Arenal Volcano National Park, located in northern Costa Rica, owes its name to the Arenal Volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Spanning 12,016 hectares (29,692 acres), the park is part of the Arenal Tilarán Conservation Area.
The park features a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests, cloud forests, and hot springs, and harbors a wide variety of flora and fauna, with over 500 bird species, 120 mammal species, and 120 reptile and amphibian species. Among the iconic animals inhabiting the park are howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and jaguars.
Rising 1,633 meters (5,358 feet) above sea level, the Arenal Volcano stands as the central attraction of the park. Visitors can hike to the volcano’s crater, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding scenery. Furthermore, the park boasts numerous hiking trails meandering through the rainforest, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and exploration of unique geological formations.
A favored pastime in the park involves indulging in the hot springs, naturally heated by the volcano’s activity. Adjacent to the park, several hot springs resorts cater to visitors with various services and amenities. Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal emerges as an essential destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, blending stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and volcanic marvels.
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The park comprises two sectors open to visitors, with the Volcano Sector being the most renowned. Here, visitors can explore three trails ranging from 500 meters to 3 kilometers in length. The Heliconias Trail, approximately 600 meters long, traverses the lava flow from the 1968 eruption. The Coladas Trail, 1.7 kilometers in length, culminates at the lava flow from the volcano’s 1993 eruption, providing unique views of the volcano. The 2.3-kilometer El Ceibo Trail features a 400-year-old ceiba tree along its path.
In addition to the Volcano Sector, the Peninsula Sector offers a couple of trails close to Lake Arenal. Park admission is valid for one day and grants access to both sectors. A visit to the Volcano sector, including the three trails and the viewpoint, typically takes around three hours. For those wishing to explore the Peninsula Sector as well, it is advisable to allocate the entire morning, as there are viewpoints along the way between the two sectors.
Source: https://aventurasellagocr.com
