A Quick Look at Arenal National Park

Located in northern Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano National Park covers 29,692 acres. It was established in 1991 and is easy to reach from La Fortuna, a town famous for adventure activities and the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall.

The Famous Arenal Volcano

The highlight of the park is the Arenal Volcano, a perfectly cone-shaped volcano. While other parks, like Poás Volcano National Park and Rincón de la Vieja National Park, also have volcanoes, Arenal is special because of its shape and past eruptions. You can see old lava fields and enjoy incredible views.

Exciting Activities in Arenal National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park offers a wide range of activities for adventure lovers:

• Hiking: Explore trails like Las Coladas and El Ceibo, where you can walk over old lava flows and see giant trees.
• Zip-lining: Fly through the rainforest and enjoy stunning volcano views.
• White-water rafting: Nearby rivers like the Sarapiquí and Balsa offer exciting rapids.
• Horseback riding: Ride through scenic trails to La Fortuna Waterfall.
• Kayaking and fishing: Enjoy water activities at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake.

Wildlife and Nature

Some parks, like Corcovado National Park, are famous for their wildlife, but Arenal National Park also has a lot to offer. You can see:

• Sloths hanging from trees
• Howler monkeys making loud calls
• Colorful birds like toucans and quetzals
• Coatimundi wandering around the trails

With a mix of rainforest and volcanic land, the park is home to many different animals.

Relaxing in Natural Hot Springs

Unlike Manuel Antonio National Park or Tortuguero National Park, Arenal National Park has hot springs heated by the volcano. These are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The best hot springs include:

• Tabacón Hot Springs: A luxury experience with beautiful gardens.
• Baldi Hot Springs: A fun, family-friendly place with water slides.
• EcoTermales: A quiet and relaxing option.

Lake Arenal: A Unique Feature

One thing that makes Arenal Volcano National Park different from other Costa Rican parks is Lake Arenal. This huge lake is great for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and boat tours. Other parks, like Tortuguero, have waterways, but Lake Arenal is the largest and most scenic.

Easy to Visit

Some national parks, like Corcovado and Monteverde, are hard to reach. Arenal National Park, on the other hand, is just a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from both San José and Liberia international airports. It’s one of the easiest parks to visit in Costa Rica.

Best Time to Visit

Costa Rica has two seasons:

• Dry Season (November — April): The best time for clear skies and hiking.
• Rainy Season (May — October): The park is lush and green, but it rains more often.

Final Thoughts

If you want a national park that offers amazing adventure, beautiful scenery, and relaxing hot springs, Arenal National Park is the perfect choice. Whether you’re hiking, zip-lining, or visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park has something for everyone.

Plan your trip with Ecoterra Costa Rica and experience one of the most incredible places in Costa Rica!