Costa Rica Road Trip: Jungle beats and ocean waves

You've got a tingling in your stomach, a pillow behind your head and your plane takes off for the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. As you glide over the endless blue expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, your destination draws ever closer. The deep green colour of Costa Rica's untouched jungle shines out at you from afar and you can feel the excitement within you building to no end.
Ready for the jungle? Hello, San José! Your plane lands, you pick up your hire car right at the airport and drive to your accommodation. After safely parking your trusty new companion for the next few weeks, it's time to put your feet up. You settle in in peace and quiet and dream of all the adventures that await you over the next few days. Tomorrow, you're off into tropical paradise!

Your road trip continues at full throttle towards La Fortuna. You make your way along the mighty Lake Arenal until its namesake appears on the horizon and leads you to your destination: the mighty Arenal volcano. From now on, it dominates the scenery around your new accommodation like something out of a picture book.
In addition to the sunshine vibes that are so typical of this country, La Fortuna also has the kind of nature that you usually only see in documentaries and photo calendars: dense jungles, unique wildlife and thundering waterfalls that make your heart beat faster. But first, it's time to explore the town. You browse in the small shops, hunt for the most beautiful souvenirs and discover colourful market stalls. Then in the evening, you sit on your accommodation's terrace and listen to the chirping of the birds as the glowing red sunset shines fills the sky with its radiant splendour. A joyful tingling sensation spreads through your body, and you wonder about all the things tomorrow has in store.

Can't get enough of Costa Rica's unspoilt wilderness? Then La Fortuna is the just place for you! Grab your daypack and camera and set off in your hire car to Arenal National Park, where a whole world of colourful natural wonders awaits (optional, payable onsite). Here, you have the choice between several hiking trails that wind their way around the mighty Arenal volcano. Enjoy the hike through the volcanic landscape and marvel at the region's unique vegetation. And when your legs get tired, just take a dip in one of the many hot springs surrounding the volcano (optional, payable on site). Sink into the steamy water and feel all your fatigue melt away as you listen to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a moment you'll remember forever.

One of La Fortuna's highlights is still missing, and it's time to change that! So, you head straight for the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. A little tip in advance: don't forget your swimsuit! You leave your hire car at the entrance to the waterfall, then quickly pay the entrance fee and climb down the 480 steps to reach it. Once there, your eyes light up as you behold its torrents plunging over 70 metres into a jade-coloured pool, one which you're more than happy to jump into! You rejoice in the cool water while toucans, adorable little monkeys and other jungle creatures frolic all around you. And if that's still not enough adventure, then get back behind the wheel and head to El Castillo on Lake Arenal to feel almost weightless as you glide across the mirror-smooth water on a stand-up paddleboard – marvellous!