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Hotels in Arenal Costa Rica TripAdvisor Popularity Index: # 2 of 57 hotels in Arenal Volcano National Park.

 

 

Area Activities

. LA MANSION ARENAL TOURS

 

LA MANSION INN ARENAL has an excellent centralized location for regional tours.

Some can be done on your own; others are organized by the Hotel, in cooperation with the best tour operators from the Arenal area.

 

List of tours:

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Arenal Volcano Tour & Hot Springs
Safari Adventure Float
Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano
Rafting Tours
Canopy Tour

Volcano &
Tabacon Hot Springs
Lake Arenal
Fishing Trip
Canyoning

SELVA LEONA VIRGIN RAIN FOREST
CANOEING
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Hanging bridges
La Fortuna
Waterfall
Combination Tour

 

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST ****

 

We are proud to offer a one-day tour to the famous Monteverde region, one of Costa Rica’s natural treasures. This tour allows you to see the principle attractions of Monteverde while saving a day of your vacation that would be wasted driving a long, bad road.

 

A boat will leave the border of the Arenal Lake in front of the hotel at 7.30 AM and a scenic ride of 15 min will bring you to the other side of the lake where a driver awaits you. The trip with the 4x4 through the beautiful hills of Tilaran to Monteverde takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering spectacular views of 3 volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Once there you will visit the SELVATURA Nature Reserve, one of Costa Rica’s most famous and diverse reserves. Here you will have the opportunity to be excited as well as educated in the mists of a true cloud forest. Among the activities in the reserve is a 15 platform Canopy Tour, an 8 hanging bridge Natural History Hike, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens, and the world’s 3rd largest Insect Collection.

 

OPTION 1 

Natural History Hike with guide, Canopy Tour

An experienced guide will explain about the flora and fauna (such as quetzals, butterflies, hummingbirds and other animals) of the cloud forest, while trekking along forest trails and over 8 hanging bridges. This hike will last approximately 2 hours. In the afternoon you will zip through the cloud forest canopy on a series of cables connecting 15 breathtaking treetop platforms.

Price: $150.00 pp

 

OPTION 2

Natural History Hike with guide, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens, Insect Exhibit

After the guided hike through the cloud forest you will visit the gardens that are home to a community of more than 20 species of tropical butterflies and learn about their life cycles and special abilities. Afterwards you will experience world famous entomologist Dr. Richard Whitten’s truly amazing collection of  insect species from Costa Rica and around the world and watch his engaging video “Jewels of the Rain Forest”. If you’re lucky, you may see Dr. Whitten himself there, excitingly explaining his passion to all visitors.

Price: $130.00 pp

 

OPTION 3

Natural History Hike with guide, Monteverde and Santa Elena Shopping Tour

After the guided hike in the morning, check out some of the region’s local artisan’s handiwork in the many galleries that dot the area.

Price: $110.00 pp

 

 

Departure time from La Mansion: 6:45 AM

Return to the hotel: 5.30 PM (In time to enjoy the sunset with a drink by the pool!)

All options include round trip transportation. Lunch not included.

 

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ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES **

 

 

A short 20 min. drive from the Inn brings you to one of the area’s newest attractions. This is a truly beautiful and amazing walk through the jungle of 3.5 km.(2.1 miles), with spectacular views of the volcano, forest canopy, waterfalls, and rivers. There are 15 bridges above the primary forest, up to 60 m.(197 ft.) in height and 98m.(314 ft) in length. All materials used to build the trails and bridges were brought into the jungle without use of machinery. Only horses and local manual labor were used. In fact, the only machine used in the construction was a cement mixer.

 

Open from7:00 am-4:00pm. Guided night tour available at 7:00 pm.

 

 

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 CANYONING

The ultimate waterfall-rappel adventure!!

Descend into a series of 4 tropical waterfalls and trek along magical trails in a pristine canyon. The professionally trained bi-lingual guides use only the newest equipment and put safety first in this thrilling new tour. After arriving at the starting point just outside of La Fortuna you will enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast in full view of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. After breakfast you will be transported a short distance by air-conditioned bus with guides explaining sights along the way. Upon arrival at the canyons your adventure begins!!

 

Departure times: 6:45am, 12:30pm    from La Fortuna

Return time: 1:00pm, 5:00pm (approx)

Includes: lunch, tropical fruits and beverages in clear water pools.

Requirements: ages 11-65 (children under 100lbs can go with a private guide for an extra fee)

What to bring: hiking shoes, bathing suit, change of clothes, insect repellent, waterproof camera

 

 

Directions to starting point: From La Mansion Inn take the road to La Fortuna. Approximately 10 mins. Past Tabacon on the right you will come to Restaurant Neo Latino (before you arrive to La Fortuna). Make a right. Go 100 meters, make another right. Go 50 meters to parking area. Taxi service can be arranged upon request.

 

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SELVA LEONA VIRGIN RAIN FOREST

 We are proud to offer an exclusive tour to the real virgin rain forest of SELVA LEONA, in the mountains of TILARAN.

G. PONTEUR, owner of Hotel La Mansion Inn, was invited by the owner of SELVA LEONA on March 5, 2002 to visit this spectacular reserve of 180 ha.(450 acres). Before that time, this hidden treasure had never been open to the public.

Once there you will experience a virtually untouched ecosystem of flora and fauna with the same awe the Spaniards must have felt when they arrived to this land in 1502, naming it Costa Rica (Rich Coast). With your trek into the forest you will have the chance to see many species of birds, including the birder’s holy grail, the quetzal. Three species of monkeys abound in this region with the howler monkey being the most prevalent. Reptiles such as poison dart frogs, the Jesus lizard, and numerous varieties of colorful snakes call this area home.               

 Your reward will be the discovery of some 10 waterfalls that flow from the mountains into the Rio Agua Caliente (warm water river), the highest of these being 100 feet. You can refresh yourself in the cool crystal waters before your hike out.

 Departure: 7:00 AM from the hotel

Return: 4.00 PM

 A luxurious boat on the Arenal Lake takes you along the Arenal Volcano to the other side of the lake. From there you will start a two hour horseback ride into the mountains. You will cross the Rio Grande several times, admiring the landscape, on your entrance into the forest. But if you desire you can do the ride in a new, confortable 4x4 .

You will have to leave the horses or the vehicle at the border of the forest, where you will begin a hike of 3.5 hrs through the virgin cloud forest in search of birds, monkeys, flowers, and waterfalls. The trails go up and down hills, so good physical condition should be considered for this tour.

 On your exit from the forest an authentic Tico BBQ awaits you. This is a typical Costa Rican meal, served with the hospitality and humbleness that makes the Ticos such a special people.

The trip back on the horses or 4x4 to civilization will again take 2 hrs, after which you will cross the lake by boat and make the return journey to the hotel.

 Clothes required: jeans, hiking  boots, rain gear (it rains often in the cloud and rain forest..), swimming suit, change of dry clothes.

 

Departure: at 7:30

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CANO NEGRO WILDLIFE REFUGE ***

 

Departure time: 7:00 AM at LA FORTUNA

Return time: 4.00 PM

This tour starts with an approximately two-hour drive to Los Chiles.  The guide will describe sights along the way including orange groves,  fields of papaya, passion fruit, yucca, cacao, ornamental plants and sugar cane.  On arrival in Los Chiles a scenic ride in a covered boat on the RIO FRIO will bring you to the entrance of the refuge.  Along the river you will be able to see some of the many species that inhabit the area such as sloth’s, iguanas, Caymans, lizards, bats, and three kinds of monkeys as well as a wide variety of flora and birds.  You will enjoy a delicious typical Costa Rican lunch on the riverbank (vegetarian food available), before returning to Los Chiles and La Fortuna.

 

 

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ARENAL VOLCANO TOUR & HOT SPRINGS *

 

Departure time: 8:00 AM/3:00 PM 

Arrival time: 12:00PM/ 6:00PM

 

You start with a 10-minute drive to the West side of the Arenal Volcano, where you will hike through the rainforest. During the hike it is possible to see many plants, birds and other animal species that make the rainforest home.  Throughout this exciting tour you will be reminded of the power of nature each time you hear the volcano’s roar. You will get close enough so that you can enjoy the eruptions of the volcano, but always remain at a safe distance.  After that, you will go to a viewpoint where you can watch the volcano as the guide explains the amazing facts and history of this giant, while enjoying a drink. This tour can be combined with the Eco-Thermals Hot Springs, a private hot springs that offers a great alternative to the overcrowding of Tabacon.

 

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SAFARI ADVENTURE FLOAT

 

Departure time: 7:30 AM / 1:00 PM from La Fortuna

Return at: 1:00 PM / 6:00 PM

 

From La Fortuna a twenty-minute drive brings you to the Peñas Blancas River.  There starts your trip of approximately two hours in an inflatable raft (without motor) on the lower, slower moving section of the river.  You will be able to hear the sounds of nature as the guide describes the flora and fauna of the region.  It will also be possible to see howler monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, two species of sloths and many different bird species.

Once you complete this first part of the tour its time to visit the farm of Don Pedro where he and his family will show you the farm’s Primary Tropical Rain Forest. For many this is truly the highlight of the trip. This fascinating elderly man has lived here for over 65 years with no roads, electricity or running water. There are trees over 100 years old and you will have the opportunity to see the “Blue Jean Frog” (Dendrobates pumilio).  Throughout this part of the tour the guide will explain the medicinal uses of many plants found in the rainforest.  Finally, you will get back into the raft and float the remaining 40 minutes to Boca Arenal. Here the bus will pick you up and take you back to La Fortuna.

 

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RIO CELESTE AND TENORIO VOLCANO

 

Departure time: 7:00 AM

Return at 5:00 PM

 

You’ll start this tour with a two-hour ride in a microbus to the town of Rio Celeste.  During this drive you will enjoy spectacular views of the Arenal, Tenorio and Miravalles Volcanoes and on clear days, Lake Nicaragua.  From the town of Rio Celeste you will hike through Tropical Humid Forest to the Rio Celeste (Blue River) Waterfall.  This river gets its name from its turquoise colour caused by volcanic elements that continually seep into it.  From there you will continue your hike enjoying the rich flora and fauna typically found in this area until you reach the spot at which the river gets it’s unique colour.  Here you’ll see the river transformed before your eyes into a vivid turquoise colour that only nature could produce.  Also, before leaving this site you’ll indulge in its natural mineral hot springs.

The return hike to the town of Rio Celeste follows, and your reward upon reaching there will be a delicious typical lunch followed by the return drive to La Fortuna.

 

 

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RAFTING TOURS

 

Offering levels from 1-4

You may choose from the Rio Arenal or Rio Toro.

The Rio Arenal is class 2 and 3 and is done in inflatable kayaks (in-kayak guides provided for small children)

The Rio Toro is class 3 and 4 and is done in a large raft with guide. Very exciting!

 

 Depending on the season, a ½ day rafting trip on the Penas Blancas or La Bolsa rivers is also available.

 

 

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CANOPY TOUR *

 

Departure time (from Eco-lodge): 9:00 AM / 2:00 PM

(Half day trip)

From La Mansion Arenal, you can drive about 1 hour to the ECOLODGE, where you can hike through the rainforest and do the canopy tour.

 

 

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TABACON or  ECO-THERMALES  HOTSPRINGS

The world famous Tabacon hot springs are just at 25 min from the hotel.

You can enjoy them from 10 AM until 10 PM. Massage and spa services are available. Ask at La Mansion reception desk for a list of spa services and prices.

 

An alternative to Tabacon is the Eco-Thermales Hot Springs. Privately owned and a more romantic and less busy atmosphere than Tabacon, these hot springs hold a special charm.

(reservation required)

 

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LAKE ARENAL FISHING TRIP

We can arrange for fishing on the lake from a motorboat with an experienced guide.

The Arenal Lake is the home of the GUAPOTE, an exceptionally good fighter and makes for a delicious meal. You catch it - We cook it!

 

Price : $150.00 for a ½ day trip for 2 persons.(5 hrs.)

This price includes the fishing boat, an experienced guide, the fishing equipment, drinks and the fish you catch.

A pontoon boat can be arranged for larger groups (inquire for prices)

 

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LA FORTUNA WATERFALL **

From La Fortuna only a 10-minute drive is needed to reach a beautiful waterfall. You have to hike down 100m (about 15 min). A splendid natural decor surrounds the waterfall, and a swim in the fresh water is breath taking.

 

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CANOEING

 

The Inn has several canoes which are free and at the disposal of the guests.

They permit you to admire the birds and flora of Arenal Lake.

 

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COMBINATION TOUR**

This tour allows you to sample the attractions that have made the Arenal region famous in a single day. To begin the tour you have the option of visiting either the Danaus Eco-Center or the Arenal Hanging Bridges. At the eco-center you’ll observe and learn about the natural history of the butterflies of Costa Rica such as the Blue Morpho and the Monarch, as well as a variety of tropical flora and traditional crops being farmed organically. Information on the Hanging Bridges is provided under a separate header in this booklet.

Your next stop will be the La Fortuna Waterfall where you will hike approximately 15 min to reach the fall, where you may take a swim in the cool waters or just enjoy the beauty offered.

Afterwards follows lunch at the Lava Rocks Restaurant where you will be served a deliciously prepared typical meal. After lunch you will have an hour or so to explore the town of  La Fortuna in search of great bargains on locally made handicrafts or just relax before embarking on the Arenal Volcano lava hike. The trails offer fantastic views of the volcano along with the opportunity to walk on old lava flows and learn more about this awesome force of nature.

You’ll end the day with a relaxing and well-deserved dip in the Tabacon Hot Springs followed by a buffet dinner.

 

 

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Arenal Hotels, Arenal Tours, Arenal Hotel

La Mansion Inn Arenal   Tel: +506.2692-8018   Fax: 2692-8019   Email: marinacr@racsa.co.cr