SELF-PACED
Park entrance
Self-guided. Three color-coded trails across the 1535, 1968 and 2010 lava flows.
- Duration
- 1.5–2 h
- Rate
- From $18 · Residents $13
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Visit the park
Ways to visit, the park map, directions and rules in one place. Arenal Volcano Ecological Park is a private ecological park, not the Arenal Volcano National Park.
- Opening hours
- Every day, 08:00 to 17:00.
- Last trail entry
- 15:30
- From La Fortuna
- 6 miles (10 km), about 15 minutes
- Parking
- Included with the Park Entrance ticket
WAYS TO VISIT
Four ways to explore the park.
At your own pace, with a guide, between trail and lagoon, or overnight.
WITH A GUIDE
Nature Guided Tours
Walk the park with a bilingual naturalist guide who helps you spot wildlife on three trails.
- Duration
- 2 h
- Rate from
- $65
TRAIL + WATER
Day pass
The trails plus a day at the volcanic lagoon: kayak, paddleboard, Tarzan Swing and water zipline.
- Duration
- 3.5–4 h
- Rate
- From $40 · Residents $27
OVERNIGHT
Camping
One night in the park in an equipped tent. Day Pass included.
- Duration
- One night
- Rate
- $50
The Park Entrance ticket includes
- Private parking
- Restrooms and showers
- Rest areas
- Digital map and trail briefing
- Three hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty
- Nature Amplifier
- Certified Hugging Trees
PARK MAP
Three trails, three lava flows.
The park's orientation map marks each trail by color. At the entrance you get the digital map and a trail briefing.
Perezoso Blue
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Time
- About 1 h
- Difficulty
- Family
Saíno Gray
- Distance
- 3 km
- Time
- About 2 h
- Difficulty
- Intermediate to high
Lava 1535 Pink
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Time
- About 1.5 h
- Difficulty
- High, technical terrain
All three are natural volcanic ground and not wheelchair-accessible. Closed shoes with grip.
GETTING HERE
The route begins before the trail.
West of downtown La Fortuna, on the road toward the volcano.
Next to Tabacón hot springs, in the hotel zone at the foot of the volcano. Parking is included with the Park Entrance ticket. The SINAC entrance of Arenal Volcano National Park is a separate access, not the gate of this park.
GETTING HERE
Park location
10.4926793, −84.7171642
BEFORE YOU GO
Come prepared for the terrain.
The trails are natural volcanic ground. Weather, wildlife and visibility change: the volcano is visible in favorable conditions only.
Hours and arrival
- Every day, 08:00 to 17:00.
- Last trail entry: 15:30
- We suggest arriving within your selected time block.
- Arenal Volcano Guided Hike: be at reception 15 minutes before the start.
What to bring
- Quick-drying comfortable clothing
- Hiking or tennis shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat
- Rain jacket
- Camera
Good to know
- Stay on the marked trails. Heed the "High Difficulty" signs and assess your fitness before continuing.
- All three trails are natural volcanic ground and not wheelchair-accessible. Closed shoes with grip.
PARK RULES
A private park, with its own rules.
Arenal Volcano Ecological Park is a private park bordering the Arenal Conservation Area. The National Park is managed by SINAC and has its own entrance and fees. They are different places, and you can visit both.
Dogs on a leash are welcome.
No alcohol.
No speakers or loud music: the park keeps an Acoustic Respect Zone so the forest can be heard.
Closed shoes with grip on every trail.
Stay on the marked trails.
FAQ
Before you book, three answers.
Is this the Arenal Volcano National Park?
No. Arenal Volcano Ecological Park is a private park bordering the Arenal Conservation Area. The National Park is managed by SINAC and has its own entrance and fees. They are different places, and you can visit both.
Which experience should I choose?
Park Entrance if you want to walk on your own. A guided tour if you want a naturalist reading the terrain. Day Pass if you want the trails plus the lagoon. Camping if you want to stay the night.
How should I prepare?
Closed shoes with grip, water, a rain layer and sun protection. The trails are natural volcanic ground. The volcano is visible in favorable conditions only.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose your ticket and walk at your pace.
Wildlife, weather, views and availability are never guaranteed.