Hot Springs Resorts
Numerous hot springs are at the base of the Arenal Volcano. One hour drive winding around Lake Arenal, with beautiful views of the Continental Divide, and good birding. Most offer massages, restaurants, mud facials and hot tiled showers/changing rooms with lockers. Check out Eco Termales for an affordable, beautiful experience.
Ecolodge Canopy Tour
15 minutes from Chalet Nicholas.(80 ft. up in the treetop). Rainforest Canopy with eight platforms and trained forest guides.
Las Pumas
A Costa Rica protected wildcat station just minutes from Corobici River. This is a small animal protection "zoo," begun by Lily Hagnaur and her family over 50 years.
Canoe And Kayak Rentals
Rentals are available in town for Lake Arenal. Windsurfing Rentals and lessons are available nearby. Please ask for information.
Horseback Riding
3+ hours of horseback riding with a local guide. Trails go through the rainforest by the lake. The guide leaves from Chalet Nicholas.
Chalet Nicholas Tropical Gardens And Orchids
We have every type of tropical flower and fruit tree, including: Heliconias, Hibiscus, Gardenias, Jasmine, Canas, Passion Flower as well as a variety of Costa Rican Orchids. Explore the tropical beauty and bring your binoculars and camera!
The rainforest that borders the property is full of Bromeliads, Ferns and Vines.
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is famous for its exciting nighttime lava views. There is hiking near the volcano, and plenty of thermal springs and restaurants nearby. When not covered by clouds, the volcano can be seen from Chalet Nicholas. Check out all of the volcanoes of Costa Rica.
Bird Watching
Birding is incredible at Chalet Nicholas. We adjoin a protected forest and have over 100 types of birds. We have a list of birds we share with bird watchers to help them check off the birds they see. This list is coordinated with A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica by F. Gary Stiles and Alexander F. Skutch (the birding "bible" in Costa Rica).
Lake Arenal
Swim, Kayak or Windsurf in gorgeous Lake Arenal.
Rio Celeste Hot springs
Don;t forget to check out this unique hot springs adventure.
Climate Around Chalet Nicholas
The average temperature here is 70 degrees. It is warmer during the day and the sun is strong, but cooler at night (almost never below 60). Bring shorts, jeans, bathing suits, a light rain jacket or poncho, and if you wish, something dressier, although here in the countryside it's not really necessary - just come and relax!
You can find weather information at govisitcostarica.
Fishing trips
Fishing is fantastic on Lake Arenal! Our famous rainbow bass are the catch of the day! Relax, have some Cervesas, and bask in the sun. With guide, by reservation.
Hiking
Guests may hike Free, through the protected rainforest bordering Chalet Nicholas. We have paths cleared for your use on our 15 acre reforested property and through adjoining protected forest. We supply rubber boots and walking sticks at no charge. Explore the wildlife. We have Howler monkeys, mono titis, fantastic tropical birds, armadillos, coatimundis, anteaters, kinkajous, fruit bats, snakes, tree frogs, butterflies, and an occasional sloth and iguana. We have lots of "birding" clubs and birders visiting us who are attracted here by our variety of Tropical Birds!
Arenal Hanging Bridge
A new eco-tourism destination is born, in the immediate vicinity of two major Northern Zone Attractions: Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano. With 1.9 miles of paths - visitors go deep into the canopy and a world not usually seen from the ground - awesome views of Lake Arenal, a waterfall and the fiery Volcano Arenal.
Safaris Corobici
A River Float Trip with guides in a Zodiac type boat. You will float along the Palo Verde National Park and see monkeys, water birds, iguanas, and natural wildlife of Costa Rica. Two hour or half day trips. (Especially for birders)
