San Jose to Arenal Volcano

Very scenic trip through coffee plantations, forest covered mountains, high pasture lands, tropical crops and the northern flatlands.

Option 1: the San Ramon road

Route: San José to Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna – via San Ramón
Road #:  1 / 702
Distance:  135 Km / 84 miles
Travel time:  2 hrs 30 min
Towns:  Intl. Airport / Palmares / San Ramón turn right / Los Angeles / Bajo Rodríguez / La Tigra / Chachagua / San Francisco

Highlights:  

• Views of the mountains with forest, cattle or ornamental plants
• Peñas Blancas river hanging bridge
• Coco Loco Souvenir shop after San Isidro de Peñas Blancas before Chachagua
• Highest point is at 125o mts of altitude

Option 2:  Road through Zarcero

Route: San José to Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna – via Zarcero
Road #:  1 / 141
Distance:  145 Km / 90.1 miles
Travel time:  2 hrs 30 min
Towns:  International Airport / Naranjo turn right / Zarcero / Zapote / Ciudad Quesada / Florencia turn left / Santa Clara turn right at soccer field / La Vega / Los Angeles / El Tanque

Highlights:  

• Award winning coffee plantations inNaranjo
• Town Park at Zarcero town with bushes made into figures and shapes of animals
• Views of the Northern Plains / cattle fields
• Highest point is at 1800 mts of altitude