The Arenal Volcano erupted violently July 29th 1968 destroying the region west of its base with hot gases, rocks and later, lava flows. Today the volcano steams quietly and heats local rivers that have been developed into popular hot springs and spas. Forest vegetation is quickly returning and covering the massive rock fragments and lava flows, and rain forest wildlife once again flourishes in and around the park.
Set along the spectacular Pacific Coast in northwestern Costa Rica, Guanacaste is renowned for its pristine beaches, volcanic landscape, and exotic creatures. This Costa Rican province is considered the quintessential tropical paradise. Guanacaste's landscape features vast open grassland plains scattered with dry tropical forest edged by white-sand beaches. Visitors can spend a lazy day on the endless Playa Blanca Beach, enjoy first-class diving as well as a variety of watersports at the magnificent Playa Hermosa Beach, and visit Santa Rosa National Park, featuring unspoilt indigenous vegetation and inhabited by over 200 bird species. Don’t miss the Papagayo Peninsula known for its world-class golf course.
