Sightseeing Around Arenal Volcano
Seeing Arenal from its base
Arenal is a cone of about 1,633 m that dominates La Fortuna. Sightseeing here means viewpoints, short trails and a few ticketed reserves at the base, because the cone and the zone around it are closed to the public. Prices are in US dollars and rounded.
About the volcano
Arenal has been quiet since late 2010, so there is no lava glow and no night display. The 1968 eruption buried the villages of Pueblo Nuevo and Tabacon, and dozens of people died, at least 78. The black fields you see today are hardened lava from 1968 and later eruptions. Treat the 1968 story with respect, as a local tragedy.
Arenal Volcano National Park
The national park has two sectors. The Volcan sector has the Las Coladas trail, about 1.8 km, which reaches a viewpoint over the hardened lava. The Peninsula sector has a tower with views over Lake Arenal. Foreign adults pay about $15 and children about $5. The park is open about 8am to 4pm, with last entry about 3pm. Buy tickets online in advance where the park allows, and carry a card as well as cash.
Arenal 1968 reserve
This private reserve next to the park has its own ticket, about $25 for adults. It is open about 8am to 5pm with last entry about 4pm. Its trails cover about 7 km in total across the 1968 lava fields and forest.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
The lodge has 11 km of trails, an 800 m wheelchair-accessible trail and The Nest, an observation tower of about 28 m. An entrance pass costs about $20 to $22 and a day pass with lunch costs $40.
Mistico hanging bridges
Mistico has a 3.2 km trail with 16 bridges, six of them hanging, up to 45 m above the forest floor. It is open 6am to 3:50pm. Self-guided entry starts at $32 plus tax and guided walks at $44. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are required.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Entry is about $20 for foreign adults. The path has about 500 steps each way, so the climb back is the hard part. Opening times run from morning to mid-afternoon, so check the official page. Swim only in the pool at the base and keep out of the water under the plunge.
Practical tips
- Stay on marked trails, which are all at the base of the volcano.
- Do not leave belongings in a parked car.
- Fees and hours change, so check before you go.
Read more: Walking tours in La Fortuna and Attraction tours in La Fortuna .
Official pages: Arenal 1968 and Arenal Observatory Lodge .
Look at Viator for guided sightseeing.