Id love to try this hike as well. At the viewpoint, you will be welcomed to some 360 degree views of the surrounding forest with the Arenal Volcano directly out in front of you and Lake Arenal out back. Hi John! When visiting the area around the Arenal Volcano, one of the top activities to do is to head on out some hiking trails. Paths are safe and well-marked but we always recommend going with a guide. When youre in La Fortuna, you have to add some of the Arenal volcano hikes to your itinerary. Find out more about the amazing hot spring resorts in Arenal and La Fortuna youll discover they come in a range of budget options. This way you can go at your own pace, head to the attractions you want to on your schedule, and not need to worry about transportation in general. It should be personal, and it should be exactly what you want it to be, Life is busy. If you are serious about climbing Arenal volcano, then you can send an email to the guide we went with via[emailprotected]. There are a number of licensed operators in town, with most tours involving repelling down canyons in and around the La Fortuna Waterfall. Arenal Volcano (Arenal Volcano National Park) - Tripadvisor If you are an adventure seeker then whooooaa, are you in for a treat?! Horseback riding trails can be slippery, especially during the wet season,(May-Nov.). As a consequence, it created what is now considered to be the single most jaw-dropping natural highlight in all of Costa Rica. There is no shortage of operators, and tours often last between two and six hours. All Rights Reserved, 8 days All Inclusive Costa Rica Adventure Tour, Offering Costa Rica's most comprehensive multi-sport adventure tour, we at Costa Rica, Your Costa Rica honeymoon should be exceptional. And the best thing is you dont have to be a hotel guest to experience the 350-hectare nature reserve at the Arenal Observatory! Many are spread on astonishing swaths of private and protected land, which means youll have walking trails and wildlife spotting chances right at your fingertips. For fine dining in an intimate environment, head to Restaurante Don Rufino; for dessert with the kids head to the Rain Forest Cafe. Arenal Getting There Air: Nature Air has daily flights to Arenal from San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Tortuguero, the Osa Peninsula, and other popular destinations. Im suuper excited to do the hike next week! Plan and book a bundle package and youd be surprised how much more affordable your trip can be. Takes around 3 hours. Ilse, Hi Ilse, Looking for more info on Costa Rican volcanos? Our group was diverse but wi", Traveled to Costa Rica as a group in June, 2023, "A wonderful family trip of a lifetime! However, there are several views to enjoy and wildlife to encounter that can prolong your time there. At Costa Rica Rios, we plan award-winning adventure tours for families, couples, and solo travelers. The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours. At the end of the horseback ride we continue by van for 45 minutes and then stop at a cafe where you can have drink or bathroom break before conituning the final 25 minutes drive up the mountain to your Monteverde hotel. Beyond the hiking trails themselves, you can also find several volcano and lake viewpoint areas, various wildlife to look out for, and a cafeteria to enjoy after your hike. Most tourists and travelers choose to visit Arenal during Costa Rica's dry season, as it affords better photos of the surrounding nature. Thank you for sharing a whole load of useful information about the Arenal volcano. Takes a little over two hours. As mentioned above, you can get some lovely views of the volcano from downtown La Fortuna, or from the Observatory Lodge (as mentioned above). If you are not suited for that type of terrain, I would recommend just taking part of the shorter Lava Flow 1968 Trail. Ultimate Guide to Puerto Viejo: Costa Rica's Southern Car 5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries, 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas. Arenal Volcano National Park - Costa Rica Every year travelers from around the world travel to the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. Many of the more upscale options are located just outside of town, on the road to Arenal Volcano, so it helps to have a rental car. Have fun! The nearest town to Arenal Volcano is La Fortuna. A great overall option in the area is Hotel Los Lagos. If you want to head out specifically to spot wildlife, we suggest you go with a local knowledgeable guide and make sure you are hitting the trails at first light. One of the private reserves to do the Arenal volcano hike is the Arenal 1968 trails, which is right next to the National Park and got its name from the Arenal Volcano eruption of 1968. could you send again please, No worries please check your mail again, just resend it , SOrry i deleted my junk folder without checking, would you please be able to email me again the details. Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour. Overall this is an incredible and unforgettable experience but only for the fit people that are not scared to take a little risk. Ilse, Hello there. La Fortuna is easily accessible from San Jos. PS. To San Jose: departs at 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.; four hours. is the quickest way to get to Monteverde from Arenal Volcano, only 3 hours.The beautiful scenery makes up for the bumpy car journey.! If you prefer to be close to the action, staying in the town center is your best bet. So cross your fingers, stay alert, and keep that camera at the ready in the event you hit the photographic jackpot. Service is door to door. The trail is mostly dirt, with rocks that can be found all along the way. Since I took part of the full loop here, I will go about the rest of the guide with that in mind. These are the top 12 Arenal hotels we can highly recommend for your visit. Below are some photos of the Arenal National Park area to give you a sense of what type of experience it will offer. With so many great places to stay in Fortuna, it can be hard to know where to start. The above stats are taken from the parks signboards, which say that the shorter Lava Flow trail will take an hour and the longer Forest trail (including most of the Lava Flow trail) will take 2.5 hours. From this viewpoint, you will be able to have some stunning views of the Arenal Volcano in one direction and Lake Arenal in the other. Other wildlife to spot includes three distinct species of monkeys (howler, spider, and white-faced), as well as sloths, coatis, deer, jaguar (although youd have to be pretty lucky to spot one), tapir, a vast array of butterflies, snakes and frogs and many more unusual species. Im currently in Monteverde and have been hiking for the last few days. Entrance fee and opening times Arenal 1968:$17 USD for adults and children under 12 are free. Hi Connor! Then you will walk down to the motorzied, covered and fully-insured boat. Thank you all so much. Some offer both cold and hot pools, while others are on the upscale end and feature waterslides and swim-up bars. Arenal Volcano - Wikipedia Sendero El Ceibo is an even shorter trail (about one mile) that leads to a majestic, 164-foot-high Ceiba tree. Know that even if you arrive in Costa Rica's dry season, rain can still occur. After hiking through the forest for about 20 minutes you will be welcomed to Lago Los Patos. Well, the official answer is no, its illegal. Geologically, Arenal volcano is considered a young volcano and it is estimated to be less than 7500 years old. For more Costa Rica travel tips, head over to our other blog posts. There are several hiking trails that can give you a beautiful perspective on Arenal volcano in La Fortuna. Here are the best ways to spend an afternoon, or even multiple days. Copyright 1995 to 2023, Costa Rica Rios. Takes about an hour. Manzanillo Gandoca park & Manzanillo beach, La Paz waterfall garden Costa Rica The Complete Guide, Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo The Complete Guide, Playa Conchal Guanacaste The Complete Guide, Irazu volcano Everything you need to know, BriBri waterfalls near Puerto Viejo The Complete Guide, Cahuita National Park The Complete Guide, Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica The Complete Guide. From San Jose:"Direct" buses leaves daily at 6:15am, 8:40am and 11:30am. If you have any questions about this experience, dont hesitate to send us a message or comment under this post. Here you can book a "safari float" tour that really is a gentle, floating tour down the Penas Blancas. My earlier reply to one of your threads, Post 1 https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g291982-i813-k13775856-Things_to_see_do_without_being_on_tour_or_with_a_guide-Costa_Rica.html, includes info about the Arenal Observatory Lodge. So why is Arenal volcannumber one? is the quickest way to get to Monteverde from Arenal Volcano, only 3 hours.The beautiful scenery makes up for the bumpy car journey..! Taxis from town will make the trip to La Fortuna Waterfall for a small fee. That said, we recommend booking a tour beforehand with one of our expert operators, as not all vendors in town are licensed and/or honest. WIfe and I are heading to Costa Rica next week. You will pass by some small lakes, where you hopefully will have some nice Arenal Volcano reflections to enjoy. This was very helpful for planning my trip. If youre looking for a more traditional hotel experience, Fortuna has plenty of great options. La Fortuna Waterfall Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Lava Flow Trail (Sendero Las Coladas) is a nice trail that offers a beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano. If youre traveling with a group or looking for a more private experience, consider renting a vacation home. The latter has been inactive for nearly 3,500 years and has a collapsed crater that contains a picture-perfect lagoon. In a clear day you have a spectacular view and the possibility of walking on solidified lava. Here you will find a whole variety of thermal pools, ziplining, wildlife, and some volcano views. The boat journey is about 30 minutes and you will be stunned by the amazing scenery at Arenal Lake. I hired an electric scooter one day from my guesthouse, so I was able to scoot around to get some nice views. We offer group tours and tailor-made adventures and can include as many of the above-mentioned activities as you can fit into your itinerary. Aside from volcano-centric hikes, Arenal also offers a route to the 240-high La Fortuna Waterfall, by far the most famous cascade in the area. For the past seven years the red hot lava has been biding its time and the activity at Arenal has been limited to puffs of steam and a few . Nearby Arenal is Chato Volcano and its amazing collapsed caldera, for example, which is now the lagoon that feeds La Fortuna waterfall. Dedicated bird watching tours are incredibly popular here, as Arenal boasts almost all of the over 800 bird species found in Costa Rica. Your volcano hike photo looks absolutely STUNNING! We are visiting this spring for our anniversary, Hi Nancy, you can reach Saul our guide for Arenal via [emailprotected]. Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste and the Famed Gold Coast, Ultimate Guide to Monteverde: Costa Rica's Lost World. Even if it's possible, you would be quite a distance away. This is perhaps the best reason to stay in a lodge or resort with a stellar view of the volcano. How To Get To Arenal Volcano National Park - Horizon Guides From this trail youll have excellent views of the Arenal Volcano. Around the north side of the volcano, from Arenal Lake to the town of La Fortuna, winds a road with many hotels and restaurants spread out along the way. Would love to hike all the way up Arenal. Travelers without a car are better off staying in La Fortuna where there's better access to restaurants, shopping, hotels and buses. The most well-known active volcano in Costa Rica is surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park and Lake Arenal. Arenal 1968 should not be confused with Arenal Volcano National Park. Ro Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainfo Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall, How to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal / La Fortuna, How to Choose the Best Arenal Volcano Experience. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g291982-i813-k13775856-Things_to_see_do_without_being_on_tour_or_with_a_guide-Costa_Rica.html. They are all relatively short between 2 to 3 kilometres and give just like the other trails wonderful views of the lava fields and Arenal volcano. Vegetarians would do well to try Organico Fortuna. if you're in a rental car, simply travel west on Highway 1 and turn north on Highway 703 at the town of. Here you will take in great views of the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding natural beauty. From San Jose, the flight lasts approximately 30 minutes and departs from Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas (20 minutes from the international airport). Head on Route 142 for about 9 miles, and then turn left onto Calle Real el Castillo. From Naranjo you follow the pretty road to Zarcero, then Ciudad Quesada before reaching La Fortuna. The volcano is considered in resting phase, however the last eruption was in 1968. La Fortuna is a town of just 15,000 people located north of Costa Rica's capital of San Jos, in the central lowlands. Children of all ages can come along and guides will point out the myriad animals you're likely to see on the riverbanks, including monkeys, sloths,and even crocodiles. This trail is going to feel much different than the forest portion. There are several hikes to choose from around the volcano area, with one of the top ones being the Arenal 1968 trail. Which makes sense because you start the hike to the summit of Arenal volcano literally at the foot of the volcano which is on 253 meters. A Complete Guide to Arenal Volcano National Park - TripTins Find your accommodation here for your stay in Fortuna, Costa Rica! Many will surmise that the dry season (Dec-April) gifts better chances of crystal-clear views of Arenal, but you should know that the peak of the volcano is shrouded in cloud for most of the year. Heading to the left will immediately get you surrounded by the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica as you head into the forest. Of course, Arenal itself is thousands of feet high, but it's prohibited to ascend the volcano. Id love to connect about finding a guide for the Arenal hike. If you want to explore the beautiful surroundings at the base of Arenal volcano, you can book one of the guided tours below. What is the best trail you did for enjoying views since we are not stying long enough in La Fortuna this time we would certainly take your advice for having the best views in a short time. Drive from Santa Elena (main village in Monteverde) to Tilaran and then head towards Nuevo Arenal following the fully paved road along Arenal Lake. We can also arrange transfers from other places to Arenal Volcano.Check out our transport form -click here. Fight your FOMO and plan your adventures ahead of time. For hundreds of years, Arenal volcano was thought to be dormant (and even extinct). Very happy to hear it helped you out with planning your trip, enjoy Costa Rica!! Shortly after you will reach the trail intersection. Article is very interesting and extremely useful! We found the views of the volcano there spectacular, especially on a clear day. Read more about the country'sfive best. Eventually, there is an old lava trail extension that leads to Arenal Observatory Lodge. Hiking in Arenal. Lastly, the Los Cangrejos (Crabs) Trail is a 500 meter hike that cuts through primary rainforest where you can spot many different wild animals along the way. Would you mind sharing your guides whatsapp info please. Mariso who was our guide on the volcano walk was fantastic. Trips to Monteverde from La Fortuna are popular as well. Not only do you have a similar setup as Arenal 1968 with forest trails and volcano views, but the park also has an additional sector to visit closer to Lake Arenal. This is what makes Arenal an ideal destination for family adventure trips, as well as honeymooning couples and solo travelers. One of these areas is Arenal 1968. One of the private reserves to do the Arenal volcano hike is the Arenal 1968 trails, which is right next to the National Park and got its name from the Arenal Volcano eruption of 1968. The property itself is just so beautiful to walk around and enjoy during a stay. The trail around here continues to be rocky as you are now following the lava flow. Pick-up times: either 8.30 approx or at around 2.30pm. Thelast major eruption occurred in 1968, but it was a big one. Have fun!! Theres always a chance that clouds will obscure the top of the volcano, no matter which period you come. Ilse, Hey, cool info. Since these are some of the more highly rated spots, you will want to book your room as soon as possible! Visitors can travel to Arenal via a combination of transportation including jeep-boat-jeep, taxi-boat-taxi or by a horse-boat-horse journey from the cloud forest town of Monteverde. Halfway the hike you will walk over the 1992 lava fields with unobstructed views on Arenal volcano. Hello Ilse, so nice to read your info about the Arenal volcano in La Fortuna in Costa Rica. Here's a5-day itinerarythat combines a rafting adventure on the Pacuare River to an excursion in one of the country's top surf spots in Puerto Viejo. Hello! *Affiliate Disclosure:This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. We carried it up the volcano and flew it from the summit , Hi Ilse, He went way over and above wonderful to accommodate and help each one of us in the group. Note: the Arenal Volcano can be covered in clouds from time to time (especially the top of it). But if you stick around for a couple of days to explore some of the other things to do in La Fortuna, then theres more chance to get clear volcano views. Enjoy the adventure and have fun!! There is also some elevation incline and decline to expect here. Arenal is an unforgettable sight, every single time. Private Transfers from San Jose to Arenal Volcano: We can take you to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano from San Jose (from your hotel or the airport where our driver will wait for you with a sign with your name on it) by private 4 x 4 or van with AC. Thanks so much for the awesome information. I would love to ask the same as Kamil would you give me his further contact details, Whatsapp and the like? It's a popular destination (indeed, some say it's the most visited waterfall in the country) and we can see why. A bit farther there is a restaurant on your left called El Mirador; this is a great spot for a light snack. Consider the following two shortcuts: Taxi-Boat-Taxi from Monteverde to Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Taxi-boat-taxi (or sometimes called the jeep-boat-jeep service, although jeeps are no longer used!) I hope this guide has given you a better idea of what Arenal 1968 is all about. Hit the Bogarin Trail for good chances of seeing sloths, the aptly named 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trail to see the jaw-dropping remnants of old lava flows, or the short but very sweet Los Heliconias Trail, which starts at the rangers station and guides you to an incredible volcano viewpoint. I will be in Costa Rica in a week. The Arenal volcano Park is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful Volcanic National Parks in Costa Rica. They range between the low 70s (often at night) tothe low and mid-80s (during the day). Since 1968 the volcano has been quite active with its last eruption in 2010. For more on this subject, check out our list of Costa Rica's best hot springs. The La Fortuna Waterfall is formed by the old lava flow of the Cerro Chato volcano, which is an extinct volcano. The park was established September 30, 1991 and is Costa Rica's fourth-newest national park. Here is our expert guide to discovering Arenal. Most of the animal activity did happen to be within the Forest section of trail, however there certainly was some activity on the Lava Flow portion as well. Air-conditioned vans will pick you up in the countrys most popular towns including San Jose, Conchal/Flamingo, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. These resorts and hotels offer top-of-the-line amenities and service. In and around the town of La Fortuna there are plenty of hotel options to choose from. That answer depends on which trail option you choose as well as your overall fitness level. The entrance is on the way to Arenal Observatory Lodge. Interested in checking out the rapids during your trip? This luxury resort sits right on the Tabacon Hot Springs (more on these below), and features a number of restaurants, all modern conveniences, and luxury spa treatments among other amenities and services. Authorized places where you can take a walk and visiting the Arenal volcano are several, for example: The Arenal Volcano National Park, 1968 Arenal Park, Mirador and Senderos El Silencio. There are a few photos here. The luscious reserve offers a variety of hiking trails, zipline rides, and more spending an entire fun-filled day here is an unforgettable experience! From San Jose: $5.05; 6:15 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; four hours. Please take in consideration before booking, [ Contactenos por precios para Nacionales ], Monteverde Tours 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Shared Shuttle San Jose to Arenal and Vice Versa. The total of 11 kilometers (7 miles) of hiking trails, two observation towers and two hanging bridges provides unique experiences in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Yes, the aerial pictures were taken with our drone. A combination of the taxi-boat-taxi above but with a wonderful horseback ride added to it. As mentioned above, La Fortuna is situated in Costa Rica's northern lowlands. You might have a chance of spotting coatis, sloths, anteaters, monkeys and several types of birds. The best months with clearest views are December/January until April which are also the best months for hiking in Arenal. Below an overview of the Arenal volcano hikes. Continue for 19 miles and turn right into San Ramon. No longer will you be surrounded by the trees, but instead by the lava rocks. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112444595', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monteverde, https://mytanfeet.com/activities/5-free-things-to-do-in-monteverde/gives info about Monteverde Arenal Volcano Viewpoint. After heading down from the viewpoint spot, start following the orange and yellow trail markers pointing you in the right direction. Hiking and horseback riding tours allow you to get up close and personal with this incredible area, which encompasses close to 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) and extends into . My legs are extremely sore so Im hoping to give them a break tomorrow. Nearby Penas Blancas River offers some safari rafting fun for the entire family. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write them in below. Then it's time to rappel. That's because the volcanoes are just one highlight. Ask around and youll soon enough get a lead. Turn left following the signs to Arenal Volcano and continue to Los Angeles del Sur. By now you should have a pretty good sense to understand what Arenal 1968 is all about and what it offers its visitors. Id love to connect about finding a guide for the Arenal hike as we will be there in a month and are looking for an adventure! The river trail is another short hike that goes from the observation deck at the hotel down to the Agua Caliente River. In 2018 we sold everything we had in the Netherlands to create a location independent lifestyle. Top Six Extra Things to Pack on Your Next Trip Abroad, Ten Things to do on the beach in Manuel Antonio, High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio, In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio, Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio, The Top 5 Reasons I love living in Tamarindo, Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage. November). The most iconic landmark near La Fortuna (aside from Arenal Volcano, of course), has to be the La Fortuna Waterfall. This is one of the best day trips you can take from La Fortuna and the river one of Costa Ricas unique highlights. After enjoying the forest and all that it entails, you will soon be pointed to the Lava Flow Summit viewpoint. To be honest it is quite difficult to choose between the two. Ilse, I would also be interested in hearing about guides who will guide to the top of Arenal. Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica - A Visitors Guide As a consequence, it created what is now considered to be the single most jaw-dropping natural highlight in all of Costa Rica. Only one car is allowed to cross at a time. The hike to Cerro Chato is officially closed, but there is always a way to get up with a guide. This February, we're traveling for music festivals, perfect weather, and more. We have hiked volcanos before in Indonesia so we knew a bit what we could expect and we are well trained hikers. Besides the rainy season is the best whitewater rafting and kayaking season so if thats the prime reason for visiting, dont let a few clouds deter you. No matter your age or fitness levels, you will find more adventures than you could ever enjoy in just a single visit. From San Jose take Route 1 north and follow the signs for San Ramon. Definitely worth traveling to. Find out which Costa Rica volcanoes you can climb. Hi, youre doing amazing work! We saw many blooming orchids along the way. Because in the end, these are the stories and experiences we will always remember, right? Horseback riding is a popular activity around La Fortuna and Arenal. One of the main questions I have come across is how long the trails are in the park. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located as close as it gets to Arenal Volcano. I agree that the Observatory Lodge is a good option for getting closer to it and doing some easy hikes. The several hikes in this park are Heliconias, Los Miradores and El Ceibo trail. There are a number of springs in the area, and each has different features. If youre traveling on a tight budget, there are still plenty of great options for you in Fortuna. What newbies may not know is that Arenal isn't the only volcano in the area. All of these trips transport your luggage separately and offer a scenic journey between the two towns. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Incidentally, this will also save you quite a bit of money. .Shuttles can also pick up from other parts of Costa Rica to take you to Arenal Volcano. There are luxury resorts with all the amenities, as well as budget-friendly options that still offer great service. There's a wide variety of great eating in the center, from cheap casados (set lunches) at humble family-run restaurants, to pizzerias, sushi, and even gourmet fusion cuisine. The journey takes 30 minutes. While the views, landscape and terrain were top highlights at Arenal 1968, so were all the different animals spotted along the way. [advanced_iframe src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/vyxYApna_CU?rel=0 height=335 width=560]. Discover Arenal Getting a clear of view Arenal is like hitting the jackpot La Fortuna is a town of just 15,000 people located north of Costa Rica's capital of San Jos, in the central lowlands. Once in La Fortuna you can get around merely by walking. Local experts are on the ball and strict safety guidelines are in place, limiting how close visitors can get. Arenal Getting Around - Costa Rica Discover our journey, our passion for travel, and the inspiration behind our content. Villages were destroyed, crops were ruined, and many people lost their lives during this violent eruption. Drive along Arenal lake towards El Castillo and you will have plenty of stunning views along the lake which are easy to acces. I hired one from my guesthouse - Downtown Inn. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. I have only 2 more days in la fortuna. And of course, access to the hot springs is free for guests. These are the hotter months, but even so, temperatures year round typically don't vary much. The Arenal Volcano National Park packs all of Costa Rica's allure into one place: incredible hiking, magnificent views, abounding wildlife and the country's most active volcano. That would be super dangerous because its very hard to find the trails and you have to cross some private property. The opening times are every day from 8 AM 6 PM. We recommend indulging in your hot springs excursion after hiking around Arenalas soaking in the warm pools is agreatend to a rigorous day.