Arenal Volcano, CR

Arenal enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, but each season offers different experiences:

• December–April (Dry Season): Best for clear volcano views, outdoor adventures, and sunny days.
• May–August (Green Season): Ideal for lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and better wildlife spotting.
• September–November (Low Season): Great for budget travelers, but expect rainier days.

• Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike through lava fields and rainforest trails with stunning volcano views.
• La Fortuna Waterfall: A 200-foot waterfall surrounded by lush jungle, perfect for swimming.
• Tabacón Hot Springs: One of the most famous natural hot spring resorts in the area.
• Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: A breathtaking walk through the rainforest canopy.
• Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails: A great spot for volcano views, birdwatching, and hiking.
• Ecotermales Hot Springs: A quieter, more intimate hot springs experience.
• Rio Celeste (Day Trip): A surreal blue river and waterfall within Tenorio Volcano National Park.
• Lake Arenal: A beautiful lake ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
• Venado Caves: An underground adventure filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and bats.
• El Castillo Village: A charming lakeside town with scenic views and fewer crowds.

• Casado: A hearty meal with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a protein (chicken, fish, or beef).
• Gallo Pinto: Traditional Costa Rican rice and beans, often eaten for breakfast.
• Sopa Negra: A delicious black bean soup, commonly served with a boiled egg.
• Chifrijo: A bowl of beans, rice, crispy pork, and pico de gallo.
• Tamales: A holiday-season favorite made with corn dough, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Tres Leches Cake: A rich and creamy sponge cake soaked in three types of milk.
• Fresh Tropical Fruits: Try guanabana (soursop), papaya, and passionfruit.
• Guaro Sour: A refreshing cocktail made with Costa Rica’s national liquor, Cacique Guaro.

• Flights: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, then take a shuttle or rental car.
• Car Rentals: The best way to explore the area, but a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for rural roads.
• Shuttle Services: Shared or private transfers are available from San José and other major destinations.
• Public Buses: Budget-friendly but not the most convenient for travelers on tight schedules.
• Taxis & Uber: Uber is limited, but taxis are available in La Fortuna and nearby areas.
• Boat-Taxi-Boat to Monteverde: A scenic shortcut across Lake Arenal to reach the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Costa Rica’s visa requirements based on your nationality.
• Departure Tax: Some airlines include this in the ticket price, but if not, expect a small exit fee at the airport.

• Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Credit cards: Accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• ATMs: Available in La Fortuna, dispensing both colones and U.S. dollars.
• Cash: Recommended for small businesses, taxis, and tips.

• Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Most signs, menus, and information are available in English.

• Costa Ricans (Ticos) are friendly and welcoming—greet people with “Pura Vida!” (Pure Life).
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—most restaurants include a 10% service charge.
• Dress casually, but beachwear is for hot springs and pools only.
• Respect nature—Costa Rica is a leader in conservation and eco-tourism.
• Avoid touching or feeding wildlife—this is harmful to the ecosystem.

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is usually included; additional tipping is optional but appreciated.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 10–15% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the fare is common.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For peak travel season (December–April): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and tours.
• For off-season travel (May–November): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For popular hot springs and guided hikes: Book at least a few days ahead.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Reef-safe sunscreen is highly recommended to protect Costa Rica’s rivers and natural springs.
• Some parks and hot springs require advance reservations—plan accordingly.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com