Table of Contents
- Overview
- Video
- Guided tours, park entrace booking
Overview
In truth, this national park has two volcanoes – the 5,357-foot (1,633-meter) Arenal Volcano and the 3,740-foot (1,140-meter) Chato Volcano. The latter has been inactive for nearly 3,500 years and has a collapsed crater that contains a picture-perfect lagoon.
In contrast, Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano, and since July 29, 1968 its lava flows have been consistent. On this day in 1968, three craters burst open along the volcano’s western flank. “Crater A” measured 1,000 meters across and set off a pyroclastic flow of toxic gas and hot rocks that spread 12 km, devastating the towns of Pueblo Nuevo and Tabacón. In doing so, it killed 87 people. In September of the same year, “Crater A” began again to emit lava, and remained the most active crater until 1973.
In 1973, the eruption activity migrated to “Crater C.” This crater remains active to the present day, and is characterized by lava that is of an andesite basaltic composition, with explosions that contain pyroclastic materials and gas emissions. During the days, you can see smoke and cinder blocks billowing from Arenal’s top, while at night you can watch the fiery-red lava pour down its steep sides.
The active vent is along the western side of the volcano. The town of La Fortuna lies within its eastern shadow, meaning that you’ll need to take a trip to the other side to catch a glimpse of the lava. It’s also important to note that on many days clouds obscure the top.
Within the national park, short trails (3.4 km and 2 km) pass through both secondary forest and lava fields from previous eruptions. The park rangers keep a close eye on the volcanic activity, and will not hesitate to close trails or portions of the park if they feel that it is unsafe.
Arenal plays a large role in Costa Rica's power production. Lake Arenal, which rests at the base of the Arenal Volcano, supplies 12 percent of the country's hydroelectric energy. On the opposite side of the lake, wind farms catch strong gales that whip across the Tilarán mountain range, while the Miravalles Volcano Geothermic Plant taps into the area’s volcanic activity for electrical power.
Arenal’s climate is variable. Both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans influence its temperature (which oscillates between 21°C and 27.5°C) and annual rainfall (which averages between 3,500 mm to 5,000 mm). The rainy season lasts from May to January, while the dry season runs from February to April.
What animals are you likely to see while exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park? You might spot deer, tapir, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys and snakes, or birds like parrots, orioles and brown magpies. Plants include various species of palms and bromeliads (including the endemic specie Pitcaimia Funkiae), guayabo de monte, bait, ceiba, cirri, laurel, higuerones, fungi, orchids, and ferns.
Video: Arenal Volcano National Park
Get a glimpse of the volcano with local expert & guide Hector.
Arenal 4-in-1 Combo Tour
For ambitious travelers, this Arenal 4-in-1 tour is big on adventure. Go on a safari float, visit La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano end your day in a hot spring.
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
Arenal 3-in-1 Combo Tours
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
Arenal 2-in-1 Tours
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 Hike
Make your Costa Rican vacation complete when you go on an Arenal Volcano hikeone of the nations most popular tours Enjoy nature see amazing wildlife
Arenal Volcano One-Day-Tour
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
Arenal Volcano Guided Tour
Arenal Volcano National Park Tours in Costa Rica on the foothills of the most active volcano in Costa Rica Maps photo gallery
Enjoy all that nature has to offer on Arenal, Costa Ricas El Silencio Mirador Trails Hot Spring Tour Explore the forest and end your day with a warm soak
History Walk Arenal Volcano
Get the best view possible of Costa Ricas famed Arenal Volcano when you get up close on this guide led 3 hour history walk of Arenal Volcano
From $58 USD / 5
The Lost Hill Trek
The Lost Hill Trek takes you through Costa Ricas Tilarn Mountain Range along the way, youll enjoy hot springs, rivers, and waterfalls
From $198 USD / 5
