Our Costa Rica adventure began in the lush Arenal region, where we stayed at an amazing house overlooking Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal – the kind of view you don’t mind waking up to howler monkeys. We kicked things off with the Mistico Hanging Bridges, surrounded by rainforest and framed by volcano views. We then packed in more thrills, soaking in steamy natural hot springs, soaring through the treetops on a zipline, and braving some seriously intense white water rafting. On Abby’s birthday, we hiked the rugged Arenal 1968 lava trail, swam at the base of the La Fortuna Waterfall, and explored the incredible Bogarin Trail, spotting sloths and frogs while hearing the heartwarming story of the man who built the refuge. We wrapped up with a sunset volcano-view dinner, a surprise engagement, and one very lucky cat enjoying Sarah’s leftover fish – a perfect end to our stay in Arenal.

💡Travel Tips for Arenal

• 🌋 Stay somewhere with a volcano view – Waking up to Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal outside your window is unforgettable. Bonus points if your Airbnb has a pool or outdoor seating for sunset-watching.
• 🌿 Do the Mistico Hanging Bridges early – Morning is best for cooler temps, fewer crowds, and better chances of spotting wildlife.
• ♨️ Check out the free hot springs – Save money by visiting the locals’ spot just off the road (Tabaconcito) instead of paying for resort access.
• 🥾 Arenal 1968 is worth the hike – The lava trails are scenic and not too difficult. Tennis shoes and shorts are totally fine – no bug spray needed.
• 💦 Wear water shoes to La Fortuna Waterfall – The stairs are steep (about 500), and the rocks at the bottom can be slick. Bring towels and use the public changing area.
• 🦥 Don’t miss the Bogarin Trail – A hidden gem for spotting sloths. No flip-flops – wear real shoes. Go late afternoon for cooler weather and great lighting.
• 🐾 Be ready for wildlife – We saw toucans, howler monkeys, and even a very majestic horse near our place. Keep your camera handy!

Itinerary

This itinerary is based on the Arenal portion of our 2019 trip from January 16-18.

🛫 Day 1 – Travel & Arrival in Arenal

• ✈️ 5:10 AM – 7:25 AM: Flight from STL to HOU (Southwest WN 824)
• ✈️ 10:35 AM – 2:10 PM: Flight from HOU to Liberia (Southwest WN 691)
• 🛬 2:10 PM: Arrive in Liberia
• 🚗 3:15 PM: Pick up rental cars and drive (~3 hrs) to Arenal
• 🏡 6:00 PM: Check-in to Vrbo that overlooks Arenal Volcano & Lake Arenal
• 🛒 7:00 PM: Grocery run at Super El Castillo
• 🍽️ 7:30 PM: Dinner at Vrbo provided by host (💡Try gallo pinto – rice, beans and Lizano sauce – a favorite new dish we discovered that we now make by ordering sauce online)
• 🏊 Relax and hang out in pool/hot tub

🌿 Day 2 – Hanging Bridges, Hot Springs & Ziplining

• 🌉 8:00 AM: Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour with Guide (~$40/person, 2.5 hrs)
• ♨️ 10:30 AM: Hot Springs soak (free, ~1 hr)
• 🍽️ 12:00 PM: Lunch at La Ventanita
• ⚡ 2:00 PM: Sky Adventures Zipline + White Water Rafting Combo (~$81/person, 3 hrs)
  • Note: The white water rafting was more intense than expected, likely due to low water levels that made for a rougher ride. The tour company has since discontinued this activity – possibly due to safety or liability concerns – so it’s no longer available as part of the combo tour.
• 🍽️ 7:00 PM: Dinner at Phoenix (2 min walk from Vrbo)

🎉 Day 3 – Birthday in Arenal

• 🚗 7:35 AM: Drive to Arenal 1968 (25 min)
• 🥾 8:00 AM: Hike Arenal 1968 Trail (Yellow Loop, $15/person, 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Take free walking stick
  • Tennis shoes & shorts OK
  • No bug spray needed
  • Bathrooms at trailhead
• 🍽️ 11:30 AM: Lunch @ Soda Víquez in La Fortuna
• 🏊 1:00 PM: Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall ($15–18/person, 1.5 hrs)
  • ~500 stairs, water shoes recommended
  • Public changing rooms/showers – bring towels
• 🚗 2:45 AM: Drive to Bogarin Trail
• 🦥 3:00 PM: Wildlife & Sloth Tour at Bogarin Trail ($30/person, no flip flops, 2 hrs)
• 🌋 5:45 PM: Dinner at Fusion Grill (sunset volcano views)
  
  See Potrero (Pacific Coast) and Playas del Coco blogs for tips on these areas.

Pictures

For more pictures see our Costa Rica album.

Mistico Hanging Bridges

White Water Rafting

Arenal 1968 Hike + Bogarin Trail + La Fortuna Waterfall