Costa Rica’s dramatic attraction is known for the regularity of its eruptions, providing grandstand views of its fiery fury. The environs offer soothing hot springs and fabulous hiking.

Volcan Arenal is a quintessential cone and the focus of this national park, one of 16 protected reserves that make up the Arenal Conservation Area, spanning 12 life zones. The park boasts two volcanoes; Volcan Arenal’s minor sibling is Volcan Chato, a dormant cone with a pea-green lagoon within its collapsed crate.

Rio Tabacon’s waters provide soothing hot springs best enjoyed at Tabacon Resort, 2.4 east of the park entrance, where mineral pools and a hot water cascade have been laid out amid gardens.