
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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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.
Places near Arenal Volcano
- Monteverde Cloud Forest 11 miles away
- Tenorio Volcano 26 miles away
- Caño Negro 31 miles away
- San Ramón 31 miles away
- El Silencio Lodge 33 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui 48 miles away
- Rincón de la Vieja 50 miles away
- San José & Central Valley 56 miles away
- Northern Pacific Coast 57 miles away
- Punta Islita 64 miles away
- Esterillos 67 miles away
- Central Pacific Coast 72 miles away
- Playa Potrero 73 miles away
- Golfo de Papagayo 78 miles away
- Tamarindo 78 miles away
- Turrialba 80 miles away
- Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast 83 miles away
- Manuel Antonio 84 miles away
- San Gerardo de Dota 88 miles away
- Dominical 102 miles away
- Corcovado & Osa Peninsula 141 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 144 miles away
- Manzanillo 151 miles away
Photos of Arenal Volcano
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.
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Arenal Springs Hotel
Arenal Springs is a resort-style hotel with excellent facilities and comfortable rooms.
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Lomas del Volcan
A friendly and affordable base for exploring the many attractions and beautiful scenery of Arenal.
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Arenal Nayara
An elegant boutique hotel in one of Costa Rica’s prime visitor areas, boasting beautiful views of Arenal Volcano and hidden within tropical forest.
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Casa Luna
This charming little 36-room hotel is located just outside the town of Fortuna, with views of the volcano from the pretty gardens.
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Nayara Springs
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.
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Arenal Observatory Lodge
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.
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Lost Iguana Resort
The Lost Iguana Resort is a lovely hotel peacefully nestled about 30 minutes drive from La Fortuna in over 100 acres of virgin rainforest.
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Arenal Kioro
Hotel Arenal Kioro is 10km to the north of La Fortuna directly in front of the magnificent Arenal 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.
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Arenal Volcano National Park Tour Arenal Volcano National Park Tour
Arenal Volcano National Park Tour
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.
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Arenal Rainforest Sky Tram and Trek Arenal Rainforest Sky Tram and Trek
Arenal Rainforest Sky Tram and Trek
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.
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Cerro Chato Hiking Excursion Cerro Chato Hiking Excursion
Cerro Chato Hiking Excursion
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.
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Peñas Blancas River Floating Peñas Blancas River Floating
Peñas Blancas River Floating
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.
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Half Day Quad Bike Tour Half Day Quad Bike Tour
Half Day Quad Bike Tour
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.
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Lake Arenal Kayaking Excursion Lake Arenal Kayaking Excursion
Lake Arenal Kayaking Excursion
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.
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Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
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.
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Arenal Volcano Hike Arenal Volcano Hike
Arenal Volcano Hike
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.
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Eco Termales Hot Springs Eco Termales Hot Springs
Eco Termales Hot Springs
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.
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