension bridges, over rivers, past waterfalls, and get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. A ton of diverse wildlife also awaits! We saw many monkeys, birds, and even a hard-working ant colony. Be mindful that the walk is pretty strenuous at times, with steep inclines and declines. The entire walk took us about 2 hours, which included times to rest and observe wildlife!
Tip: Closed-toed shoes are required to visit Mistico Park’s hanging bridges!
Relax with a day pass at The Springs Resort
When booking your ticket to go river tubing at Club Rio, you also have the option to add on a day pass to The Springs Resort. We went back and forth on this, but ultimately were so happy we did! The Springs is a luxurious, five-star resort that has been visited by celebrities like Beyoncé, the Kardashians, and was even featured on The Bachelor! After an adventurous day, there was nothing better than to kick back at the resort for a few hours. The infinity pool boasts head-on views of Arenal Volcano and is a million-dollar view. Relax and enjoy the last few hours of daylight while sipping on a cocktail from the pool bar. Once golden hour hits, take advantage by doing a quick photoshoot and watch the sun set over the volcano.
Dinner at La Saca
After a perfect day mixed with relaxation adventure, head back to the Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort for dinner at La Saca. La Saca is an open-air restaurant right on site that, before sundown, boasts incredible straight-on views of the Arenal Volcano. After dark, we enjoyed looking out at the dark sky and the bright, clear stars that lit up the sky. Their menu consists of a blend of local and international dishes and there is something for everyone. I opted for the ribeye, which was delicious. We of course had to split a couple of desserts, which were eccentric and tasty! It was so relaxing to be able to enjoy a great meal in a beautiful setting right on property!
Evening dip in the hot springs
After a jam-packed day and refueling, an evening dip in hot springs is just what the doctor ordered. Soothe those aching legs and relax! Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort has 8 hot springs right on property that are a short walk from the central pool and restaurant area. They range in sizes so you can choose to settle into a small one and enjoy some solitude, or make some friends in larger springs. All of the hot springs range in temperature from 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re beautifully manicured and lined with large, smooth stones that make for an authentic experience. All of the hot springs are heated by the (now dormant) Arenal Volcano and contain sulphate and magnesium that provide countless health benefits.
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