Arenal Volcano Tours and Trips

A trip to Costa Rica just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its most iconic volcano. Inspiring school science projects for years, Arenal Volcano stands majestically as a perfectly symmetrical cone puffing steam into the clouds. While the active Arenal Volcano is the most popular attraction here, Arenal Volcano National Park is actually home to two volcanoes. The other, Cerro Chato, is considered extinct and has long been a destination for adventurous tourists.

Sightseeing around the volcanic wonders becomes all the more interesting as you discover the fascinating ecology of the park. Covered by a mixture of vibrant tropical rainforest and open grasslands, this park is rich in flora and fauna due to its fertile landscape. Plan a day trip or stay for a few days. Either way, this national park and the surrounding town of La Fortuna offer plenty of interesting areas to explore.

For years, La Fortuna in Costa Rica has been one of the top tourist destinations. It is the hub of outdoor adventuring with its impressive landscape and variety of activities. In this natural oasis, anyone can find plenty of options to satiate their need for excitement or rejuvenation. Enjoy this guide detailing our recommendations on things to do in La Fortuna. For a more general guide on the country, read through our recommendations on things to do in Costa Rica.

Lush rainforest, mountain streams loaded with natural geothermal springs and an active volcano, this is what travellers to Arenal Volcano National Park will be thrilled to see. Throw in some stellar wildlife from three-toed sloths to howler monkeys to hundreds of bird species and you might just think you found paradise. Arenal Volcano National Park is a special place to visit on a Costa Rica trip and this destination can make many of your adventure dreams come true.

Choosing the right environment to holiday in is important and finding the perfect hotel in Arenal is easier than you thought. There are plenty of choices from hostels to luxury resorts and everything in between that can fit into any traveller’s budget.

It should come as no surprise that you are thinking about where to stay in Arenal. We have pared down your selection to the six best Arenal hotels that fits every budget.

Arenal Volcano is one of the most spectacular sights to see on a Costa Rica tour. This giant stands at an impressive 1,657 meters tall and has been one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes in the past half-century. But this doesn’t keep visitors from embarking on adventures to trek its lava-filled terrain located in La Fortuna.

While it is prohibited to climb Arenal Volcano, numerous hikes in Arenal Volcano National Park allow you to walk around the base, along the old lava fields, and through the rainforest. Here we provide a breakdown of each Arenal Volcano hike to help you plan your trip to Arenal Volcano National Park. Note that distances and times are given for one-way.

The best time to visit the park is between February to April, for dry weather and your best chance to utilize the trails. Rains during other times of the year can make the trails treacherous and inaccessible. For a more seasonal overview of the country, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Costa Rica.