Arenal Volcano

Volcán Arenal

An iconic near-perfect conical stratovolcano rising above a national park of rainforest, lava fields and a scenic lake. It is one of Costa Rica's most famous natural landmarks, surrounded by hiking trails, hanging bridges and hot springs.

Things to do

• Arenal Volcano National Park hike — Walk the Sendero Coladas trail across the 1968 lava fields to viewpoints beneath the towering cone.
• Mistico Hanging Bridges — Cross a series of suspension bridges through the rainforest canopy for wildlife spotting and volcano views.
• Tabacón Hot Springs — Soak in naturally heated thermal rivers and pools fed by volcanic geothermal activity.
• La Fortuna Waterfall — Descend the steps to a 70-meter cascade and swim in the cool pool at its base.
• Lake Arenal boat tour or kayak — Paddle or cruise Costa Rica's largest lake with the volcano as a backdrop.
• Cerro Chato and El Silencio trails — Trek quieter forest paths and old lava flows for close-up views away from the crowds.
• Wildlife spotting at night — Join a guided night walk to see frogs, sloths, snakes and insects active after dark.
• Ziplining over the rainforest — Fly across canopy cables at Sky Adventures for adrenaline and panoramic volcano vistas.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and your choice of meat, the everyday Costa Rican meal.
• Gallo pinto — The national breakfast of rice and beans stir-fried with cilantro, onion and Salsa Lizano.
• Olla de carne — A slow-cooked beef and root-vegetable soup with yuca, plantain and chayote, comforting after a hike.
• Fresh tropical fruit and batidos — Try fruit shakes made with mango, guanabana or blackberry from local sodas in La Fortuna.
• Café chorreado — Locally grown coffee brewed the traditional way through a cloth sock filter.
• Chifrijo — A popular bar snack layering rice, beans, crispy pork chicharrón and pico de gallo.

Local customs & good to know

• Say 'Pura Vida' — This phrase means hello, goodbye and all-is-well, and is central to the relaxed Costa Rican outlook.
• Eat at a soda — Small family-run diners called sodas serve authentic, affordable meals and support the local economy.
• Respect the rainy weather — The volcano is often cloud-covered, so mornings offer the best views and rain gear is essential year-round.
• Tip and pay considerations — A 10 percent service charge is usually included, and US dollars are widely accepted alongside colones.

Nearby

• La Fortuna Waterfall — 5 km
• La Fortuna — 6 km
• Venado Caves — 12 km
• Monteverde Cloud Forest (Puntarenas) — 21 km