Best things to do in Arenal Volcano
Find out more about those top places in Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park: Costa Rica’s Fiery Gem
If you're looking for thrilling adventures and jaw-dropping views in Costa Rica, then look no further than Arenal Volcano National Park. Established in 1995, this newer but spectacular destination has quickly become one of the country’s most popular spots to visit. And it’s easy to see why—when you’ve got an active volcano in your backyard, you’re bound to get some serious attention. Towering over the tropical jungle, Arenal Volcano isn’t just a pretty face; it's also one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Just imagine watching lava flows cascade down its slopes—yes, it’s as exhilarating as it sounds.
Top Attractions: The Volcano Steals the Show
When it comes to things to do in Arenal, the volcano is the star of the show. While you can’t actually hike to the summit (safety first, folks), that doesn’t mean you can’t get an up-close-and-personal experience with the lava-loving beast. Thanks to strategically placed webcams at various visitor centers, you can witness lava flows lighting up the night sky, as though the volcano itself is putting on a fiery light show just for you. Of course, there’s also the occasional earth tremor to keep your heart racing. It’s like nature’s version of a rollercoaster ride—without the long lines.
Things to Do: Hiking Trails and Lava Views
Besides the obvious draw of the volcano itself, Arenal Volcano National Park is also home to a variety of well-maintained hiking trails. If you’re looking to get your nature fix, the Lookout Point Trail is your best bet. This scenic trail offers some of the best views in the park, including stunning panoramas of lava slowly cascading down the volcano’s hillside. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense jungle teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. It’s like being in your very own nature documentary—except this time, you're the star!
Arenal’s Volcano Vibes: More Than Just Lava
But Arenal isn’t all about lava and craters. The park is surrounded by lush tropical forests and serene lagoons, making it the perfect place for wildlife watching and photography. You’ll find a variety of wildlife, from the tiny blue-jeans poison dart frogs to the more elusive pumas (though, don’t worry, they’ll probably stay out of your way). It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 850 species of birds calling the area home. So, if you’ve ever wanted to see a resplendent quetzal, this is your chance!
Pro Tip: Lava by Night, Jungle by Day
One of the best ways to experience Arenal is to wake up to the jungle and watch the sunset over the volcano. If you’re staying nearby, take advantage of the nighttime lava views from one of the many observation points. Then, when morning comes, hit the trails to explore the park’s dense vegetation and hidden waterfalls. It’s a double whammy of excitement: fire and jungle in one incredible destination.
Why Visit Arenal Volcano National Park?
Arenal Volcano National Park is a bucket-list destination for any adventurer. It’s one of those places where you can experience nature’s raw power up close and personal. From the active lava flows to the hiking trails, it’s a thrill-seeker’s paradise. And let’s not forget the wildlife—whether you’re hiking through the jungle or soaking in the views, you’ll be treated to Costa Rica’s most spectacular scenery.
Whether you’re looking to explore the volcano, hike through the lush jungle, or just take in the views, Arenal has something for everyone. So pack your hiking boots, your camera, and your sense of adventure, because Arenal Volcano National Park is waiting to ignite your love for all things wild and fiery. Pro tip: Keep your eyes on the sky—you might just catch a lava show that’s hotter than your last vacation!
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Arenal Volcano National Park
This is the site of the most thrilling, exciting and awesome activities in all of Costa Rica. At Arenal Volcano National Park, there are a number of beautiful sights including waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and volcanic mountains. You could also engage in activities such as rafting, windsurfing, bird watching, hiking, canyoning among others.
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La Fortuna Waterfall
A tour of the many beautiful tourist attraction sites in Costa Rica without seeing the La Fortuna Waterfall makes for an incomplete tour. The waterfall has its source in the Fortuna River and flows through the thick rainforest of the Arenal Volcano National Park before dropping off a 200 feet (60.96 m) high cliff. The sight of the falls is a beauty to behold while swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall is an experience of a lifetime.
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Lake Arenal
This is clearly one of the most beautiful tourist attraction sites in Costa Rica. The most beautiful sights can be viewed right from the shores of the lake, with the Arenal Volcano to the east of the lake and a number of forested hills surrounding the lake. Exciting activities that tourists can participate in include bird watching, windsurfing and kayaking among others.
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Chato Volcano
The Chato volcano was said to have its last eruption about 3,500 years ago and until 2017, this volcano was regarded as an inactive volcano. However, since it was declared active, the number of tourists that visit this site have skyrocketed. Two different peaks adorn the hill with the higher one being called "The Thorn" while the smaller one is called "Little Chato".
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Canyon Canyoneering
Not far away from the Arenal Volcano is a mountainous terrain that is suitable for canyoneering. Standing atop this terrain and looking down, the view of the waterfall near and the rich vegetation down below are breathtaking. Upon getting to the base, it takes about 10 minutes to hike back up to the canyoneering spot but the beautiful sights make the hike worth it.
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Raft and Chocolate Tour
A lot of chocolate is produced from the cocoa plantation here in the Arenal Volcano. A tour through this site will expose you to just how the indigenes of the Arenal Volcano value their chocolate. As soon as the chocolate tour is done, you could go experience a thrilling time at the white waters of tropical Balsa River which you can sail using a raft.
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Waterfall Jumping
Gravity Falls is a really hyped activity in Costa Rica, and rightly so. This goes beyond the normal canyoneering that you know, it is a lot more thrilling. Go straight to the top of high terrains that have canyon pools beneath them for what is going to be the most terrific jump of your life. You can go as high as 40 feet (12.19 m) before taking the jump into the beautiful canyon pool below.
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White Water Rafting
White water rafting at the tropical Balsa River gives you an experience of a lifetime as you try to maneuver around magnetic rocks and dredges in the wild river. The thrilling and adrenaline-filled experience is always a favorite among tourists who visit the site. Apart from the thrill from the rafting experience, there are beautiful sights to see as the river cuts across nice forests and canyons.
