It Had Its Strongest Eruption in 1968 This park is considered a living laboratory due to its complex biological processes. It also provides 70% of the water contained in the Arenal Reservoir basin, the main source of hydroelectric power in the country. It is located in the northern region of the country, about 7 km northeast of La Fortuna, San Carlos.
The Arenal Volcano remained inactive for a long time until a powerful eruption in 1968 caused the destruction of nearby villages and the loss of many lives.
If you visit this protected area, make sure not to miss the lava flows from 1992, the impressive 400-year-old Ceiba tree, and the trails through the extensive and authentic rainforest, where you can appreciate the site’s wildlife.
The altitude range goes from 500 meters to 1,633 meters above sea level, with the Arenal Volcano standing out prominently due to its almost perfect conical shape, distinguishing it from the rest of the country’s volcanoes.
Main Points of Interest
Main Lookout:
Trail Length: 1.8 km. Access is by vehicle or on foot. The permitted stay time is 20 minutes, and it is located at the base of the volcano, a special place to hear and observe the various manifestations of the volcano. From here, you can see the lava flows from 1968 and 1992, as well as Cerro Chato and the Arenal Reservoir, a great spot for photography.
El Ceibo Trail:
Trail length of 1.8 km with a walking time of 1.5 hours. This semicircular trail has a flat topography and goes through secondary forest, offering a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is named after its main attraction: the Ceiba tree, which is 60 meters tall and about 100 years old, along with many other species that catch the eye with their unique beauty.
Los Miradores Trail (PENINSULA):
The trail length is 1.2 km with a walking time of 1 hour. It is located in a place called La Península, with flat and gently sloping terrain. This is an excellent spot for bird watching, such as guans, toucans, finches, and hummingbirds, as well as mammals like monkeys, coatis, anteaters, agoutis, and peccaries. The trail offers scenic beauty, providing panoramic views of the reservoir, the volcano, and the park’s highlands.
Heliconias Trail:
The trail is 1 km long and takes about 25 minutes to complete. This trail showcases vegetation that began to grow after the 1968 eruptions. It is named after the presence of heliconias.
Las Coladas Trail:
The trail is 2 km long one-way, and it takes about 1 hour to walk. You can stay at the viewpoint for only 20 minutes. It features a flat, sandy terrain with varied vegetation. Due to its strategic location, you can appreciate the volcanic structure. It is named after the impressive lava flow emitted in 1992. From the top of the flow, you can see the Arenal Reservoir and Cerro Chato.
Important Facts
- You cannot climb the volcanic cone or its immediate surroundings, as it is prohibited.
- You cannot make bonfires. You may use portable gas stoves only in designated areas.
- You cannot bring pets.
- You cannot use sound equipment such as radios, megaphones, televisions, or any other loud devices.
- It is prohibited to misuse, damage, or vandalize park infrastructure.
- You cannot smoke within the boundaries of Arenal Volcano National Park.
- You cannot extract or harm plants, animals, or their byproducts, nor extract rocks or any other geological material.
- You cannot carry firearms, crossbows, knives, or any other weapon classified as such by law number 7530 on Arms and Explosives.
- You cannot place signs, advertisements, or hold any type of event within the park boundaries without authorization from the Arenal Volcano National Park administration.
- You must dispose of waste (garbage) in the appropriate receptacles provided in public use areas or remove it from the area if no receptacles are installed for management reasons.
- You cannot bring alcoholic beverages or any other drugs into the park.
