Of near perfect symmetry, Arenal is the country´s most-active volcano. Grumbles from deep below it´s crater and columns of ash can be heard and seen almost daily.

 

 

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Quick Facts

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History

Declared a national park by government decree in 1994.

The current eruptive period began on July 29, 1968 when three craters burst open on the volcano's western flank.

Crater A measured 1000 meters across. It set off a flow of toxic gas and hot rocks that reached 12 km (7.5 miles) and devastated the towns of Pueblo Nuevo and Tabacón

In September of the same year, Crater A began to emit lava. The volcano's primary activity remained at the crater until 1973, when eruption activity mitrated to Crater C. At an altitude of 1,450 meters, Crater C has remained active since then.

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Flora and Fauna

Arenal National Park has a wide variety of flora and fauna in multiple life zones, innumerable rivers, waterfalls and thermal hot springs.

Some of the species that can be observed are:

Flora: Guayabo de monte, bait, ceiba, cirri, laurel, higuerón, Fungi, Guarumo, and different species of palms, heliconias, orchids, ferns, and bromelias (including the endemic species: Pitcaimia funkiae)

Fauna: Tepezcuintle, tapir, deer, wild pig, coati, howler, red-faced, white-faced monkeys; snakes; and many birds, such including parrots, sergeants, orioles, brown magpies, parakeets, hummingbirds, bell birds, and quetzals.

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Getting There

From San José: The 155 km (96-mile) drive takes about 4 hours.

Take highway # 1 north, exit at Naranjo and stay on the main road to Zarcero and Ciudad Quesada. From Ciudad Quesada follow the signs to La Fortuna. Once in La Fortuna, you´ll easily spot the volcano. Follow the signs to the main park entrance.

From Liberia: A 3 hour drive.

Take Highway #1 south to Cañas and exit there toward Tilarán. From there follow the signs to Arenal Lake. This road may be challenging during the rainy season.

Bus services:

San Jose to La Fortuna, San Carlos: Transportes San Carlos departs at 6:15, 8:40 and 11:30 am. The station is 600 meters south of La Merced Park.

From La Fortuna to San Jose. Transportes San Carlos departs at 12:45 and 2:45 pm near the Arenal Volcano.

View Arenal Volcano in a Larger Map

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Services

The visitors center near at Arenal Volcano has an auditorium, exhibition hall and restrooms.

Marked hiking trails lead to various points of interest and scenic overlooks in Arenal National Park.

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Recreational Activities

Hiking Trails

Heliconias

Length: 600 meters (0.37 miles)

Time: 20 minutes (approximately)

Along the way, view new vegetation that started growing after the 1968 eruptions. Named for the heliconia plants that can be seen along the way.

Mirador

Length: 600 meters (0.37 miles)

Time: 20 minutes (approximately)

Located at Arenal´s base, this trail is the perfect way to listen to and observe the volcano.

Coladas

Length: 600 meters (0.37 miles)

Time: 20 minutes (approximately)

Its name comes from the Spanish word "colada", meaning "lava flow". It was named after the impressive Colada of 1992. Another perfect vantage point to observe the volcano.

Peninsula

Length: 600 meters (0.37 miles)

Time: 20 minutes (approximately).

Soft and flat, this is a beautiful trail for observing monkeys, coatis, tepezcuintles and ant eaters. It has a wonderful panoramic view of the dam, the volcano and the high hills of the park.

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Interesting Facts

Rising 1,633 meters (5,358 feet), the Arenal Volcano displays near-perfect symmetry.

Believed to be dormant until a major eruption in 1968, Arenal is today the country´s most-active volcano and is believed to be one of the most active in the world, according to www.volcanodiscovery.com

The park is next to the country's largest hydroelectric project, Lake Arenal.

Lava flows and eruptions have been constant. Most days, you can see and hear smoking rocks tumbling down the steep slope. At night, watch a fiery cascade of lava spewing from the 140-meter deep, horseshoe-shaped crater, which faces west. These lava views are best from the western or Tilarán-side of the volcano

 

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Contact Information

Telephone: (506) 2461-8499

Website: http://www.sinac.go.cr