Rainforest Canopy Hike at Arenal
Experience a fascinating tour of the rainforest with a walk over the treetops along Arenal’s famed hanging bridges. After an early breakfast in your hotel, take a comfortable half hour ride to the hanging bridges in the company of the guide. Enjoy a leisurely hike along the two mile-long trail of bridges that crisscross the dense forests spread out below. If you’re lucky, you could spot howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, flocks of colorful birds, butterflies, armadillos, and a host of other wildlife on your jungle canopy walk! (Half Day Trip; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable boots, insect repellent and sunscreen).
Volcano Hiking, Hot Springs and Dinner at Arenal
If you’re fascinated by volcanic landscapes, this day trip may be your opportunity to watch an active volcano from a perfectly safe vantage point. After lunch at your hotel, drive over to the northwestern end of the Arenal volcano, which is less than a half-hour drive away. Get off ahead of the Las Coladas Trail and enjoy a leisurely hike through tropical rainforests and an old lava flow formed nearly three decades ago. Note the interesting lava formations along the trail, while your guide relates the region’s natural history. Watch out for local plants and wildlife too. If you’re lucky, you may come across a variety of primates, sloth bears, and birds, including toucans and hawks on your hike. The walking trail ends at an observation area that offers spectacular views of the volcano. Weather permitting, one can spot the fiery lava trickling down the mountainside. After the day’s hike, make your way to the Ecotermales Hot Springs. You could take a dip into the heated mineral waters of the spring to rejuvenate yourself. Explore the lush tropical gardens here, dotted with natural waterfalls and heated pools. Relish a delicious dinner before heading back to your hotel. (Full Day; Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 6 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Dinner; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable boots, insect repellent and sunscreen; Note: A bilingual guide will accompany you).
Arenal Oasis Frogs in the Dark
Discover exotic wild frogs and other nocturnal animals on this nighttime tour hosted by Arenal Oasis in its private frog sanctuary, home to as many as 28 wild varieties. Begin your tour with a briefing by an experienced local naturalist who will guide you through hidden rainforest trails. Learn how the dense undergrowth, as well as natural spring-fed ponds, make the ideal habitat for frogs. Listen to their croaking and get ready to spot the red-eyed leaf frog with its spectacular vertical pupils. Watch out for other nighttime creatures like snakes and lizards as well as insects expert at camouflaging. Walk to the frog ponds to catch glimpses of frogs going about their feeding and mating routine after which it is time to head back to the lodge to unwind over a drink. (Half Day; Private Activity; Time: 1745 hrs; Guide services, flashlights, entrance fee, transportation and drink included; Please note guests are requested to bring their camera and wear long pants, a waterproof coat & hiking or closed shoes).
A day at the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Explore the ecological treasure trove of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge on this exciting day trip. This vast wetland region is lush with precious plant and animal life, forming a particularly rich biodiverse zone of Central America. After an early breakfast at your hotel, drive up to the charming little village of Los Chiles with your local guide. Admire the changing landscape during this approximately 1.75 hours’ drive towards the Nicaraguan border. Refresh yourself with some light snacks before setting off into the wetlands on a boat safari. Home to hundreds of species of birds, the Caño Negro is a paradise for bird lovers from around the world. Other native wildlife include the emerald basilisk, iguanas, river turtles, caimans and jaguars. As you drift along, look out for sloth bears, various primates, bats, colorful lizards, and a variety of interesting trees and flowers native to these wild wetlands. At the end of your boat safari, stop by a riverside restaurant for a delicious Costa Rican lunch. Drive back to Arenal after lunch. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 9 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Snacks & Lunch; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable clothes & shoes, insect repellent & sunscreen; don’t forget your camera; Note: Water & a bilingual guide are available for you).
