Hello all,

My girlfriend and I have only one day to visit the Arenal area. We'll be driving in from Alajuela early on a Saturday morning in March and staying at the Arenal Lodge that night. Unfortunately, we'll be leaving early the next morning. So this is my question -- what do we do?

I would like to do some hiking in the National Park and would like to get as much of a flavor for the area as possible. The trip to the falls does not interest me so much and I think we could probably pass on the Tabacon hotsprings. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

Hey Jeff, this is a tough one as I don't think anyone wants to be responsible for suggesting something in your short time and you wishing afterward that you had chosen differently! Only one thing I would say, but you need to hear from several people on this! The Springs at Tabacon are pretty cool. Actually, that isn't true. . .most are about 102 degrees F and feel great! I don't know what time you will be arriving in the morning. The hiking is, of course, a great idea. You should have several hours of daylight to do that and whatever else you wish. But, as you know, the sun goes down early. In the evening, I think you would really enjoy a soak in the springs. They are so beautiful in the daytime and we like to go in the morning for a couple of hours, but at night after hiking they would feel great! I rest MY case. . .now let's see what others say! Have a great time!

Dear Jeff!
I second Shillmac's opinion on Tabacon hot springs! They are just such a treat! And it is very beautiful and relaxing. With a little bit of luck, you will be sitting in the hot springs while watching the lava flow! It is not instead of any of the hikes you can do during the day - it is in addition! Tabacon have now changed their prices and it is a little bit expensive, but if you take the entrance+dinner combo, it is a good deal, and I heard good things about the dinner there.
Feel free to write me directly with any more questions.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

I second (or is it third!) the suggestion of Tabacon Hot Springs - definitely worth experiencing. Make sure to explore the whole area, it is beautifully landscaped and there are plenty of quiet pools and streams. Their spa is wonderful too. I would, however, decide against dinner there. I have never heard anyone recommending it, just the opposite. Instead, I would recommend El Novillo where you can have good typical Costa Rican meal accompanied by a nice view of the volcano.

Also, check out the Hanging Bridges if you have time when you arrive. www.hangingbridges.com

Thanks for the Tabacon recommendation. We'll definitely make a visit after a day of hiking. Any specific hiking recommendations or is it best to just go into the national park and start exploring?

Thanks again,
Jeff

My favorite trail to hike is Los Tucanes, over the old lava flows. It is simply gorgeous. Part of the trail goes over old, ejected lava rocks... from boulders to smaller rocks... but it's a somewhat easy hike. I did it in a pair of running shoes and was fine without hiking boots (kids seems to easily scramble over these, in case you're traveling with any little ones). I suggest hitting this trail late afternoon so you can experience the sun setting over Lake Arenal, and hopefully see some lava up "close." Standing on the lava rocks between the volcano and the lake, with lush rainforest all around below me, was one of my all-time favorite travel moments.

I really hate to say this on here but I was so unimpressed with the Tabacon hotsprings. We were really glad we weren't staying there. I guess it was worth the trip though.

The old lava flow is a good place to go hiking. For a nice place to walk, the hanging bridges have drop dead views of Arenal.
For less expensive and less touristy hot springs there are a couple of other options. Same hot water just a lot less glitz.