Arenal & Monteverde
The land of volcanoes and cloud forests
Weather in Arenal & Monteverde · Now
26°C
Drizzle
93%
7 km/h
Today
30° 24°
100% rain
Tue
30° 24°
100% rain
Wed
31° 25°
100% rain
Thu
30° 26°
96% rain
Fri
30° 25°
94% rain
About Arenal & Monteverde
Arenal and Monteverde offer a perfect duality of Costa Rica: the dramatic, active volcano vistas and geothermal hot springs of La Fortuna paired with the misty, high-altitude biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It is a premier destination for thrill-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and families looking for immersive wildlife encounters. The region is characterized by lush rainforests, hanging bridges, and vibrant avian life.
How to Explore
To experience both, base yourself in La Fortuna for the volcano and adventure activities, and in Monteverde or Santa Elena for the cloud forest immersion. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for the road between the two regions, which takes about 3-4 hours via Lake Arenal. Many travelers also opt for the popular 'Jeep-Boat-Jeep' transfer service, which shuttles you across the lake. Plan to spend at least 3-4 days in each area to fully enjoy the hiking, hot springs, and zip-lining opportunities.
Language
Spanish
Currency
Costa Rican Colon
Best Time
December to April
Climate
22°C - 28°C
Safety
Safe
Timezone
Central Standard Time
When to Go
Best overall
December to April
Most beautiful
May to June
Cheapest
September to November
Peak crowds
December to February
When are you going? Pick a month:
Arenal & Monteverde in October
Temperature
25° – 31°C
Rainy days
~25 days
Prices
Low
Crowds
Low
Most rainfall
Plan a trip in October
