After sleeping quietly for over 400 years Arenal erupted with tremendous force in July 29-31, 1968. “A lunar landscape” was created by the volcano as several square miles were covered by rocks, lava and ash.

Over twenty years later Arenal continues to erupt, but at smaller scale. Visitors viewing the volcano can see it throw out red hot rocks up to 1000 feet in height and some of the rocks are over 25 feet in diameter! In addition, the volcano can be fairly noisy with explosion, which sound like dynamite that echo off the nearby mountains. At night lava flows and the ejection of glowing hot rocks can provide viewers with an impressive fire works display.

Short periods of inactivity are usually followed by loud explosions, large “cauliflower” shaped eruption clouds, and the emission of hot, red rocks which crash and shatter down the step gray slopes of the volcanic cone and can be heard from over a mile away.

In this area enjoy during the morning the sights and the sounds of the rainforest and experience its peacefulness as we quietly paddle the Peñas Blancas river, then in the afternoon enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a gentle hike along the base of this marvelous “mountain of fire”, and at evening have a healthy and relaxing soak in the healthful hot spring water.

Monteverde Biological Reserve

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Santa Elena Forestry Reserve are different parks but they share the same exuberant atmosphere. A great number of trails invite visitors to walk through the parks.

The Monteverde Reserve is one of the most diverse and richest cloud forest in the new world and it has extensive trails allow visitors to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and wildlife; with easy walking you will have the opportunity to watch jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, colorful insects, butterflies and birds, including the metallic-green resplendent Quetzal (seen mostly during its March – April nesting season). Originally 4.000 acres, the reserve has grown to protect an area of approximately 25.000 acres comprised of six different life zones.

The Monteverde community is also interesting place with a famous cheese factory the women’s handicraft Coop, the Butterfly Garden, Canopy, Sky Walk, Orchid Garden, Horseback riding, Hiking, Hummingbird Gallery, Serpentarium, etc.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Located in the Pacific Ocean near Quepos, Manuel Antonio has thousand of sandy white beaches, the main habitat types in the park are primary and secondary forest, mangrove swamp, marsh and littoral woodland have made this one the most beautiful and popular parks in the entire system .

You will able to view emigrating marine birds. The water is crystal clear, making these beaches popular for snorkeling, swimming, body surfing, playing with a boogie board or just relaxing. The beaches are fringed with tall evergreen forest that grows down to the high tide line so you can stroll through the park on your own or take a guide tour.

On this area we included a wonderful guided horseback riding with delicious lunch; come and appreciate the waterfalls and majesty of the protected zone of the Cerro Nara. On the ride, you will see exotic birds and butterflies, tropical plants and wildlife.