Most famous for its perfect conical volcano, the Arenal region is one of the most visited in Costa Rica. Though the volcano has seen very little activity since 2010, Arenal remains a popular place to visit due to the impressive spectacle of its imposing peak when the weather is clear, and also for the wealth of activities on offer in the surrounding area. Here, you will find tropical forests set up with hanging bridges, canopy zip lines, hiking trails and horse riding routes to tumbling waterfalls.

As with many destinations in Costa Rica there is not much to keep you in the main town, La Fortuna. Your time will mainly be spent on activities in the surrounding reserves, with some down-time in between spent perhaps soaking your limbs in one of the many hot springs complexes dotted around the town. The volcano itself is set in a protected national park, busy year-round with tour groups, but it can enjoyable place to take a gentle walk along forest trails leading to the lava rocks of historic volcanic eruptions. Beyond the national park you will find Lake Arenal, a man-made but undeniably picturesque body of water where activities such as fishing and kayaking can be arranged.