Arenal Volcano
Rising to a height of roughly 5,000 feet, Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's youngest volcano, dominates the region's landscape.
Volcanologists estimate Arenal's age at around 7,000 years, and it was dormant for nearly 500 years until 1968. On July 29, 1968, an earthquake shook the area, and 12 hours later Arenal blew.
Until October 2010, Arenal was in a constant state of activity—thunderous, rumbling eruptions occurred sometimes as frequently as once per hour. Tourists flocked here for the nightly show of rocks spewing skyward. Experts believe the volcano could now remain in a "resting" state for up to 800 years. After heavy rainfall, puffs of steam occasionally rise from the crater, making for an impressive photo of plumes over its cone. Sleeping or not, the lack of lava hasn't dissuaded travelers from seeing the magnificent mound or even hiking its flanks, which offer views of Lake Arenal in the distance. It still remains among the most visited attractions in the country.
Best Time to Go
Despite its size, viewing Arenal Volcano can be hit or miss anytime of year. January through April, especially in the early morning, usually means fewer clouds to obscure daytime views.
Fun Fact
It's no wonder Arenal Volcano is so photogenic—the conical supermodel has the third-most-picture-perfect crater in the world. Take aim quickly if you want to get a good shot, as cloud cover makes this natural attraction camera shy.
Best Ways to Explore
Bird-Watching
If you decide to hike Los Tucanes trail, chances are you'll see at least one of the five species of toucan that have been recorded here: chestnut-billed and keel-billed toucans, the yellow-eared and emerald toucanet, and the collared aracari. You'll never look at a box of Froot Loops the same way after seeing the real thing. Hummingbirds also abound on the volcano's slopes. Look for anything tiny and purple.
Hiking
For intrepid hikers, Las Heliconias trail ($15), which starts at the national park's reception center, wends through secondary forest and passes by the cooled lava flow from the 1968 eruption. Outside the park, Los Tucanes trail ($10) also leads to the lava fields, but it's more of an uphill hike, beginning near the entrance to the Arenal Observatory Lodge. There's also a steep and arduous four-hour hike up to Cerro Chatto ($10), a dormant volcano with a lopsided, extinct crater partially filled with water, creating a pretty lake. The Los Miradores trail is completely paved and handicap accessible. It leads you through 1.3 km (0.8 miles) of forest to views of Lake Arenal, then takes you right to its shores. Arenal Observatory Lodge has a day pass ($32) including 11 km (7 miles) of trails, lunch, and use of swimming pools.
Volcanic Tips
Two words: "from afar." Under no circumstances should you hike the volcano's trails on your own. In rainy season, some trails like Cerro Chatto are extremely muddy and treacherous. Pre-2010, lava rocks and volcanic gas occasionally killed trekkers who got too close to the action. The tour operators we recommend know where the danger lies and take appropriate precautions.
Top Reasons to Go
All Budgets Welcome
Travelers on tight budgets are being priced out of the market in some regions of Costa Rica. Not so here. You’ll find everything from backpackers' digs to luxury hotels in the area around Arenal.
A Perfect Volcano
Arenal’s perfect cone, hiking trails, and thermal activity that heats neighboring hot springs keep the volcano at the top of the "must see" list despite the fact that its dormant phase may last another 800 years.
Sports and Adventure
It might have been the volcano that put Arenal on the map, but it's the area's recreational activities that keep travelers coming back. From ziplines and hanging bridges to waterfalls and raging rivers, Arenal has more attractions than any other destination in the country.
