Just north of Monteverde lies one of Costa Rica's defining sights - Volcan Arenal. Arenal, part of the Ring of Fire, is considered one of the planet's most active volcanoes, continuously oozing a slow effusion of lava down the southeastern part of the slope that's incredible to view at night, and occaisionally belching a cloud of gas, rock and ash hundreds of feet into the air.

Accomodations around Arenal are plentiful, very scenic, beautifully manicured, and range from the more economical all the way to very pricey, all-inclusive luxury hotels. Arenal is considered a prime spot for a vacation home. Because of the volcano's near constant activity, hot springs are plentiful at resorts all around Arenal. Spas that offer gourmet cuisine, yoga, massage, and hot pools of differening types with varying mineral concentrations are very successful in the area. Night viewing of the volcano while lingering in a hot spring under the stars, sipping cocktails is a unique and unforgettable experience. Adventure tourists pack the surrounding towns during an eruption, so much so that the goverment must make a special effort to maintain safety and order when Arenal erupts.

Just to the west of Arenal lies Lake Arenal, a natural lake that was enlarged to create Costa Rica's largest hydro-electic power project. Lake Arenal is picturesque, perfect for windsurfing and fishing, both of which are popular activities at the lake.