Arenal view in late November?

[drummerdaveb]

Im going to be in CR over Thankgiving. Can anybody tell me if the Arenal volcano is generally socked in that time of year, or if it’s typically clear?
I realize it’s still the rainy season, but I hear that’s not really a good indicator.
I ask, because I’ve been to the Arenal area twice, and have never had the opportunity to see the whole thing. If it’s not clear, we dont plan to head that direction this time.

Any thoughts?
Or does anybody know of a way we could find out current conditions when we head down?

[anneliseped]

It depends on your luck. I have had visitors in both January and February, generally ‘dry’ months go there for 2 nights and 3 days, and see almost nothing, on the other hand, other guests have given me postcard-quality pictures from both November and May, the most ‘wet’ months. As always, your best chance of seeing the whole mountain is early (6-7) morning, lava…about 8 o’clock at night.
I would plan other activities in the area, ie. zip-lining, (fantastic in mist)horse-back riding, massage, hotspring swimming, and then be pleasantly surprised in case of an incredible view.
The weather forecast in AM Costa Rica is as accurate as any.
The best of luck!
AnneLise

[rf2cr]

Even on clear bright days Arenal often has it’s own little ring of clouds obscuring its top but last year in late November early december we could see smoke pouring out (& lava at night) on numerous ocassions. Our experience is that the best viewing point is the north end of the lake rather than at La Fortuna. Can recommend a good B&B at Tronadora (they have a telescope especially for volcano viewing) where we have stayed and had a good view of the lava flow.

[Doug Ward]

I’ve been coming to Arenal for 21 years and living on the lake for 18 months.
I’m over near Tilawa.
That Volcano can be clear as a bell one minute and vanish the next…only to reappear in a few hours and vanish again…or stay visable for 5 days straight LOL
As a tourist I saw it nearly every time at varied parts of the year by spending at least 3 days.
I have a new rental cabin with kitchen on my forest property 3ha.. It’s only an hour up to Tenorio Miravalles and Rio Celeste from here too.
There is actually a lot to do on this end without all of the nonsense of Fortuna.
Monteverde is an hour as is Liberia.
It’s rarely hidden for more than 2 days and has been visable a lot since March.

The north end is Costa Rica.. the south side is Disney…

[sprite]

What about the middle? :-}

[rf2cr]

Perfection!

[stinsont]

Hi Doug, I read your response and had to drop a line. I have a small finca over in Tieras Morenas bordering the national park. Will be spending Jan-Mar, want to get my water in and such. A start, looking to create a small lodge. Should get together for a pizza at Mystica. I have been coming down frequently few the last two years first time way back “75”. You mentioned a rental cabin and I was wondering if or when it would be available and if it would be suitable for more than one?
T.S.

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