The wild is closer
than you think
Getting to Arenal Rainforest Resort is part of the journey, and easier than you might imagine. Set in the Arenal Volcano area near La Fortuna, the resort is accessible from Costa Rica’s two major international airports as well as many of the country’s most popular destinations.
Drive yourself, arrange a private transfer, or make the scenic journey from Monteverde across Lake Arenal. However you choose to arrive, our team of Travel Designers is here to make getting here simple. Contact us for current directions, transportation bookings, airport transfers, or help planning connections between destinations. We’ll help you find the best way to Arenal based on where your Costa Rica journey begins.
GPS COORDINATES: 10.505496, -84.685757
As we transition to the Arenal Rainforest Resort name, some maps and navigation services may still list the property as Hotel Mountain Paradise.
From San Jose (SJO) Juan Santamaría
International Airport
Arenal Rainforest Resort is approximately a three-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions. A common route travels from the airport toward San Ramón before continuing through the mountains and Northern Plains to La Fortuna and Arenal.
Rent a car and enjoy the journey at your own pace, or let our concierge arrange a private transfer from the airport directly to the resort. If you’re driving, we recommend using Google Maps or Waze for current routing and allowing extra time for stops along the way.
From SJO, follow Route 1 toward San Ramón for approximately 42 km, then take the local connections to Route 702. Continue toward La Fortuna for approximately 69 km, then follow Route 142 toward Arenal Volcano for 6 km. Turn onto the Mountain Paradise access road and continue 950 meters to Arenal Rainforest Resort.
Get help from our travel designers
76 mi (123 km)
2 h 39 min
From Liberia (LIR) Daniel Oduber Quirós
International Airport
Traveling from Guanacaste Airport (LIR) brings you through one of Costa Rica’s most scenic landscapes. Allow approximately two and a half hours for the drive, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
From LIR, follow Airport Boulevard for 1.4 km, then take Route 21 toward Liberia for 10 km. Follow the local connection for 600 meters to Route 1 and continue toward Cañas for 45.6 km. Take the local connections for 2.2 km to Route 142 and continue for 14.1 km. At Cruce Aguilares, turn onto Calle La Tejona and follow the local roads for 6.1 km to rejoin Route 142. Continue for 55.6 km around Lake Arenal toward La Fortuna, then turn onto the Mountain Paradise access road and drive 950 meters to Arenal Rainforest Resort.
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85 mi (137 km)
2 h 30 min
From Monteverde
Monteverde may look close to Arenal on a map, but the mountains and lake make the overland journey longer than expected. For travelers without a rental car, the popular Taxi-Boat-Taxi, also known as the Lake Arenal Crossing, offers a memorable alternative.
From Monteverde, follow the local roads and Route 606 for approximately 12.4 km to Calle Candelaria. Continue along Calle Candelaria for 4.8 km, briefly join Route 145 for 220 meters, then follow the local roads for 10.3 km to Escuela Cerro San José. Continue on Route 925/926 for 14.1 km, then follow the local connections through Tilarán for 850 meters to Route 142. Drive 67 km along Route 142 around Lake Arenal toward La Fortuna. Turn onto the Mountain Paradise access road and continue 950 meters to Arenal Rainforest Resort.
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69 mi (111 km)
2 h 53 min
From La Fortuna
The short drive from La Fortuna to Arenal Rainforest Resort is a scenic journey through lush tropical landscapes.
From central La Fortuna, follow Route 142 toward Arenal Volcano for approximately 6.8 km. Turn right onto the Arenal Nayara Hotel / Mountain Paradise access road and continue for 280 meters. Turn left at COCOON – Arenal Butterfly Garden and Wildlife Sanctuary and continue for 400 meters. Drive straight past La Terraza for another 290 meters; Arenal Rainforest Resort will be on your right.
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4.8 mi (7.7 km)
12 min
Getting here, made easy
Not sure which route or transportation option is right for you? That’s what we’re here for!
Tell our Travel Designers where you’re arriving from, when you’re traveling, and your transportation preferences. They will be happy to assist with updated directions, transportation bookings, airport transfers, Lake Arenal crossings, and connections from other destinations around Costa Rica.
