Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park protects the dormant Arenal Volcano and its lava fields, along with short rainforest trails between La Fortuna and Lake Arenal. Arenal has been in a resting phase since 2010, so hikes here explore old lava flows and viewpoints rather than active lava. The park is administered by SINAC, Costa Rica's national park service, which sets entrance fees and hours.
Featured Tours
Arenal 4-in-1 tour: safari float, La Fortuna Waterfall, a volcano park hike and hot springs (Tabacón, The Springs or Eco Termales), with local lunch.
The Volcano Hike & Hot Springs Tour takes you on a guide led trek through Arenal Volcano National Park. Spot animals, enjoy a dip in a hot spring, and a meal
A personalized adventure awaits you on this 3-in-1 tour, choose from a hanging bridge or safari float, visit to La Fortuna Waterfall, and chocolate tour
Enjoy all that nature has to offer on Arenal, Costa Rica's El Silencio Mirador Trails & Hot Spring Tour. Explore the forest and end your day with a warm soak
These Arenal 2-in-1 tours will have you combining safari floats with chocolate, hanging bridges with waterfalls, and more. Your Costa Rican adventure awaits
Arenal Volcano National Park Tours in Costa Rica on the foothills of the dormant Arenal Volcano. Maps & photo gallery
Make your Costa Rican vacation complete when you go on an Arenal Volcano hike, one of the nation's most popular tours. Enjoy nature, see amazing wildlife
A full day of adventure awaits you on this Arenal Volcano one day tour. Learn about the volcano, explore the surrounding forest, and soak in a hot spring
Get the best view possible of Costa Rica's famed Arenal Volcano when you get up close on this guide led 3 hour history walk of Arenal Volcano
The Lost Hill Trek takes you through Costa Rica's Tilarán Mountain Range along the way, you'll enjoy hot springs, rivers, and waterfalls
Two volcanoes, one park
The park protects two volcanoes: the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) Arenal Volcano and the 3,740-foot (1,140-meter) Chato Volcano. Chato has been inactive for nearly 3,500 years and has a collapsed crater that now holds a lagoon. Arenal's most recent eruptive period ran from 1968 to 2010; since then it has been in a resting phase, with no visible lava flows or ash emissions.
Trails and lava fields
Within the park, two short trails (3.4 km and 2 km) pass through secondary forest and lava fields left by Arenal's past eruptions. Park rangers monitor conditions and will close trails or sections of the park if they judge it unsafe.
Getting there
The park sits between La Fortuna and Lake Arenal. Most visitors stay in La Fortuna and reach the park on a short drive, either with transportation included on a guided tour or on their own.
Guided vs. self-guided hikes
The marked trails are open to hike on your own during park hours. A guided Arenal Volcano hike adds a naturalist's context on the park's eruption history and geology, and generally spots more wildlife along the way than a self-guided walk.
Wildlife
Keep an eye out for deer, tapir, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys and snakes, along with birds like parrots, orioles and brown magpies. Plant life includes palms, bromeliads (including the endemic Pitcairnia funckiae), guayabo de monte, ceiba, laurel, orchids and ferns.
Power from the park
Arenal plays a role in Costa Rica's power production: Lake Arenal, at the volcano's base, supplies about 12% of the country's hydroelectric energy. Wind farms on the far side of the lake catch strong gales off the Tilarán mountain range, and the Miravalles Geothermal Plant taps the area's volcanic activity for electricity.
Climate and best time to visit
Temperatures typically range from 21°C to 27.5°C, with annual rainfall between 3,500 and 5,000 mm. The rainy season runs roughly May to January, with drier weather from February to April. Mornings tend to bring clearer volcano views before afternoon cloud moves in, in any season.
Video: Arenal Volcano National Park
Frequently asked questions
Is Arenal Volcano still active?
Yes, but it's been in a resting phase since 2010. Its most recent active period ran from 1968 to 2010; today there's no visible lava or ash, though the park still manages the trails around old lava fields with that history in mind.
How long are the trails in Arenal Volcano National Park?
The park's short trails run 3.4 km and 2 km, crossing secondary forest and lava fields left by past eruptions.
Can you hike Arenal Volcano National Park on your own?
Yes, the marked trails are open to self-guided hiking during park hours. A guided naturalist hike adds history and helps spot wildlife, and some trail sections may close if park rangers judge conditions unsafe.
How do you get to Arenal Volcano National Park?
The park sits between La Fortuna and Lake Arenal. Most visitors base themselves in La Fortuna and reach the park by a short drive, either on a guided tour with transportation included or by arranging your own transport.
What animals might you see in the park?
Deer, tapir, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys and snakes are all possible, along with birds like parrots, orioles and brown magpies.
When is the best time to visit for clear volcano views?
Mornings tend to have clearer skies before afternoon cloud builds up, though views can be obscured on any given day regardless of season, a guide who knows the park can help you time it.