| 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
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.
To top
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.
To top
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.
To top
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
To top
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To top
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.
To top
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)
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)
To top
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.
To top
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.
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.
To top
|
TripAdvisor Popularity
Index: # 2 of 57
hotels in Arenal
Volcano National Park.