Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal Volcano is a part of the Arenal Conservation Area. The park was established on September 26 the, 1994 . The 12,016 hectares of the Arenal Volcano National Park includes the cantons of Tilarán (Guanacaste), San Carlos and San Ramón (Alajuela)

Las Heliconias Trail

This short trail (1km long) can be accessed through park's main entrance, right where the information stand is situated. It only takes between 20 and 25 minutes to go along this trail. It takes visitors to Las Coladas Trail (lava flow) just by crossing the road which goes to the Arenal Volcano lookout point.

All a long this trail, visitors can observe plants that appeared after the 1968 eruptions. There are also other varieties of plants (ferns and bushes) as well as animals such as hummingbirds and butterflies. This is an easy-access trial.

Las Coladas Trail

Visitors can go to this 2.8 km trail from the main road that goes to the Arenal Volcano National Park. It takes visitors approximately one hour to walk it. This trail is characterized by its flat topography. Visitors will feel and see the sandy material has been deposited from volcanic eruptions since 1968. There is diversity of vegetation, too. Its amazing the view to the volcano visitors can get from this trail, it is actually possible to find the front part of the lava flows which gives the trail it name. When it rains visitors can see flow stem seeping out from rocks. At the tops of the lava flow, visitors can observe the Arenal Dam and the Chato Volcano. Visitors should keep on the trail at all times.

The Arenal Volcano
Look out point

It is located on the volcano's basis. Visitors can access it through the main entrance. It is 1.3 km long. This look outpoint is a special place to observe and listen to the volcano diverse manifestations. There visitors will find protective fences to prevent them from approaching too much the volcano, which could be dangerous. It is usual to feel volcanic ash falling. From this lookout point visitors can watch the lava flows that have been thrown up since 1968, as well as the Tenorio Volcano Top. Besides, This lookout point is an excellent place to take photos.

The Fortuna river fall

This is is a 38 m high waterfall that attracts many people who ride horse-back from La Fortuna. During their trip, people have the opportunity to admire the landscape and share with local residents.

Recommendations

• Walk only on the marked trails. The surrounding areas are in the process of recovery.
• Please keep out the dangerous zones. They have been marked for your security.
• Do not throw any litter in the Park. Use the waste containers provide.
• If you need any help, look for the Park Guards at the entrance. They will be willing to help you.
• Do not jump over the security fences installed around the observatory.
• When it's raining do not walk on the drainage ditches since it is dangerous provoke an avalanche of water and rocks.