The Arenal Volcano National Park, created in 1991 in order to protect 12,124 hectares of pure rainforest magic, is a perfect half-day introduction to the amazing beauty of this area.
The park is located about a 30-minute from La Fortuna, 20 minutes from most hotels there, or a bit less than an hour from Nuevo Arenal. In any case, we strongly suggest having a car for this one. It’s possible to get there via bus and/or taxi, but not the most practical solution.
Rates and Schedule
The entrance fee is $15 USD for adult foreigners, $5 USD for children, and ₡1,000 for Costa Rica nationals or residents. The National Park is open from 8 am to 4 pm, but they will not let anyone in after 2:30 pm. Make sure you check out the trees right as you enter the park – there are often eyelash vipers (bocaracás) hanging around!
Arenal Volcano National Park Trails
After you get your tickets, you can drive your car over to the parking lot. There is also a short, 600-meter jungle trail called Heliconias, which connects the park entrance with the parking lot. You’ll then get to the main trails: Las Coladas, where you can see old lava flows from 1992, and El Ceibo, which takes you to an impressive, 400-year-old, ceiba tree. The trails form kind of a loop, so it doesn’t really matter which way you start. The hike is pretty mild, and the trails relatively flat for most of the way.
Las Coladas
The lava flow trail is about 2 kms long, and there is a bit of a steep climb to get to the main lookout point, but nothing too crazy. The lava rocks make the scenery look out-of-this-world, and your reward when you get to the top, is an amazing view of Lake Arenal and, hopefully, of the majestic volcano. Well, that, and getting to chill on some old lava flows for a while!
El Ceibo at Arenal Volcano National Park
El Ceibo trail is approximately another 3 kms and is a peaceful walk through the rainforest. Everything is lush, green, bursting with life, and absolutely gorgeous. The ceiba tree is stunning, massive, and has survived all of Arenal volcano’s major eruptions!
After this, you can also walk, or drive to another lookout point, for another great volcano view. If it’s cloudy, do try to wait a few minutes. The weather changes fast around here, and it may clear up a bit!
Peninsula Sector Trail
If you thought you were done, you’re luckily mistaken! Get back into your car, and drive 2 kms to find the new Peninsula sector. It opened in 2017, so the infrastructure is brand new.
Los Miradores
They have a handicap-accessible, 1.2-km trail called Los Miradores, which features several lookout points with breathtaking views of the Arenal Lake. There’s also a 12-meter observation platform for panoramic vistas of the lake… and the volcano could make an appearance as well!
The trail ends by the lake, on a deck with benches where you can sit and take in the beauty of our little corner of paradise, or walk down to the edge of the water and get closer to Arenal volcano.
El Tororoi
There’s also a jungle trail called El Tororoi, which you can explore if you have some extra time and energy. It’s 600 m and a nice little hike, but keep in mind that there are lots of steps going down, and then back up. If you’re feeling tired, it’s not the end of the world if you skip this one.
In conclusion, if you’re in the area and have a car, make sure to stop by the National Park. Words and pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of this place!
How to get to Arenal Volcano National Park
The beautiful Arenal Volcano National Park is less than an hour drive from Nuevo Arenal!
From La Fortuna
Where to stay in La Fortuna
If you are planning to stay in La Fortuna to visit the Arenal Volcano National park and the surrounding area, it will probably be difficult to make up your mind on accommodations! From affordable backpacker hostels to some of the most luxurious and renowned properties in the world, and everything in between. Nayara Springs, for example, regularly tops the lists of the best and most romantic hotels. Look no further if you’re searching for your perfect honeymoon spot (and have the budget).
It can also be a great idea to stay at a property that has hot springs right on the premises. You can’t miss going to the springs while you are in this area, and there are amazing options for all kinds of budgets! However, since you’ll probably be running around and having awesome adventures all day, it’s really convenient to be able to have a nice soak before crashing for the night. If you are looking for luxury, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa or The Springs Resort are spectacular. Then, the Arenal Springs Resort, Arenal Manoa or El Silencio del Campo offer more moderately-priced rooms and springs. Los Lagos Spa and Resort (3 stars) is also a fantastic spot for families!
Of course, there are plenty of great accommodations without springs as well. Take some time to look around, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect property for you!
