Arenal
Volcano Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano with lava and gas errupting on a continuous basis. Hotsprings and the Lake (Lago de Arenal) surrounded by tropical rain forests makes this one of Costa Rica's top travel destinations. With several hiking trails around the volcano, hot springs (Baldi and Tabaccon), as well as an amazing waterfall and canopy tours close by make this a perfect place to stay a while. Volcano Arenal is reachable by paved roads from both La fortuna and Canas off of the Panamerican highway from the north.
Arenal Volcano National Park, (Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal); lies in the central part of the country, forming the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area. This park surrounds the base perimeter of Volcano Arenal. Lake Arenal neighbors the park, allowing for breathtaking views while fishing or birdwatching, as the tropical forest surround the entire perimeter of Lake Arenal. Lake Arenal covers an area of 85.5 km/33 sq. miles. The basin forms a hydorelectric project, which produces 7% of Costa Rica's electricity grid.
A second volcano lies in the park, called Cerro Chato (Mount Chato), where you find the crater's lagoon. The location provides accomodations near and around the base, where you will find the Arenal Observatory Lodge, the Musuem of Vulcancity, and a ranger station are all located.
The park is 2,040 square kilometers / (790 sq mi.) inside the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area, which protects 8 of Costa Rica's 12 life zones and 16 protected reserves in the region.
Two access points into Cerro Chato (Mount Chato),
(show drafts)
- From Tilaran & Northern part of Lake Arenal.
- La Fortuna. (The easiest access is from La Fortuna).
tel. +506 695 5180
Parks Hours of Operation. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. / Closed Monday