A Complete Guide to Visiting Arenal Volcano National Park
A complete guide to visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, including the best hikes, views, waterfalls, hot springs, and animals you can see in both sectors.
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Are you thinking about visiting Arenal Volcano National Park? This incredible nature reserve near La Fortuna is home to some of Costa Rica’s best volcanic scenery, epic hikes, and scenic lookouts. With the towering Arenal Volcano at its centre, the national park is one of our favourite areas and is not to be missed by anyone travelling to the region. We’ve compiled a complete guide of everything you need to know about visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, including the best hiking trails, viewpoints, and animals you might see, as well as practical information about things like tickets and prices, in this post.
Arenal Volcano National Park at a glance
More from La Fortuna
About Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is a large conservation area created around Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes. The park also encompasses a second, smaller volcano called Cerro Chato, as well as a green volcanic crater lake. Arenal Volcano National Park neighbours Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica, and is close to the tourism hub town of La Fortuna. It is set in the stunning surrounding natural area of the Alajuela Province of northern Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano National Park is a protected area and one of Costa Rica’s 30 national parks. There are actually two different parts of the park, known as sectors. The main part at the base of Arenal Volcano, Volcano Sector (Sector Volcan) is the main part that most people visit. The second Peninsula Sector (Sector Peninsula) juts out into Lake Arenal and is much quieter, receiving fewer visitors.
Arenal Volcano National Park Facts
As an area of conservation, Arenal Volcano National Park is involved in various research and monitoring programs focusing on wildlife and volcanic geology, which contribute to the understanding and protection of the park’s unique ecosystems and geological features.
Arenal Volcano Facts
Arenal Volcano is an active stratovolcano, meaning it has steep sides and is relatively cone-shaped. The volcano was believed to be dormant until an eruption in 1968. It then saw continuous activity until 2010, when it was last active.
The best Arenal Volcano National Park tours
There is a range of Arenal Volcano National Park tours available. Some are only a few hours, exploring a portion of the park and giving you a flavour of the area. Others are longer, allowing you to explore more of the park across both sectors. Here are the best Arenal Volcano National Park tours:
Where is Arenal Volcano National Park?
Arenal Volcano National Park is situated in the northwest part of Costa Rica and is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, a popualr tourism hub.
The park is nestled between the foothills of the Cordillera de Tilaran volcanic mountain range and the San Carlos plains. This gives it a unique tropical climate, resulting in rainforest, cloud forest, and volcanic ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal life. It is also one of the most impressive volcanic areas in the country with lava fields, hot springs, and the towering Arenal Volcano.
The park is situated within the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area, a protected area between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges containing 8 of the 12 Costa Rica life zones, as well as 16 protected reserves.
Arenal Volcano National Park Map
Arenal Volcano National Park’s entrance is to the west of Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna town, as depicted by the map below.
How to explore Arenal Volcano National Park
Most of the things to do in and around Arenal Volcano National Park are outdoors, so the park is popular with those wishing to see more of Costa Rica’s stunning natural attractions. The park is most easily explored from La Fortuna, so it’s common for people to combine activities in the park like hiking with other wildlife or adventure activities in the surrounding Arenal area. There is also an unofficial scenic drive you can enjoy along 30 miles around the base of Arenal Volcano.
Many people choose to explore Arenal Volcano National Park on a self-guided visit. For others, joining an Arenal Volcano day tour is a great option. We go a bit more into the pros and cons of taking a tour of Arenal a little later in this article.
What to see in Arenal Volcano National Park
There is plenty to see in Arenal Volcano National Park, from expansive landscapes to native animals. The park is home to lush rainforest, diverse wildlife habitats, thriving ecosystems, and epic volcanic landscapes with unique geothermal features that make it the perfect destination for anyone with an interest in nature and the outdoors.
Here are some of the top sights to see in Arenal Volcano National Park:
What to do in Arenal Volcano National Park
There is so much to enjoy in Arenal Volcano National Park that you could easily spend multiple days exploring the park and surrounding area. Most of the activities in Arenal Volcano National Park are outdoors, providing the unique opportunity to get up close to some of the park’s most stunning natural landmarks and stunning scenery.
Here are some of the top activities to enjoy in Arenal Volcano National Park.
Many of these sights can also be enjoyed in Arenal’s surrounding area. In addition to Arenal Volcano National Park, there are a few private reserves around Arenal where you can enjoy hiking trails and scenic lookouts. Lodges and resorts have also developed near the national park, offering hot springs, waterfall walks, and wildlife-watching spots. Adventure parks near Arenal also offer adrenaline activities like ziplining and tree-top walks.
Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center
Most visits to Arenal Volcano National Park start at the Visitor Center. It is located near the main entrance in the Volcano Sector, about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. It’s here you can find handy maps and information boards about all the hiking trails and things to see in the park. Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center also has a park ranger station, toilets, and drinking water available. It’s a good idea to check in with rangers at the beginning of your visit to find out all the most up-to-date information on trail conditions and any potential hazards, as well as the park’s unique ecosystems.
A gift shop, small café, accessible path, and sightseeing platform are also being built at the end of the Peninsula Sector.
Cerro Chato
Chato Volcano (Cerro Chato) is an extinct volcano nestled in the foothills of Arenal Volcano. Cerro Chato is believed to have first erupted 38,000 years ago and last erupted a little over 5000 years ago. It is known for its bright green crater lake, Laguna Cerro Chato, which spans about 500 metres (1,600 ft) wide.
Can you visit Arenal Volcano on your own?
It’s totally possible to explore Arenal Volcano National Park on your own. Self-guided activities like hiking and wildlife watching are popular with visitors offering an immersive and adventurous experience through lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. There are many benefits of exploring on your own, including being able to go at your own pace, save money, avoid the crowds, and explore deeper into the national park.
Do you need a guided tour for Arenal Volcano?
While you do not need a guide to explore Arenal Volcano National Park, many visitors choose to hire one. A guide can enhance your experience in many ways and taking a day tour can be logistically beneficial too. Here are some potential benefits of taking an Arenal Volcano tour:
We did take a guided walk in Arenal Volcano National Park and would highly recommend it. We saw a great variety of animals thanks to our experienced guide and learned a lot about the area and its history too.
The best things to do in Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park offers diverse outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as well as relaxing activities for those seeking rest and restoration. Here are the best things to do in Arenal Volcano National Park.
Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park
Hiking is available all around Arenal Volcano in both sectors of the national park. While hiking to the summit of Arenal Volcano is both illegal and dangerous, there are plenty of hiking trails around the base of the volcano you can enjoy. The trails (Sendero in Spanish) in Arenal Volcano National Park are some of the best hikes in La Fortuna and Arenal and offer unparalleled views of the volcano and surrounding scenery. They are also suitable for various fitness levels.
There are four trails in Arenal Volcano National Park’s Volcano Sector:
- Las Coladas (The Lava Flow Trail)
- El Ceibo (The Rainforest Trail)
- Las Heliconias (The Connector Trail)
- Camino Vehicular (Vehicle Trail)
Las Heliconias Trail connects the entrance and Visitor Center to the Las Coladas Trail, the hiking main route in Arenal Volcano National Park. Las Coladas leads through petrified lava fields to the main volcano viewpoint. There is a side trail that connects to Las Coladas, El Ceibo Trail, which passes through lush rainforest. The final route, Camino Vehicular, can be walked or driven in a 4×4 and leads to a viewpoint at the base of a volcano.
There are two trails in Arenal Volcano National Park’s Peninsula Sector:
- Los Miradores (The Viewpoint Trail)
- El Tororoi Trail (The Antpitta Bird Trail)
Los Miradores Trail is the main trail in the Peninsula Sector and leads to Lake Arenal with views of Arenal Volcano. El Tororoi Trail connects to this route and detours through lush rainforest.
Hiking Cerro Chato is illegal. The law was passed in 1998 but was not enforced until 2017. Before it was closed, the Cerro Chato trail was considered a challenging hike and used to descend into the crater and could become very muddy, making it super dangerous.
While some visitors do still hike the Cerro Chato Trail or to the summit of Arenal Volcano, we wouldn’t recommend it. Not only are these hikes illegal but the routes are treacherous and cause a lot of environmental destruction.
Waterfalls in Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal is home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls (Cataratas in Spanish). One of the most exciting ways to experience Costa Rica’s waterfalls is on a waterfall rappelling and canyoning tour in Arenal. Alternatively, visitors may choose to hike rainforest trails to secluded spots and discover thundering cascades on walking paths. Here are some of the best waterfalls to visit in and around Arenal Volcano National Park:
La Fortuna Waterfall
One of the most famous cascades in the country, Catarata La Fortuna plunges 70 metres (230 ft) into a pool that is a popular swimming hole. It is located on the southeastern end of the park, at the base of Chato Volcano, and can be accessed via a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) round-trip hike. There is a (quite expensive) entrance fee of $20 per adult which is reinvested into local conservation efforts.
Río Chollin Waterfall
This lesser-known waterfall is located near Tabacon Hot Springs on the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s a small 10-metre (33 ft) cascade in the natural hot spring river, Río Chollin, also known as El Choyin. While a secluded spot, it’s also very popular with locals and tourists alike and can be busy on weekends and in dry season. It’s completely free to access but some people are normally hanging around offering to watch your car for a few dollars or 3000 to 5000 colones.
Danta Waterfall
Located to the south of Arenal Volcano, Catarata Danta is a 40-meter (131 ft) waterfall. While not a part of the national park, it is accessible from Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails, which is a popular accommodation option for those visiting. A well-maintained trail leads to stairs down to the waterfall viewpoint and the swimming spot at the base of the waterfall.
Wildlife in Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park’s unique combination of tropical climate, proximity to Lake Arenal, and varied habitats, including rainforests, cloud forests, wetlands, and volcanic landscapes, is perfect for supporting a wide range of species. All sorts of animals can be seen in and around the national park, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Its protected status as a national park has further led to a habitat in which native animals can thrive. Here are some animals you may see when exploring Arenal Volcano National Park.
Monkeys
Three of the four species of monkey found in Costa Rica can be seen in Arenal Volcano National Park:
Of these, mantled howler monkeys are most commonly spotted – and often they’re actually heard first! You can identify them from their bellowing calls.
Sloths
Both of Costa Rica’s two types of sloth can be found around Arenal: the brown-throated three-toed sloth and Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth. They are most frequently found in the tops of trees along hiking trails in the national park.
Birds
Most of the 850 species of birds identified in Costa Rica can be found within Arenal Volcano National Park. Some popular birds you might see include:
Of these, Costa Rica’s Resplendent Quetzal is probably the most exciting to see, due to its endangered status and brilliantly colourful plumage.
Other Land Mammals
Arenal Volcano National Park is home to around 120 mammal species. Besides sloths and monkeys, you can also spot:
These animals are most commonly spotted foraging in the undergrowth or crossing hiking trails.
Big cats
While there are six species of wild cats in Costa Rica, they are incredibly elusive animals and rarely spotted by tourists. Three species favour the habitat found in Arenal Volcano National Park:
As they are so scarce, it’s not possible to take a tour to see them but it’s always possible you might spot them while hiking in more remote parts of the park.
Insects, arachnids, and reptiles
There are many other kinds of animals in Arenal Volcano National Park, including insects, arachnids, and reptiles like:
Blue morpho and monarch are the most popular butterflies to see, while boa constrictors and fer-de-lance are two of the most iconic snake species. While rare, crocodiles are sometimes found in Arenal, although you’re much more likely to see an iguana or lizard when it comes to reptiles.
Arenal Volcano National Park Wildlife Tours
The best way to see animals in Arenal Volcano National Park is to hike outdoors. Guided hikes are particularly beneficial as the guide knows exactly what to look out for and where certain species are most commonly spotted. We saw quite a few animals around Arenal Volcano, including sloths, monkeys, snakes, frogs, and birds including a white hawk, motmots, and toucans. We’re sure we wouldn’t have seen nearly half the amount of animals if it weren’t for the knowledge of our local guide.
It’s important to remember that every day is different in Arenal Volcano National Park, especially when it comes to spotting animals. You can never be certain where they’ll be and when (or if) you can see them, although taking a guided wildlife tour certainly helps. We think this is part of what makes wildlife spotting so special and what makes us feel so very lucky when we get to have the most exciting, natural encounters with animals in the wild – on their terms.
Arenal Volcano Hot Springs
Due to its geothermal landscape, Arenal is a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation in local hot springs. With mineral-rich waters, hot springs offer therapeutic properties including relieving stress, pain, and inflammation, as well as improving circulation, and reducing wrinkles.
Some Arenal Hot Springs are located within the boundaries of the national park while others can be found in the surrounding areas around the volcano. Here are the best hot springs in and around Arenal Volcano National Park:
Some of these spots are thermal resorts in Arenal and luxurious hotels, while others are secluded river access points and completely free to access!
Arenal Volcano Views
On a clear day, Arenal Volcano National Park offers spectacular views of Arenal and Chato Volcanoes, the green crater lake, Lake Arenal, lava fields, and lush rainforest. The unique ecosystem within the park is home to around 500 plant species and contains about 10% of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna.
Many hiking trails offer lookouts and viewpoints with breathtaking panoramic views. You can also enjoy views of the volcano from the scenic drive that traverses around the base of the volcano.
Taking a boat trip on Lake Arenal is another way to see beautiful views of Arenal Volcano. For something really special, you can even take a helicopter flight around the volcano for a bird’s eye view.
It’s also really popular for visitors to book accommodation with views of Arenal Volcano to really take advantage of the views. Some of the best hotels and resorts to stay in for views of Arenal Volcano are:
Where is the best view of Arenal Volcano?
Crossing Costa Rica’s hanging bridges is a way to get great views of Arenal Volcano. Head to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park for a fun day out. Here are some other places to visit for stunning views of Arenal Volcano:
It’s worth mentioning that, on a cloudy day, it’s difficult to see Arenal Volcano at all. You’re more likely to be able to see the volcano in dry season, which is between December to April. The wet season, between July and November, sees more rain and Arenal Volcano is therefore more likely to be cloaked in clouds.
Arenal Volcano National Park Hours
Arenal Volcano National Park is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day. This is for both the Volcano and Peninsula Sectors.
Arenal Volcano National Park Tickets
Arenal Volcano National Park tickets are for one-time entrance only. This means if you want to visit both sectors, you’ll need to do so in one day to avoid paying for entry on multiple days. Your ticket grants you access to all the open trails within the park. Tickets are managed by SINAC but cannot be bought on the website.
Arenal Volcano National Park Entrance Fee
Tickets for travellers are priced in USD. This is for anyone not a resident of Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano National Park entrance fee for foreigners is:
Tickets for Costa Rican residents are priced in Costa Rican Colones. This is for anyone not a resident of Costa Rica and is:
While it might seem unfair that the Arenal Volcano National Park entry fee is much lower for residents, it’s actually an ethical pricing structure designed to give locals access to enjoy the national park when they might not otherwise be financially able to as local wages are much lower than that of many travellers. Plus, your entrance fee goes towards supporting the upkeep and conservation of the park, so it’s a small price to pay in that respect.
How much does it cost to visit Arenal Volcano National Park?
It’s worth noting that the above-listed prices do not include tax. So the cost of a ticket to Arenal Volcano National Park for a foreign adult would be $15 USD plus tax.
An additional cost you may wish to consider includes the cost of transportation to the park, especially if you haven’t rented a car. If you’d like to take a guided hike, this is extra too. Some people find it more cost-effective to book an Arenal Volcano day tour that includes their entrance fee, transportation, and guided activities.
Do you need a reservation for Arenal Volcano National Park?
You do not need a reservation for Arenal Volcano National Park, and at the moment, it’s actually not possible to book in advance. There is no online reservation system and tickets for Arenal Volcano National Park can only be purchased directly at the park ticket office, on the same day of your visit.
How to book a ticket for Arenal Volcano National Park
Payment for Arenal Volcano National Park tickets is by card only. You can only buy tickets at the entrance, it’s not possible to reserve tickets online.
We’d recommend having an online foreign bank account like Wise or a multi-currency card like Revolut with you as the fee for tourists is in USD. Using one of these services can save you lots of money in the exchange rate if you do not have an American bank card, or if your bank charges for foreign transactions.
Alternatively, you can pay for an Arenal Volcano tour with an included ticket and your guide will take care of your entrance fee for you.
How to get to Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is 9 miles (15 km) southwest of La Fortuna in the Alajuela Province. It’s possible to get there by car, taxi, and bus (with difficulty) and there are pros and cons to each method.
By car
Driving in Costa Rica is by far the easiest way to get around, and it’s no different when it comes to visiting Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s easy to hire a car in Costa Rica and then you have the flexibility to follow your own schedule and go at your own pace.
Arenal Volcano National Park is easily accessible by car. But it’s worth mentioning that the road to the entrance isn’t as well-maintained as some of Costa Rica’s main roads. It is often pothole-y and can be especially hard to traverse in wet season when it’s muddier. While it’s driveable in a standard car, it may be worth having a 4×4 for peace of mind. We hired a Nomad America 4×4 camper car rental and felt like no part of the country was off-limits to us.
Arenal Volcano National Park Directions from San Jose
- From San Jose, take the Interamerican Highway (Route 1) west to San Ramon.
- Turn right onto Route 702 and go north 43.5 miles (70 km) through La Tigra, and Chachagua to La Fortuna.
Arenal Volcano National Park Directions from La Fortuna
- From La Fortuna, take Route 142 west for 9 miles (15 km) towards Tilarán.
- Turn south onto Calle Real el Castillo/Ruta Nacional Treciaria 936 and continue for 1.2 miles (2 km).
- The Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center and Parking is on the left.
By bus
There is no bus to the entrance of Arenal Volcano National Park. The closest place the bus can drop you is at the intersection of the main road and the entrance road. From here, you will need to walk or hitchhike the remaining 1.2 miles (2 km). You can do the same for the PEninsula Sector but will need to walk or hitchhike the 2.7 miles (4.3 km) to the entrance. The bus costs around (₡1,500-2,000, or around $2-$3 USD).
By taxi
Taking a taxi is an easy way to get to Arenal Volcano National Park. The official taxis are red and can be taken from the park in the centre of La Fortuna. It costs about $10 USD one-way for an Uber. Taxis cost approximately ₡10,000-15,000 (around $15-$22 USD) one-way.
There are some Ubers in La Fortuna and around the national park but they’re not as common as you may be used to at home.
Where to stay to visit Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal is home to some of the nicest hotels in Costa Rica. There are lots of different accommodation options for visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, from right outside the park boundary to slightly further away in La Fortuna. La Fortuna is the closest town to Arenal Volcano National Park and the main tourist hub with accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops. If you’re looking for where to stay in La Fortuna, you can’t go wrong with staying in the town – it’s a great base for all the popular attractions in the area.
There’s something for every budget, from backpackers’ hostels to luxury hotels. Many hotels are set in secluded spots in lush rainforests, have on-site hot spring spas, or offer epic views of Arenal Volcano. There’s an almost overwhelming amount of accommodations to choose from around Arenal so we’ve shortlisted the best hotels and hostels below.
The best Arenal Volcano National Park hotels
Can you stay in Arenal Volcano National Park?
There’s very limited accommodation within the park’s borders and the only hotel option is Arenal Observatory Lodge. Arenal Volcano National Park Ranger Station also has basic accommodation for researchers and scientists but is not bookable by the general public. If you’re camping in Costa Rica, there are plenty of options right outside the national park.
Camping in Arenal Volcano National Park
Although wild camping is legal in Costa Rica, there is very little free camping in La Fortuna and Arenal. We’ve shortlisted some of the best campsites in Arenal below:
It’s worth bearing in mind that campfires are not permitted in Arenal Volcano National Park but you can use portable gas stoves in areas designated for that purpose. Rules for private campsites will differ.
When to visit Arenal Volcano National Park
The best time to visit Arenal Volcano National Park relies on two factors: the time of year and the time of day. There’s no bad time to visit Arenal Volcano National Park but not all months will give you the same experience.
What time of year is best to see Arenal Volcano?
There are two main seasons in Costa Rica: dry and wet. There’s also a green season at the start of the wet season before the rain gets too bad.
The best time of year to see Arenal Volcano is in the dry season, between December to April. During this time, there is less rain and you’re more likely to get an unobstructed view of Arenal Volcano.
What is the best month to visit Arenal?
We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each season below so you can choose the best month for your visit.
Most of the wildlife in Arenal Volcano National Park isn’t seasonal so you have a good chance of seeing animals all year round. However, less foliage can make viewings easier in the dry season.
When is the best time of day to visit Arenal Volcano National Park?
The best time of day to visit Arenal Volcano National Park is early in the morning, as soon as the park opens. This way, you can out on the trails before everyone else and have the lookouts all to yourself. Arenal Volcano National Park is most busy from midday through the afternoon. You’re most likely to see wildlife early in the morning or just before the park closes when it’s quieter too.
How much time do you need in Arenal Volcano National Park?
While you could spend a couple of hours in the park, we’d recommend at least 3 hours in Arenal Volcano National Park. This gives you enough time to hike one of the main trails in either the Volcano Sector or the Peninsula Sector.
Ideally, you could dedicate half a day to fully appreciate the hiking trails in either sector and would spend a full day exploring both the Volcano Sector and Peninsula Sector – entrance to both is included with your ticket after all.
If you can spend longer, and don’t mind paying for entrance twice, you could visit the Volcano and Peninsula Sectors on different days.
How many days do you need in Arenal?
While we’d recommend at least one full day to visit both the Volcano Sector and Peninsula Sector of Arenal Volcano National Park, there’s plenty more to see and do in the surrounding Arenal area. From thermal hot springs to waterfall walks and sloth trails, you can find a full list of things to do in Arenal in our list of the best things to do in La Fortuna.
Things to know before visiting Arenal Volcano National Park
There are a few rules and restrictions that you should know before you go. Items you cannot take into the park include the following:
There is nowhere to buy food and drink in Arenal Volcano National Park but there are several cafés and restaurants near the national park. You can also take your own food and drink in with you so we’d recommend taking a packed lunch and snacks with you.
Litter must be taken with you or disposed of in the designated rubbish bins.
You cannot remove anything from the park, including plants and rocks. Although you might think a volcanic rock is a nice souvenir, it’s important not to move anything to preserve the natural environment within the park.
Arenal Volcano Eruption
Arenal Volcano, despite being currently dormant, is a seismically active volcano and it’s theoretically possible it will erupt at any time. While seeing lava is a bucket list experience for many travellers, it’s important to respect the brute force of nature and be in the know about the possible dangers associated with volcanoes too.
Can you see lava in Arenal?
Arenal Volcano is currently dormant so you cannot see live lava however it’s possible to see (and walk among) the frozen lava flows from previous eruptions. To see spewing lava, you’ll need to travel to Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua or Acatenango in Guatemala.
Does Arenal glow at night?
The glow of lava in Arenal Volcano has historically been visible, especially at night. However, since the declaration of dormancy in 2010, it’s not been possible to see live lava of any kind, including a glow at night, at Arenal.
Does smoke come out of Arenal Volcano?
Previously, Arenal Volcano produced significant amounts of smoke and ash, especially during its active periods between 1968 and 2010. While it does still occasionally emit smoke it’s a more rare occurrence. It’s more common that visitors might mistake whisps of cloud, which look like steam, around the summit for smoke.
When did Arenal last erupt?
During its main period of activity from 1968 to 2010, Arenal Volcano erupted many times. It was the tenth-longest volcanic eruption recorded since 1750. Some notable Arenal eruptions during this period include:
- 1968: The volcano awakened from 400 years of dormancy with a massive eruption
- 1975-1984: Continuous eruptions resulting in the creation of lava flows and pyroclastic flows
- 1998: Increased activity with lava flows and ash emissions
The 1968 eruption was the most devastating in recent history, destroying the small local town of Tabacón and killing 87 people.
Will Arenal erupt again?
Arenal Volcano is considered dormant but not extinct, meaning it’s highly probable it will erupt again. It’s impossible to know when that might be. If Arenal does erupt, it’s recommended to check all the most up-to-date safety information before entering the park. It’s also a great idea to book a hotel on the side with the flowing lava for the magical opportunity to see it from your room.
Arenal Volcano National Park Safety
Arenal Volcano National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists, but accidents are always possible. It’s especially important to be prepared if you’re spending an extended amount of time outdoors, for example hiking on the trails within the national park. Stay safe on your trip with the below tips:
Arenal Volcano National Park Weather
Arenal Volcano National Park’s weather can be quite unpredictable. With a tropical climate, Arenal Volcano sees temperatures that generally range from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F) with a high humidity of 60-90%. It’s common for Arenal Volcano National Park to see a high amount of rainfall, especially during the wet and green seasons, which results in abundant plant life and lush rainforest.
Arenal Volcano National Park FAQs
Visiting Arenal Volcano National Park should be easy now you’ve read our guide. We’ve covered some frequently asked questions below in case there’s anything else you need to know before you go.
What to pack for Arenal Volcano National Park
You may be wondering what to pack to hike around Arenal Volcano and we’ve got you covered. When hiking outdoors, anything can happen, so it’s always best to have an emergency kit too. Here’s what you shouldn’t forget to bring to Arenal Volcano National Park:
How to dress for Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park’s weather changes quickly so it’s always best to be prepared. Here’s a checklist of clothing for hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park:
What is special about Arenal Volcano?
Arenal Volcano National Park is most famous for its prolific volcano, Arenal Volcano, which stands tall in the centre of the park. Arenal Volcano is a unique destination and one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica to experience volcanic landscapes, including petrified lava flows, craters, and geothermal hot springs. The volcano itself is active, although currently dormant, and is visually impressive due to its steep sides and lush green surroundings.
What is Arenal Volcano National Park known for?
Arenal Volcano National Park is most known as an impressive volcanic national park with epic scenic hikes and a wide range of diverse wildlife-watching opportunities. Its tropical climate and location in the middle of a biological corridor result in a thriving habitat full of native wild animals. Local geothermal activity has resulted in many relaxing hot spring spots, while full rivers make for thundering waterfalls and deep swimming holes.
Is Arenal Volcano National Park worth it?
Yes, Arenal Volcano National Park is absolutely worth visiting. It’s fun to spend a day hiking in the park, exploring a variety of trails and taking in breathtaking views. It’s also one of the most affordable national parks in Costa Rica and is a great place to learn more about wildlife with a guided tour.
Is Arenal too touristy?
While La Fortuna is a popular tourist town, the surrounding Arenal area isn’t that touristy. There is improved infrastructure thanks to a consistent flow of tourism but it’s easy to get out of the town and explore the vast natural areas in Arenal. Arenal Volcano National Park is an expansive open-air with approximately 18 miles (29 km) of hiking trails, making it easy to feel like you have the park all to yourself.
If you’re keen to avoid the crowds, we’d recommend you visit in the green season between May and June when there are fewer visitors and prices are lower but the weather isn’t too wet.
More about Arenal Volcano
To finish off, we have also answered some more granular questions about visiting Arenal Volcano National Park below.
When was Arenal Volcano National Park established?
Arenal Volcano National Park was established on 30th September 1991. It covers an area of roughly 12,000 hectares and is managed by SINAC.
Is Arenal Volcano worth seeing?
Yes, it is definitely worth seeing. Arenal Volcano is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic natural wonders of Costa Rica. It’s worth noting that, on cloudy days, it’s difficult to see Arenal Volcano at all. Plan to spend a few days in the area if you’re really keen to have an unobstructed view of Arenal Volcano.
How to view Arenal Volcano
There are many ways to view Arenal Volcano including viewpoints on hikes, hanging bridges, nearby hot springs, certain ziplining and canopy tours, scenic drives and also booking a hotel with volcano views.
How much does it cost to see Arenal Volcano?
Seeing the volcano is completely free and can be viewed from all around Arenal. On a clear day, it can even be seen from the centre of La Fortuna town. It is however $15 USD to enter the grounds of Arenal Volcano National Park.
Can you see Arenal Volcano from hanging bridges?
Yes! Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges is the best place to see Arenal Volcano while also enjoying thrilling suspension bridges and wildlife watching trails. Sky Adventures in Arenal also offers amazing views of the volcano, as well as suspended bridges and ziplining courses.
Can you see the Arenal Volcano crater?
No, it is not possible to see the Arenal Volcano crater from the ground, however, the impressive Cerro Chato crater lake is visible from several hike lookout points within the park.
What city is closest to the Arenal Volcano?
La Fortuna is the closest town to Arenal Volcano and, as the crow flies, Quesada is the closest city. In La Fortuna town, you will find all of the shops and facilities you are likely to need for your trip without having to venture further afield.
How far is Arenal Volcano from the airport?
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José is roughly 3 hours’ drive from Arenal Volcano as it is close to 130 km away. For shorter flights, La Fortuna has its own airport.
Can you swim in Lake Arenal?
Yes, you can swim in designated swimming areas in Lake Arenal, however, it is important to keep an eye on any weather changes and safety announcements when planning this activity, especially in wet season.
Are there monkeys in Arenal Costa Rica?
Yes, there are four species of monkey that you may see in Arenal. These are the white-faced (capuchin) monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys. The easiest to spot is usually the howler monkey as you can hear them from miles away.
Are there crocodiles in Arenal?
Yes! Although not an everyday occurrence, it is sometimes possible to see crocodiles in and around the rivers in Arenal, and sometimes in Lake Arenal.
Read next:
The Best Hikes in La Fortuna and Arenal
A Traveller’s Guide to La Fortuna
20 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
How to Visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
20 Best Places to See Sloths in La Fortuna
Sloth Spotting on the Bogarin Trail
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