Arenal Volcano National Park Trails

The Arenal Volcano National Park is covered with an authentic tropical forest surrounded by wildlife; it is a place to appreciate the diversity of Costa Rica’s natural resources. Even though most of the park is covered with forest, another part of it is covered with large lava and solidified volcanic material accumulations named the “Coladas de Lava de 1992”, area that was formed in 1992 during a high volcanic activity period. Besides the varied geological landscape, hikers can also enjoy other espectacular elements, such as an impressive 400-year-old Ceiba tree.

While walking through the national park, it is possible to observe a wide flora and fauna variety typical from the area. Among the existing fauna, visitors can see birds such as guans, toucans, hummingbirds, orioles, parakeets, umbrella birds and bell birds. Moreover, adventurers can also spot animals such as different snakes, mountain pigs, coatis, congos, Colorado and White faced monkeys, among others. Even though Arenal’s wildlife makes the preserve very impressive, it is not the only feature of the park. If you are visiting on a clear day you can see the wonderful Arenal Lake, the Tilarán mountain range and the Chato Hill (an extinct volcano).

If you want to discover the Arenal Volcano’s natural beauties, you should not miss the opportunity to wander around its trails. This national park has several trails of different lengths and durations, therefore, visitors have options to select the one that matches them best.

The Trails

Heliconias Trail: This trail is 610 m (0.37 mi) long. It has a flat, narrow path, which is all covered with vegetation. From this trail you will be able to observe the volcano crater.

1. Coladas Trail: It is 1.7 km (1 mi) long. Here, you will appreciate the volcanic cone, the Arenal Lake and the Tilarán mountain range.
2. El Ceibo Trail: ​This route is relatively flat, it is 2.3 km (1.4 mi) long and in this path you will see the large Ceiba pentandra tree, with more than 400 years old.
3. Volcanic Cone Viewpoint: This path is 1.5 km (0.9 mi) long and ,from here, you may appreciate the majestic Arenal volcano.
4. La Peninsula trail: The trail was built at the beginning of 2017 with the introduction of La Peninsula sector. This trail is 1.2 km (0.74 mi) long and extends through the middle of the forest. It is the only trail at the National Park equipped for people with reduced mobility, has a viewpoint from where you will see the Arenal Lake area, a visitor center and exhibition areas.

How to get to the National Park?

The park is 6.25 mi (10 km) away from La Fortuna downtown, in the Alajuela province.

From San José: drive west through the Interamerican Highway, through San Ramón. Then follow the road north through La Tigra and Chachagua until you get to La Fortuna, from downtown, continue on route 142 for 6.25 mi. The road is accessible by any type of car.

Check out here its exact location in Google Maps.

Schedule and rates

The Park is open every day from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. The rate for nationals and residents is ¢1,000 (adults) and ¢500 (children), for non-residents the fee is $15 (adults) and $5 (children). Every visit makes a direct contribution to Costa Rica’s natural resources conservation, since 100% of the income from the entrance is used by the National Parks Fund to finance all the protected areas of the country.

Learn more about this and other National Parks by visiting SINAC’s (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación) official website.

Above all, a hike in this park is one of the many family tours available in La Fortuna de San Carlos.

In addition to visiting this wonderful national park, it is recommended to enjoy a soothing thermal water bath in the impressive Arenal Volcano’s thermal waters. Click here to check Day Pass rates!

Happy hiking!