Arenal, an active volcano rising to 4,900 feet above sea level, is a perfect cone and the most active volcano in Costa Rica, as well as one of the most active in the world. It is a mandatory destination for every visitor. It was dormant until 1968 when it exploded one July night after announcing itself with a series of earthquakes. Its lava flows and eruptions have been constant and you can see its incredible and unique spectacle at night, when red-hot rock, ash and steam burst from the peak illuminating the sky. Nearby, you will find rolling hills and green pastures on one side and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Arenal on the other. Lake Arenal is a man-made lake that has a reputation worldwide for being one of the fastest lakes for windsurfing. One of the top attractions in the area is the Tabacon Hot Springs, with water heated naturally by the nearby volcanic activity.

The Monteverde cloud forest is located in the cordillera of Tilaran on the Costa Rican part of the Continental Divide, flowing down both Pacific and Atlantic slopes. On the Caribbean side, the cloud forest begins at an elevation of about 1,300 meters. Trees grow from 30 to 40 meters high. Closer to the top of the Mountains of Monteverde, trees are stunted by the impact of constant winds. They grow to heights of 5 to 10 meters, forming an elfin cloud forest, where the legendary "golden toad" used to live. Monteverde's Cloud Forest has thousands of species of plants in which there are around 800 species of epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), including 450 kinds of orchids. Trees are covered with mosses, bromeliads, and ferns, becoming a collage of greens where locals give its name of "Green Mountain". There are more than 425 species of birds, thousands of species of insects, and innumerable plants, reptiles and mammals, including jaguars, tapirs, agoutis, coatis, toucans, sloths, howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, tarantulas, and the famous resplendent quetzal. The Preserve is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. Plan at least a few days to explore the cloud forest area. Numerous optional tours can be arranged.

Along the North Pacific Coast, North Guanacaste boasts a 100 miles of beautiful beaches including Ocotal, Tamarindo, Conchal, Playa Flamingo and Carrillo. Guanacaste is also home to world-class diving and sport fishing and offers numerous optional tours to several exotic, sprawling national parks, in addition to Arenal and Monteverde.