THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
Overlooked by Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, the swathes of cloud forest that cloak the highlands of Costa Rica are the ultimate adventurer’s playground. A biodiversity hotspot, the region packs in sensational wildlife, wonderful scenery, and unforgettable adventures.
Standing over 1,600 metres, the Arenal volcano has a majestic presence that dominates the whole Arenal area. It sits within a photogenic region of lagoons, mountains, and cloud forest that simply invites exploration.
Although you can’t climb up the volcano itself, there are walks to enjoy in the foothills and plenty of activities to be had in and around the national park. On Arenal Volcano holidays you can walk along dizzying hanging bridges, explore the forests on horseback, go white rafting, or whizz through the canopy on a zip wire. The Chato volcano, with its shimmering crater lagoon, is always worth a visit, whilst neighbouring Lake Arenal offers windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.
You’ll also find a staggering array of flora and fauna, including over 800 species of bird, hundreds of mammals, a profusion of butterflies, and an abundance of tropical plants. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, for example, you could spot coatis, monkeys, dazzling hummingbirds, and, if you’re lucky, even rare species like the resplendent quetzal – ask our experts about a Costa Rica cloud forest tour.
After a day’s exploration, there are numerous hot springs scattered around the area that provide the perfect remedy for tired muscles.
Whether your only destination or in coordination with visits to Tortuguero or the Osa Peninsula, the Arenal Cloud Forest is a fantastic place to visit during your trip to Costa Rica. Scroll below to learn more about this breathtaking part of Costa Rica today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to hike the Arenal Volcano?
Depending on the route you take you can hike in Arenal for essentially as long as you like. The main hike in the National Park proper, that offers some of the most stunning views of the volcano, takes around thirty minutes on a flat well-maintained path.
There are more off the beaten path hikes that can take 2-3 hours such as the El Silencio Mirador hike or the circular forest rail starting near San Ramon. Speak to our experts about Arenal Volcano National Park tours.
How close can you get to the Arenal Volcano?
You can get into the foothills of the Arenal Volcano on a number of relatively easy hikes through the nearby forests and jungles. These will even take you past the now turned to rock lava flows from years of eruptions.
It’s not advisable to go anywhere near the crater though, as the youngest and most active of Costa Rica’s volcanos, Arenal could well erupt!
How many days do you need to see the Arenal Volcano?
The Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline around Arenal, and beyond hiking it there are plenty of things to do in the area. While you only need one full day to get to grips with the volcano itself, it’s worth staying in the area for three or four nights to experience the hanging bridges, sloth walks, horse riding, and all the other adventures in the area.
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