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The Arenal Journal

One positive, useful story a day from Costa Rica. Tourism, families, surf, wellness and bleisure. Never bad news.

Good news · tourism · 2026-07-23

A New Gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

United Airlines will launch a direct flight from Washington Dulles to Guanacaste this high season, making it easier to explore Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches and the Arenal region.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Coffee and Chocolate Tours Near La Fortuna

A warm, honest guide to the best coffee and chocolate tours near La Fortuna, with tips on what to expect and how to choose.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Day Trips from La Fortuna

A practical guide to five rewarding day trips from La Fortuna, from waterfalls and volcanoes to wildlife and hot springs.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Family Activities in Arenal for Every Age

A practical guide to family friendly adventures in Arenal and La Fortuna, from toddlers to teens, with honest tips for a smooth trip.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Free and Cheap Things to Do Around Arenal

A field guide to enjoying Arenal and La Fortuna on a budget, from free river swims and volcano views to affordable hikes and hot springs.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Hot Springs in Arenal, Honestly Ranked

A straightforward, practical ranking of the hot springs around Arenal Volcano, from free river pools to developed resorts, with honest notes on what each offers.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The best night tours in Arenal: frogs, snakes and stars

A practical guide to choosing night tours in Arenal, covering frog walks, snake spotting, and stargazing with honest advice on what to expect.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Rainy Day Plans in La Fortuna

A practical, honest guide to enjoying La Fortuna when the rain rolls in, with indoor and covered activities that still let you experience the region's beauty.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

12 best things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna

A warm, honest field guide to the top 12 activities in Arenal and La Fortuna, from hiking volcanoes to soaking in hot springs, with practical tips for first time visitors.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Waterfalls Near La Fortuna Beyond the Famous One

Discover lesser known waterfalls near La Fortuna that offer peaceful swims, fewer crowds, and the same lush beauty as the famous La Fortuna Waterfall.

Field guide · listicle · 2026-07-24

The Best Zipline and Canopy Tours in Arenal

A practical guide to choosing a zipline or canopy tour in the Arenal area, with honest advice on what to expect and how to pick the right experience for your group.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Arenal vs Monteverde: which one fits your trip

A honest comparison of Arenal and Monteverde to help you choose the right destination for your Costa Rica trip based on activities, weather, and travel style.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Arenal vs Rio Celeste: Can You Do Both in One Day?

A practical field guide to visiting both Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste in one day, with honest advice on timing, routes, and trade-offs.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Guided tours vs self drive in Arenal: what works best for your trip

A practical, honest comparison of guided tours and self-driving in the Arenal area, based on operator information and local sources, to help you choose the right approach for your travel style.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

La Fortuna vs Tamarindo: Volcano or Beach First

A honest field guide to choosing between the rainforest of La Fortuna and the surf of Tamarindo for your Costa Rica trip, with tips on how to visit both.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Morning vs Afternoon Tours in Arenal: A Field Guide to Timing Your Adventure

A practical comparison of morning and afternoon tours in Arenal, helping you choose the best time for wildlife, weather, and your energy.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Private vs small group tours in Arenal: what the price buys

A practical, honest breakdown of the trade-offs between private and small group tours in Arenal, so you can choose what fits your travel style and budget.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Rafting the Balsa vs the Sarapiqui: Class 2-3 or 3-4

A warm, honest comparison of the Balsa River’s family friendly class 2-3 rapids and the Sarapiqui’s more adventurous class 3-4 runs near La Fortuna, with tips for choosing your ideal trip.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Resort Hot Springs vs the Free Thermal River in Arenal

A warm, honest comparison of the two main ways to soak in Arenal’s geothermal waters: resort day passes and the free thermal river, with tips for choosing what fits your trip.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

San Jose vs Liberia Airport for an Arenal Trip

A practical comparison of flying into San Jose or Liberia for visiting Arenal and La Fortuna, with honest advice on drive times, road conditions, and what to expect.

Field guide · versus · 2026-07-24

Arenal Volcano Hike vs Hanging Bridges: Which to Pick

A practical guide to choosing between hiking the Arenal Volcano trails and walking the hanging bridges, based on your interests, fitness, and time.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

How to Do Arenal on a Budget

A practical, honest guide to experiencing Arenal and La Fortuna without overspending, using local tips and free or low-cost activities.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

How to choose your Arenal combo tour without overpaying

A practical guide to picking a combo tour in Arenal that fits your interests and budget, without falling for upsells or hidden costs.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

How to get around La Fortuna without a car

A practical, honest guide to exploring La Fortuna and Arenal using shared shuttles, taxis, bikes, and your own two feet.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

How to Get from San Jose to La Fortuna: Every Option

A straightforward guide to all the ways to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna, with honest pros and cons for each.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

How to Actually See Sloths in Arenal

A practical, carefully researched guide to spotting wild sloths in the Arenal region, with honest tips on where to look, when to go, and what to expect.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

How to visit La Fortuna Waterfall: steps, swim and timing

A practical, carefully researched guide to visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, covering the trail, swim conditions, and best times to go.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

How to Visit Rio Celeste from La Fortuna

A practical, honest guide to planning a day trip from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste, covering transport, timing, and what to expect at Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

The Perfect 3 Day Arenal Itinerary

A relaxed, practical three day plan for exploring Arenal and La Fortuna with honest advice on hiking, waterfalls, hot springs, and wildlife.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

A relaxed 2 day Arenal itinerary that hits the big three

A calm, no rush two day plan to see the volcano, the waterfall, and the hot springs in Arenal and La Fortuna.

Field guide · howto · 2026-07-24

What to pack for Arenal: the rainforest checklist

A practical, honest packing list for Arenal and La Fortuna, based on operator guidance and local sources for Costa Rica’s rainforest.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

The Cheapest Weeks to Visit Arenal

Learn the quietest, most affordable weeks to visit Arenal and La Fortuna based on seasonal patterns, with honest advice on weather and crowds.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Arenal at Christmas and New Year: what to expect

A practical guide to visiting Arenal and La Fortuna during the holiday season, covering weather, crowds, closures, and tips for a smooth trip.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Sunrise and sunset in Arenal: where the light goes

A warm, honest field guide to the best spots and times for sunrise and sunset around Arenal and La Fortuna, with practical tips for catching the light.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Arenal in June, July and August: the green summer

June, July, and August bring lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and reliable morning weather for hiking, waterfalls, and hot springs around Arenal.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Is Arenal Worth It in Rainy Season

Arenal and La Fortuna are absolutely worth visiting in rainy season, offering lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and a different kind of magic if you plan for afternoon showers.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Arenal during Easter week: crowds, closures and plays

A practical guide to navigating Easter week in Arenal and La Fortuna, with honest tips on crowds, holiday closures, and the local celebrations that make this time unique.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Arenal Weather Explained: Microclimates of One Valley

A guide to understanding the shifting weather patterns in the Arenal Valley, from the lake to the mountains, so you can plan your days with confidence.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Green season photography in Arenal: mist, moss and light

A practical guide to capturing Arenal’s lush green season with tips on mist, moss, and soft light for photographers of all levels.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

Festivals and events around La Fortuna through the year

A warm, honest guide to the main festivals and community events in La Fortuna, from local saint days to national holidays, with tips on how to join in.

Field guide · seasonal · 2026-07-24

When Can You Actually See Arenal Volcano: A Visibility Guide

A practical, honest guide to the best times and conditions for seeing Arenal Volcano, based on local weather patterns and published climate data.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Arenal combo tours: a plain guide to what you are buying

A straightforward breakdown of what Arenal combo tours actually include, so you can choose wisely without the hype.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

An Arenal Honeymoon: Romantic Plans That Are Not Cheesy

A practical guide to planning a genuine, low-key honeymoon in Arenal and La Fortuna, focusing on shared experiences that feel natural rather than staged.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Hot Springs Day Passes in Arenal: How They Work

A practical guide to understanding day passes at Arenal’s thermal springs, including what to expect, how to choose, and a simple next step for your visit.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Arenal Volcano National Park Entrances Explained

A clear guide to the two main entrances of Arenal Volcano National Park, helping you choose the right one for your visit.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Arenal with Kids: Ages, Safety and the Tours That Work

A practical, honest guide to visiting Arenal and La Fortuna with children, covering what works for different ages, how to stay safe, and which tours actually deliver.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Canyoning in Arenal: What the Day Really Looks Like

An honest, carefully researched look at a canyoning trip in Arenal, from the morning gear-up to the final rappel, with practical tips for a safe and memorable day.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Hanging Bridges in Arenal: Tickets and Guided vs Solo

A practical guide to visiting Arenal's hanging bridges, covering ticket options and whether to go with a guide or explore on your own.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

La Fortuna Waterfall Tickets: Prices, Hours and Rules

A practical guide to visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, including ticket prices, opening hours, and key rules for a safe and enjoyable hike.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Booking White Water Rafting in Arenal: What to Check

A practical guide to choosing a safe, responsible white water rafting trip in the Arenal region, covering river grades, safety gear, environmental practices, and what to look for in a tour.

Field guide · guide · 2026-07-24

Wildlife tours in Arenal: day walks, floats and night safaris

A practical guide to the best ways to see wildlife around Arenal and La Fortuna, from morning hikes to river floats and guided night walks.