Hike beside active volcanoes in Arenal and make hot sauce

The Arenal Volcano is without a doubt one of the most famous sights in Costa Rica. In fact, it’s one of the country’s most active volcanos of the past century. Get the best view of it from a half day walking tour. It starts with a scenic drive to the western side of the volcano. Once there you’ll follow the trail with an expert guide who will share the history and impact of the volcano on the landscape. You’ll walk through the rainforest and pass over lava flows from the 1968 eruption where views of Lake Arenal await. Look out for volcanic rock formations and plenty of incredible wildlife. At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view to celebrate.

Afterwards, it's off to Doña Mara's kitchen where you can book a private tortilla and “chilera” (hot sauce) cooking class. Make traditional tortillas from scratch over a wood stove and discover the cultural significance of hot sauce. It’s common for every small restaurant and family establishment to have their own hot sauce recipe which is typically made from fruits, vegetables, hot chilli, and spices preserved in vinegar. Doña Mara shares the secret ingredients in hers so you can replicate it at home. 

Wing Boots Wisdom:
While it’s prohibited to climb Arenal Volcano itself, there are plenty of trails around its base. Most of them have an easy to moderate difficulty level but check with your guide if you’re unsure. You're bound to work up an appetite for Doña Mara's hot sauce!