Arenal Volcano Ecological Park · La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Park Entrance Self-guided Arenal volcano trails
Photo gallery
Overview
Self-guided access to three color-coded trails on the 1535, 1968 and 2010 lava flows, up to two lookouts at 2,000 ft. Arrive in your entry block and stay as long as the day allows.
Ticket options
Arenal Volcano Trails Choose your way to explore the park.
Both ticket options include:
- Three trails on the 1535, 1968 and 2010 lava flows
- Lookouts at 2,000 ft
- Nature Amplifier
- Hugging Trees
- Restrooms and showers
Self-guided
Park Entrance
General park admission to explore the three lava-flow trails at your own pace.
Park Entrance: Children 6–10: $15 / $11 · Under 6: free · taxes included
Guided · with a naturalist
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike
Two hours with a bilingual naturalist guide and transport from Zone 1 hotels.
$65 per person
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike: Max 15 per departure · Children 6–10: $52 shared / $65 private · Under 6: free · Private tour from $75 (min 2) · per person, tax included
- Secure booking with Peek
- Questions? WhatsApp
Three Trails on Three Lava Flows Pick the one that fits your legs.
| Trail | Color | Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail) | Blue | 2.5 km | About 1 h | Family-friendly, reaches the 2010 and 1968 lava flows |
| Sendero Saíno | Gray | 3 km | About 2 h | Intermediate to high |
| Lava 1535 | Pink | 2.5 km | About 1.5 h | Hard, lookout over the 1535 lava flow |
All three are natural volcanic ground and not wheelchair-accessible. Please bring closed shoes with grip.
Open the park mapBefore You Go What’s included, what to bring, what to know.
What’s included
- Park entrance
- Private parking
- Restrooms and showers
- Rest areas
- Digital map and trail briefing
- Three hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty
- Eco Sound Experience: a sensory experience that amplifies the sounds of nature
- Certified trees for tree-hugging experiences
The guided tour adds
- Round-trip transportation from hotels in Zone 1
- Bilingual naturalist guide with wildlife-spotting equipment
What to bring
- Quick-drying, comfortable clothing
- Hiking or tennis shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat
- Rain jacket
- Camera
Important notes
- Estimated 1.5–2 h at your own pace.
- Arrive within your time block; the last trail entry is at 15:30.
- Stay on the marked trails. Heed the “High Difficulty” signs and assess your fitness before continuing.
- Guided tour: be at reception 15 minutes before the start.
- Cancellation: Free changes or cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit. Within 24 hours or no-show, 100% is charged. No cash refunds; eligible amounts return as a credit for a future visit. Changes in group size must be notified in advance by email or WhatsApp.
Not included
- Guide only valid for Park Entrance
- Water activities: upgrade to a Day Pass
- Round-trip transportation. The Park Entrance ticket does not include transportation; a shuttle from La Fortuna is available for $3 per person at checkout.
Park rules
Pet friendly: dogs on a leash at all times (muzzle for large breeds); pick up after them.
100% smoke-free, vapes included.
No alcohol.
Do not take, damage or bring in plants or animals; do not feed wildlife.
No speakers or loud music.
What you bring in, you take out.
Closed shoes are mandatory on every trail.
Related Tours
Other ways you can explore the park Same three lava flows, a different emphasis.
The trails are the same; what changes is who walks with you, when, and whether the day ends in the water. A naturalist guide at first light for the birds, a night walk when the forest changes shift, or the lagoon once the trails are done.
Arenal Bird Watching Tour
Birds at first light along the trails and the lagoon edge, with a guide who knows the calls.
- Departure
- 5:00 a.m.
- Duration
- 2 h
- Includes
- Bilingual naturalist guide, transport from Zone 1 hotels
- Price
- $65
Arenal Night Walk
The forest after dark, from the last daylight into the night, with a guide who finds what moves.
- Departure
- 5:00 p.m.
- Duration
- 2 h, shorter trail
- Includes
- Bilingual naturalist guide, transport from Zone 1 hotels
- Price
- $65
Day Pass
The trails plus the volcanic lagoon: kayak, stand-up paddle, Tarzan swing and water zipline.
- Departure
- 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Duration
- 3.5–4 h
- Includes
- Lagoon access with life jackets
- Price
- From $40 / three variants, self-guided to fully guided
Park Entrance FAQ Answers before you book.
How difficult are the trails?
The three trails have varying levels of difficulty; the table above compares them. Signs mark where the High Difficulty section begins, so assess your fitness before continuing. The ground is natural volcanic terrain: bring closed shoes with grip.
Can I hike without a guide?
Yes. The Park Entrance is self-guided: you get a digital map and a briefing at reception. If you want a naturalist guide, book the Arenal Volcano Guided Hike.
Will I see the volcano?
Not guaranteed. Clouds are frequent. On clear days the two lookouts face the cone.
Are there snakes on the trails?
Yes, as in any forest around Arenal. Most species avoid people. Stay on the trail, watch your step and keep your distance.
What if it rains?
Rain is common in the Arenal area, and the park remains open during light or moderate rain. We recommend bringing a rain jacket, wearing closed-toe shoes with good grip, and being prepared for muddy or slippery sections. If weather conditions create a safety concern, our team may temporarily restrict certain trails or activities.
Questions Before You Book? Ask someone who walks these trails.
Trail, weather or availability: WhatsApp reception before you buy and get an answer the same day.
Ask on WhatsApp