Las Coladas and Heliconias trails
Short, well-marked trails in the park through forest and over old lava flows, with views of the volcano on clear days. They are walked in about one to two hours.
La Fortuna · Alajuela · Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park
A perfect cone of a volcano above Lake Arenal, with lava-flow trails, rainforest, hot springs and waterfalls on its doorstep.
- Created in 1991
- About 12,000 ha
- Volcano 1,670 m
- Daytime visits
- Guided or self-guided trails
About the park
Arenal Volcano National Park protects the cone of Arenal and the rainforest around its base in the north of Costa Rica. The volcano was active almost continuously from 1968 until 2010 and is now in a resting phase, so there is no glowing lava, but the cone is still one of the most photographed sights in the country.
The park offers short trails through secondary and primary forest and across old lava flows, with views of the volcano and of Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica. The town of La Fortuna, a few kilometres away, is the base for hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges and many other activities around the volcano.
- The symmetrical Arenal cone and Lake Arenal
- Short forest trails and old lava flows
- Hot springs, waterfall and hanging bridges nearby
- Easy day trips from La Fortuna
Wildlife
Howler monkeysCoatisToucans and oropendolasSlothsPoison dart frogsMany butterflies
Trails and nearby sights
Lake Arenal
The lake lies behind the volcano and is the largest in Costa Rica. Its shores are good for sunset views and for the drive to Monteverde.
Arenal 1968 private reserve
A private reserve next to the park on the lava flow of the 1968 eruption, with hiking trails, horse riding, ATV and night tours. It is not part of the national park.
Hot springs and waterfall
The volcanic heat feeds the hot springs of La Fortuna. The La Fortuna Waterfall, about 70 m high, is reached by a stairway of several hundred steps.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime only; the exact hours of the park entrance change during the year. We confirm them when you book.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Guide
- The trails can be walked on your own, but a naturalist guide helps you to see much more of the wildlife and explains the volcano. Our tours include a guide.
- Best time
- The dry season from December to April has the best chance of a clear view of the cone. The volcano is often in cloud in the afternoon, so mornings are best all year.
- What to bring
- Closed walking shoes, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sun protection, water and a swimsuit if you add the hot springs.
- Safety
- Stay on the marked trails and respect the closures posted at the park entrance.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 3 hours from San José via San Ramón and La Fortuna on good paved roads. The park entrance is a short drive from La Fortuna.
Transfer
We arrange private transfers and shared shuttles from San José, the airport, Monteverde and Sarapiquí. Ask us for a quote.
Tours around Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park — Guided Nature Hike
Arenal 1968 Natural Park — Volcanic Hiking TrailsFrom $28 per adult
Arenal 1968 ATV Tour — Volcano Trails by QuadFrom $105 per adultArenal 1968 Horseback Riding — Meadows, Forest & Volcano ViewsFrom $69 per adult
Arenal 1968 Night Tour — Rainforest After DarkFrom $65 per adultArenal Hanging Bridges — Mistico ParkSky Adventures Arenal — Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
La Fortuna Waterfall + Hot Springs
Arenal 1968 Natural Park — Volcanic Hiking TrailsFrom $28 per adult
Arenal 1968 ATV Tour — Volcano Trails by QuadFrom $105 per adult
Arenal 1968 Horseback Riding — Meadows, Forest & Volcano ViewsFrom $69 per adult
Arenal 1968 Night Tour — Rainforest After DarkFrom $65 per adultArenal Hanging Bridges — Mistico ParkSky Adventures Arenal — Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
La Fortuna Waterfall + Hot SpringsWhere to stay
Frequently asked questions
Is Arenal still erupting?
No. The volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010, so you do not see lava, but you can see the cone and visit the hot springs it heats.
Do I need a guide?
Not by rule, but a guide greatly improves the visit. Our tours include one.
How long does the visit take?
The park trails take one to two hours. Most guests combine them with the hot springs or the waterfall in a full day.
When is the best view of the volcano?
In the morning and in the dry season. In the afternoon the summit is often in cloud.
Which hotel is the best base?
A hotel in or near La Fortuna. We offer Hotel Campos Arenal and Hotel Lomas del Volcán.