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Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

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. 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 eight different life zones. Overlooking everything is the imposing Arenal Volcano which sits right inside this wonderful park.

Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
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Of the 850 total species of birds identified in Costa Rica, close to all of them, including the endangered resplendent quetzal, can be found inhabiting the area. This provides an excellent stage for excited birders. Also keep your eyes open for moose, white-faced monkeys, jaguar, deer, coati, toucans, and snakes like the infamous fer-de-lance and parrot snake.

What distinguishes this park from all the rest, though, is the Arenal Volcano, which is among the world's 10 most active volcanoes. Not to worry though, the last major eruption was in 1968; since then, the majority of the volcanic activity consists of smoldering cinder-blocks and vibrant lava emissions flowing down its side. Park officials will not hesitate to close down the park if they feel conditions are too dangerous, as park visitor safety is the primary concern.

While exploring the park you will see plant life which includes guayabo de monte, laurel, cirri, various species of palms, orchids, heliconias, ferns, strangler figs, bromeliads, and many others. A popular hike is to pass through the park's tropical rainforest to old lava beds and then climb the Chato Volcano (Volcan Chato). Its extinct crater houses a water filled lagoon with a liberating view standing at 3,609 ft (1,100 m) on top of Arenal's little sibling.

Visitors can purchase maps and inquire for information at the park's ranger station which is 10 miles (16 km) west of Fortuna. The park is open from 8 am to 6 pm and there is an entrance fee of $7 USD. Any trip to the park requires a camera and a sense of adventure, as you will see a very active volcano like never before. After a long day, visit the soothing hot springs for some rehabilitating relaxation.

Arenal Volcano National Park Personalized Trips

A Real Taste of Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
A Real Taste of Costa Rica

Customer Reviewed We wanted to take the kids to Costa Rica to appreciate the ecotourism. Monteverde region blew us away with the Twilight Walk, Children's Eternal Rainforest and the cabins and greenhouse at Los Pinos, including the cabins designed to profit from natural light in the washrooms. ...

15 days $View Trip
A Family Adventure—Volcanoes to Beaches, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
A Family Adventure—Volcanoes to Beaches

Customer Reviewed Great. What a beautiful country. Very impressive on how clean it is and the way of life.

9 days $$$View Trip
A Mother Daughter Epic Journey, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
A Mother Daughter Epic Journey

Customer Reviewed Costa Rica is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. When talking about Costa Rica with my mom/travel partner, she said "Is that someplace people go?". After our first day there all her worries were alleviated by all of the wonderful and helpful people we met.

15 days $$View Trip
Traveling Solo In Arenal and Monteverde, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Traveling Solo In Arenal and Monteverde

Customer Reviewed I love Costa Rica and plan to return.

11 days $$View Trip
An Adventure of a Lifetime, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
An Adventure of a Lifetime

Customer Reviewed Costa Rica has really got itself well organised for tourism, the service was spot on, the travel timing accurate ( although some of the roads were really poor, pot holed). Hotels and activities are really geared for tourists and they made us feel welcome.

17 days $$View Trip
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Arenal Volcano National Park Things to Do

Arenal 4 in 1 Tour Safari Float & Tabacon Hot Springs | Costa RicaArenal 4 in 1 Tour Safari Float & Tabacon Hot Springs
Arenal 4 in 1 Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs | Costa RicaArenal 4 in 1 Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs
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Bridges, Volcano, Waterfall & Tabacon Hot Springs | Costa RicaBridges, Volcano, Waterfall & Tabacon Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano 1968 Eruption History | Costa RicaArenal Volcano 1968 Eruption History
Arenal Lake to El Castillo - Half Day Mountain Bike Tour | Anywhere | Costa RicaArenal Lake to El Castillo - Half Day Mountain Bike Tour | Anywhere
2 in 1 La Fortuna Waterfall & Volcano Hike | Costa Rica2 in 1 La Fortuna Waterfall & Volcano Hike
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Wildlife Sightings

ArmadilloArmadillo
Blue-jeans FrogBlue-jeans Frog
CoatiCoati
Spiny Green LizardSpiny Green Lizard
Mantled Howler MonkeyMantled Howler Monkey
Long-tailed ManakinLong-tailed Manakin
OcelotOcelot
OlingoOlingo
AgoutiAgouti
PacaPaca
Three-wattled BellbirdThree-wattled Bellbird
Turquoise-browed Motmot, Bird - VertebrateTurquoise-browed Motmot, Bird - Vertebrate
Violet SabrewingViolet Sabrewing
White-Faced or Capuchin MonkeyWhite-Faced or Capuchin Monkey
Red-Eyed Leaf (Tree) FrogRed-Eyed Leaf (Tree) Frog
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