Arenal: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall, Volcano & Hot Springs Review

Arenal, in Costa Rica, is such a place, known for some sights – those fantastic hanging bridges, its incredible waterfall, a pretty imposing volcano, and, naturally, some soothing hot springs, but is it, actually, all just, maybe, a bit overhyped? Or does it, maybe, truly deliver on its promise of wonder and adventure? I went, I saw, and, well, now I’m telling you absolutely everything.

Soaring Across the Sky: Arenal Hanging Bridges

That Arenal Hanging Bridges thing, it really is an experience. These bridges are that suspended in the rainforest canopy, so, you see it provides, basically, a different perspective on the landscape. It’s almost as if you are walking amongst, literally, the treetops, like some cool monkey or, perhaps, a bird, which, basically, is a treat for anyone. Yet, I’d have to say, though, it is, maybe, not for those who may have issues with heights. Some of those spans can feel a little precarious, arguably, especially if there’s a slight breeze.

That main thing I, actually, took away, you know, from my hanging bridges escapade, well it wasn’t just about the engineering or even the height. It had more to do, potentially, with spotting unique wildlife. You know, our guide was incredibly experienced. We saw such interesting things that way! Colorful birds, you know, like toucans. There are howler monkeys chilling up above; that was rather impressive. Sloths – there was even, like, this cute little sloth just hanging out and taking it pretty easy. So that meant it was not only, sort of, a walk in the park, it actually turned into a fascinating wildlife-spotting tour.

The Force of Nature: La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall is that popular tourist spot, really, so you probably won’t, possibly, get it to yourself, yet that doesn’t mean that it is not incredibly stunning. You, maybe, need to trek down quite some stairs, actually I think I counted about 500 (ish), it’s not, likely, ideal for someone with walking problems. But then once you get to the bottom you are greeted, clearly, by, perhaps, this pretty impressive waterfall just plunging into this refreshing pool, pretty beautiful and idyllic if I do say so myself.

Of course, so many folk will be having a good swim. Yet be forewarned. Those waters tend to be seriously cool. After that hot hike it really feels rather refreshing. Be sure, actually, to take your pictures! Get photos! Also, in a way, you have the chance of scrambling over a few rocks near to the base. These can then give some slightly different viewing angles; though it is advisable, mostly, to proceed carefully. One small slip, that, potentially, leads to a soggy phone!

The Volcano’s Shadow: Arenal Volcano Views

That sight of Arenal Volcano dominates pretty much all of the landscape. It’s just that picture-perfect volcano shape which pops into most people’s heads if you ask someone to envision, basically, the perfect volcano. Back then it was rather active, you see. Eruptions were kind of a common thing back, actually, in the day, although currently it, typically, is, mostly, just chilling; it is there just looking picturesque, you know, rather than causing such drama.

Now then, a good way to take the volcano vistas, that is from some places, mostly, right around the lake’s shore. There is a hike or two that leads, usually, to viewpoints where it’s actually quite likely that you’ll obtain quite a view ( weather permitting). I was particularly thrilled. We hired a kayak – or rather that’s what we tried to do until we capsized – paddling down along the waters really offered, actually, this pretty amazing vantage point, there. The volcano then appeared rather majestic just in the background. Almost worth falling into the lake over, sort of. Almost.

Relaxation Time: Arenal Hot Springs

When one asks many visitors, like your everyday traveller, what it is that brings them, naturally, to Arenal? So many folk, really, cite the hot springs! Basically, Arenal boasts a collection of spots, clearly, from really super-fancy resorts to those, literally, slightly more down-to-earth ones, and that means there will be something which suits, literally, every style. Water is, actually, heated because of the geothermal activity from the volcano, but, anyway, that’s rather cool.

That one place, like, where I kicked back was, actually, Tabacon. These were really lush hot springs set just right inside these fantastic tropical gardens. It was just like a small bit of, actually, heaven, I’d say! There were the series of pools – ones actually a little warmer, others slightly cooler – just meandering through all the foliage. Each time you just found another one; one surprise after the other. A couple of places will, usually, actually throw in cocktails. Make the experience that bit nicer and, generally, a bit special. Perfect thing just right after hikes and, of course, just an action-packed day. Believe me you would have worked up some thirst after clambering up, like, 500 stairs.