Arenal 1968 Hike & Natural Springs: Our Unexpected Costa Rica Adventure
Our Arenal 1968 hike turned into an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure with surprise ATVs, secluded natural springs, waterfalls, and incredible volcano views.
Rocio and Hudson
10/6/20263 min read
Today felt like one of those magical days you didn't even realize were possible.
Our morning started with an amazing breakfast at our hotel, Arenal Manoa. There were SO many options, including fresh ginger and beet juice, green juice, and all the coffee you could possibly want (which, if you know us, is very important).
The clouds were covering our view of Arenal Volcano, but honestly, we didn't even mind. Sitting in the courtyard, sipping our coffee, and watching beautiful birds fly by felt magical all on its own.
After breakfast, we drove over to Arenal 1968 for what we thought would be a nice, relatively uneventful hike.
When we arrived, we were greeted by an incredibly kind guide who even slowed down his Spanish so Hudson could follow along. It's little interactions like these that make traveling so special.
Entrance to the park and its hiking trails typically costs around $28 per person. However, because October is one of the slowest months for tourism in Costa Rica, they were running a special that included the hikes AND access to natural springs for just $44 per person, instead of the usual $95.
Obviously, we jumped on that deal.
Little did we know, we'd just signed ourselves up for one of our favorite travel days so far.
Hiking Arenal 1968
The hike itself wasn't too difficult and offered some lovely views of Arenal Volcano. Along the way, we heard the most beautiful call from a Montezuma oropendola, a bird we'd never heard before. Seriously, it sounded unlike anything we'd ever experienced!
After finishing our hike, we made our way up to enjoy a snack with an unobstructed view of the volcano. Naturally, we also treated ourselves to some batidos de mango y fresa (mango and strawberry smoothies).
At this point, we were already having a pretty wonderful day.
But things were about to get even better.
The Unexpected ATV Adventure
When we checked back in at the front of the park to head to the natural springs, we ran into a little problem.
Apparently, the heavy rain from the night before had made the roads to the springs impassable for their usual transportation.
We figured they might just refund us for that portion of the experience.
Instead, they told us we'd be taking ATVs.
And not just riding along as passengers. We got to DRIVE THEM OURSELVES!
So, not only had we scored a heavily discounted hike and natural springs experience, but we somehow ended up with a free ATV adventure through the Costa Rican countryside and muddy jungle trails.
We couldn't believe our luck.
And just wait... it gets better.
A Little Slice of Paradise: Secluded Natural Springs
When we finally arrived at the natural springs, we were absolutely blown away.
They were BREATHTAKING.
Tucked away in the lush greenery, the springs felt like a hidden little paradise. And the best part?
There was not another person in sight.
We had the entire place to ourselves.
After dropping us off, the staff prepared an amazing platter of fresh local fruit and left us a volcanic mud mask to use on our faces.
I mean, COME ON.
Secluded natural springs, waterfalls, fresh tropical fruit, volcanic masks, and the person I love most in the world?
It genuinely felt like something out of a storybook.
Hudson and I spent our time swimming, enjoying the waterfalls, eating fresh fruit, and just soaking in how lucky we were to be experiencing something so beautiful together.
There was no rushing to the next activity, no crowds, and no elaborate itinerary. Just the two of us enjoying an unexpectedly perfect afternoon.
Sometimes the Best Days Are the Ones You Don't Plan
What makes this day even more special is that we hadn't planned any of it beforehand.
We woke up thinking we'd go on a hike, maybe see some wildlife, and enjoy another day in Costa Rica.
Instead, we ended up with a discounted adventure, an unexpected ATV ride, and what felt like our very own private paradise.
And to think, none of this would have happened quite the same way if it hadn't rained the night before!
People sometimes avoid Costa Rica during rainy season, but experiences like this remind us why traveling during the slower months can be SO underrated.
Sure, the weather can be unpredictable, and your plans might change. But sometimes those changes turn into the best part of your trip.
If there's one thing this day taught us, it's that you don't always need a perfect itinerary to have a perfect day.
Sometimes you just need to show up, embrace the unexpected, and see where the adventure takes you.
And maybe, just maybe, you'll end up driving ATVs to your own little slice of paradise. ❤️
Rocio out. Catch you on our next adventure!
