We escaped our casa on Costa Rica’s hot and dry Pacific coastline and headed less than three hours away to Arenal. I’ve seen plenty of photos and read Howler articles, but it was nothing like experiencing this region first-hand. Wow, we were amazed!

The hillsides and fields were green, while the wind turbines rotated in the constant breeze. The temperatures dropped 20 degrees as we drove along the winding road 142 off Highway 1, just east of Liberia.

We found ourselves at a secluded bed and breakfast. As the photo on the right displays, it was overflowing with beautiful nature.

We used Deals In Costa Rica to choose and arrange for our Saturday hike. Within seconds of meeting up with our tour guide, José Banabedas, we knew we had a knowledgeable guide who loved his job.

“My grandfather told me what it was like before the 1968 eruption that changed this

region and Costa Rica,” José shared with us.

He provided many details about the famous Arenal Volcano eruption event, and the restoration progress made in the aftermath. He also told us the amazing story of how Lake Arenal was created in the 1970s, representing what was then the most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken in Costa Rica.

José also elaborated on all the nature we were seeing along the way. It was an easy hike, with many opportunities for informative talk stops during the two-hour walk. We learned a great deal from José about the area’s history and fascinating details about the prime climate, including the flourishing growth of trees and flowers made possible by the rain.

It was amazing to imagine the forest we were walking through was born out of the 1968 volcano eruption — what a testament to the eco-efficiency of the Arenal region.

For dining in the town of Nuevo Arenal, we found a great soda, a place for Italian food and a gourmet restaurant.

Spectacular views of the lake and hillsides, and all the beautiful Costa Rican communities that were so great to see, made our three-day experience unforgettable.

Don’t wait; book your trip now to enjoy this adventure!