Arenal Volcano National Park

What it's like

Arenal Volcano is the near-perfect cone that you see from almost everywhere around La Fortuna. It was believed to be dormant. Then in 1968 it erupted violently, killing 78 people and burying villages on its western side. It kept erupting more or less continuously for over 40 years, until the activity stopped in December 2010. Today it's quiet, but you can still see the old lava flows.

The national park covers 12,124 hectares around the volcano and Cerro Chato, an older volcano with a lagoon in its crater. It runs down to the shores of Lake Arenal, the country's largest reservoir and its biggest hydroelectric project.

What you'll see

The park's trails cross secondary forest and old lava fields, with viewpoints toward the cone and the lake. Most are easy to moderate and fine for families. Watch for white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatis and plenty of birds: the area is a favorite with birders, and the plant life includes orchids, heliconias, bromeliads and strangler figs. Snakes, including the venomous fer-de-lance, live here too, so stay on the trail.

Clouds often hide the summit, especially in the afternoon. Mornings give you the best chance of a clear view.

Planning your visit

The park is open from 8 am to 4 pm. There's an entrance fee, a visitor information point, toilets and drinking water. Wear proper walking shoes, bring sun protection and a rain jacket, and plan on two to three hours on the trails.

You can't hike to the crater, and you shouldn't go off the marked trails. Several guided tours combine the park with hanging bridges, waterfalls or hot springs. If you're new to rainforest walking, a guide will spot far more wildlife than you will.

Getting there

The park is about 15 km west of La Fortuna, along the road toward the lake and El Castillo. It's an easy drive, and taxis and tours run from town. You can also reach the area from Tilarán and the north shore of Lake Arenal.

Where it fits in a trip

Most itineraries give the Arenal area two or three nights. Spend one morning in the national park, then add hot springs, a waterfall or a lake trip. In El Castillo, on the other side of the park, the Butterfly Conservatory makes an easy add-on for families. Our Arenal and La Fortuna guide covers where to stay and how to get there from San José, Monteverde or Guanacaste, and our national parks guide compares Arenal with other volcano parks.