Volcano National Park, situated in northern Costa Rica, derives its name from the Arenal Volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Encompassing 12,016 hectares (29,692 acres), the park forms part of the Arenal Tilarán Conservation Area.
The park showcases a diverse array of ecosystems, such as rainforests, cloud forests, and hot springs, and hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna, including over 500 bird species, 120 mammal species, and 120 reptile and amphibian species. Iconic animals found in the park include howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and jaguars.
Standing at 1,633 meters (5,358 feet) tall, the Arenal Volcano serves as the park’s focal point. Visitors can hike to the volcano’s crater to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the park offers several hiking trails winding through the rainforest, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and explore unique geological features.
A popular activity in the park is relaxing in the hot springs, naturally heated by the volcano’s activity. Several hot springs resorts near the park offer various services and amenities. Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and volcanic phenomena.
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.
In case you don’t want to go it alone, you can book this tour of the Arenal Observatory, with which you won’t miss anything of this impressive area.
Source: https://aventurasellagocr.com
