Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Visit Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Visit Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

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At 1,633 meters (5,357 feet) above sea level, Arenal Volcano has been until recently the most active in Central America and was considered to be one of the world's ten most active volcanoes! As you can imagine this is a popular spot for anyone wanting to visit Costa Rica therefore you should be aware, in peak season especially, this is by no means the peaceful area it once was. Despite the coach loads it can draw it is a stunning part of the country and well worth including on a trip to Costa Rica.

Although the volcano is no longer delivering its sporadic eruptions it is a magnificent peak and there is plenty to do in the area. The volcano can be difficult to see, especially in the dry season as it is often shrouded by cloud but its an incredible sight if you are lucky enough and the surrounding lava fields are also fascinating.

You can explore the area by combining a multitude of activities such as canopy walkways, horse-riding, canoeing and walking. The nearby hot springs, though busy, make for a special experience bathing beneath the stars and the nearby Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is well worth a day trip.

The volcano's growth over the ages has been characterized by a number of eruptions - the last major one of which occurred on 29th July 1968. This eruption blasted off the top of the volcano creating the volcano shape that can be seen today.

The nearby Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is well worth a day trip. This is one of the most densely populated areas of Costa Rica but we have found some fabulous accommodation in this scenic and beautiful region.

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Michael, an Audley Travel specialist

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Arenal Volcano by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Arenal Volcano

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Arenal Volcano, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Arenal Volcano

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Arenal Volcano

    Photos of Arenal Volcano

    • Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica
      Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica
    • Arenal Volcano
      Arenal Volcano
    • View to the Arenal Volcano
      View to the Arenal Volcano
    • Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
      Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
    • Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
      Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
    • Capuchin Monkey, Cano Negro excursion from Arenal
      Capuchin Monkey, Cano Negro excursion from Arenal
    • Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano
      Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano
    • Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
      Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

    Accommodation choices for Arenal Volcano

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Arenal Volcano. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    • Lomas del Volcan,Arenal Volcano

      Lomas del Volcan

      Medium

      A friendly and affordable base for exploring the many attractions and beautiful scenery of Arenal.

    • Rainforest Villa, Nayara Gardens

      Arenal Nayara

      First Class

      An elegant boutique hotel in one of Costa Rica’s prime visitor areas, boasting beautiful views of Arenal Volcano and hidden within tropical forest.

    • Arenal Springs Hotel, Arenal Volcano

      Arenal Springs Hotel

      Medium

      Arenal Springs is a resort-style hotel with excellent facilities and comfortable rooms.

    • Casa Luna, standard rooms

      Casa Luna

      Medium

      This charming little 36-room hotel is located just outside the town of Fortuna, with views of the volcano from the pretty gardens.

    • View from a luxury suite, The Lost Iguana Resort

      Lost Iguana Resort

      Medium

      The Lost Iguana Resort is a lovely hotel peacefully nestled about 30 minutes drive from La Fortuna in over 100 acres of virgin rainforest.

    • Hotel Arenal Kioro, Volcan Arenal

      Arenal Kioro

      First Class

      Hotel Arenal Kioro is 10km to the north of La Fortuna directly in front of the magnificent Arenal Volcano.

    • Spring Villa, Nayara Springs

      Nayara Springs

      First Class

      Nayara Springs is the newest boutique luxury addition to the Arenal Volcano region, and sister property to the highly rated Arenal Nayara Hotel. Separated by a tropical forest and 67-meter long pedestrian bridge, Nayara Springs boasts just 16 villas, each with its own private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs.

    • Arenal Observatory Lodge

      Arenal Observatory Lodge

      Medium

      Originally built as a research station for scientists of the Smithsonian Institute, the lodge offers simple but comfortable accommodation within a short distance of the volcano.

    Ideas for experiencing Arenal Volcano

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Arenal Volcano, and which use the best local guides.

    • Aerial tram, Costa Rica

      Arenal Rainforest Sky Tram and Trek

      Arenal Volcano

      Enjoy a peaceful gondola ride above the Arenal rainforest and take in the breathtaking views of the volcano and the still, blue lake. Choose to return back to your starting point the same way or via the Canopy Tour; an exhilarating zip line through the forest canopy.

    • Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica

      Arenal Volcano Hike

      Arenal Volcano

      This easy and manageable hike will allow you to enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano as you walk along the base of this marvelous 'Mountain of Fire'. See recent lava flows and rock formations and learn about the big eruption of 1968.

    • Canopy Walkway, Arenal

      Arenal Hanging Bridges Natural History Tour

      Arenal Volcano

      Follow the hanging bridges through the Arenal rainforest canopy and the walking trails along the forest floor to spot numerous bird, animal and plant species. Clearings and open spaces in the forest canopy offer a glimpse of the magnificent Arenal Volcano in the distance.

    • La Fortuna waterfall, Volcan Arenal

      Cerro Chato Hiking Excursion

      Arenal Volcano

      Ascend through dense primary forest, which is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna, to the summit of Cerro Chato - Arenal Volcano's 'older brother'. Finish this half day walk with a refreshing swim at La Fortuna Waterfall.

    • Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica

      Eco Termales Hot Springs

      Arenal Volcano

      The Eco Termales hot springs are a beautiful sanctuary surrounded by nature. The smallest of the hot springs in the Arenal area, Eco Termales is perfect for privacy and relaxation.

    • Red-eyed tree frog, Costa Rica

      Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

      Arenal Volcano

      The Cano Negro refuge itself is located 25 kilometers south of Los Chiles in the northern area of the Alajuela province, approximately a two hour drive from Arenal. It has been declared a site of international importance for the nesting of migratory birds and occupies an area of 9,969 hectares in the Río Frío Basin.

    • Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica

      Arenal Volcano National Park Tour

      Arenal Volcano

      Embark on a journey of exploration through the beautiful Arenal Volcano National Park, spotting unique flora and fauna along the way and learning about the activity and history of the still-active Arenal Volcano.

    • Three toed sloth near Arenal, Costa Rica

      Peñas Blancas River Floating

      Arenal Volcano

      Drift silently along the Peñas Blancas river, which winds through lush, verdant forest, and see a huge variety of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tortoises, crocodiles and several types of birds.

    • Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

      Half Day Quad Bike Tour

      Arenal Volcano

      This half-day quad bike tour combines adrenalin and adventure with incredible wildlife and tropical forest, all set within the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano.

    • Crossing Lake Arenal, Costa Rica

      Lake Arenal Kayaking Excursion

      Arenal Volcano

      Take to the water of Lake Arenal in your own kayak and explore the shores to spot a multitude of different bird species, and perhaps hear the unmistakable call of a howler monkey.