Arenal Volcano National Park: Best Trails for Hiking Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks—an almost perfectly conical giant rising above lush rainforest, thermal rivers, and crystal-clear lakes. For many travelers, an Arenal Volcano hike is the highlight of their Costa Rica adventure. Whether you’re a backpacker chasing epic landscapes, a family looking for an easy trail, or a solo traveler searching for the best Arenal hiking tour, Arenal Volcano National Park has something for everyone.

Here you’ll find the ultimate guide to hiking Arenal Volcano, including the best trails, what to expect, recommended tours, and insider tips from our local experts.

Why Visit Arenal Volcano National Park?

• The rainforest paradise park is home to monkeys, coatis, toucans, sloths, more than 500 bird species, lava fields, thick secondary forest and enormous ceiba and ficus trees.

• You can choose different trails for everyone: From short, accessible trails for families to long, rugged hikes for adventure seekers. Arenal offers variety.

• Nearby, there are hot springs, so after your hike, nothing beats soaking in Arenal’s natural thermal waters—Tabacón, Ecotermales, Baldi, and many others await.

• Not to forget those adventure activities: just think of hanging bridges, canyoning, rafting, ziplining, and kayaking on Lake Arenal.

If you’re crafting the perfect Costa Rica itinerary, an Arenal Volcano hike is a must.

Best Trails in Arenal Volcano National Park

Now that you know the tour options available, the following sections present the top hiking trails within the national park and the protected areas surrounding it.

Sendero Las Coladas (Lava Flow Trail – 1968)

Distance: 2–3 km (depending on route) Difficulty: Easy – Moderate Time: 1.5–2 hours Best for: Families, first-time visitors, travelers looking for classic views

This is the quintessential Arenal Volcano hike—the one you see in most travel photos. The trail leads through secondary forest and open areas until you reach the black lava rocks from the 1968 eruption. Here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding valley.

What you’ll see

• Lava fields

• Epic volcano viewpoints

• Orchids and bromeliads

• Howler monkeys and toucans

  
  

Insider Tip

Go in the morning to avoid clouds covering the volcano.

Sendero El Ceibo

Distance: 3 kms Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour Best for: Nature lovers and birdwatchers

A shaded path that takes you through thick rainforest, ending at a massive ceiba tree that’s over 400 years old. Perfect if you want an easy, peaceful hike away from crowds.

What you’ll see

• Giant trees

• Vibrant birdlife

• Occasional sloths and monkeys

Mirador El Silencio (Private Reserve)

Distance: 5 km of combined trails

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Time: 2–3 hours

Best for: Travelers wanting quiet trails and great wildlife spotting

Although not inside the national park, El Silencio is one of the best viewpoints of Arenal Volcano. Fewer crowds make it ideal for an arenal hiking tour focused on wildlife.

Highlights

• Dense forest trails

• Excellent sloth-spotting

• Multiple viewpoints

  
  

Arenal 1968 Private Reserve

Distance: 4–8 km (two trail options)

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 2–4 hours

Best for: Travelers looking for volcanic landscapes and longer hikes

This private reserve offers incredible views of the volcano and extensive lava fields. It’s a favorite among photographers and hikers who want a rugged, volcanic landscape.

What makes it special

• Photogenic lava rocks

• Long viewpoints with the volcano in full view

• Sunset hikes

  
  

Peninsula Sector Trail (Lake Arenal)

Distance: 1.5 km

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 45 minutes

Best for: Relaxed hikers, families, birdwatchers

This area is often overlooked but offers fantastic lake views and peaceful walking paths.

What you’ll see

• Lake Arenal

• Shoreline wildlife

• Aratinga parrots and herons

  
  

Which Trail Is Best for You?

Traveler Type	Recommended Trail
Families	Lava Flow (easy), Peninsula Sector
Backpackers	Arenal 1968, El Silencio
Solo Travelers	Lava Flow + Ceibo Combo
Birdwatchers	Peninsula + Ceibo
Photographers	Arenal 1968 at sunset

Best Time to Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal can be visited year-round, but visibility varies throughout the day and season.

Dry Season (December – April)

• Best chance of clear volcano views

• Most popular season

• Hot and dry weather

Green Season (May – November)

• Lush landscapes

• Fewer tourists

• Afternoon rain (mornings usually clear)

Writer's Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Clouds often gather around the volcano in the mid-morning.

What to Bring for an Arenal Volcano Hike

If you don't know what to bring, here are some essentials to keep in mind, along with some optional gadgets that can be helpful. Packing lighter is always better for hiking!

Essentials

• Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers

• Water bottle (1–2 liters)

• Sunscreen

• Hat and sunglasses

• Light rain jacket

• Insect repellent

• Camera or smartphone

  
  

Optional

• Binoculars for birdwatching

• Dry bag for valuables

• Snack or energy bar - not really optional :)

How to Get to Arenal Volcano National Park

Most travelers stay in La Fortuna, the main town, located about 15 minutes from the park entrance.

From San José

Options:

• Shuttle or private transfer (3 hours)

• Public bus to La Fortuna (4–5 hours)

• Rental car

  
  

We have a very detailed transportation guide where you can find all the information on how to get to La Fortuna or Arenal Volcano from San Jose or San José Airport SJO.

From Liberia Airport

Options:

• Private transfer (2.5 hours)

• Car rental

We have a very detailed transportation guide with all the information on how to get to La Fortuna or Arenal Volcano from Liberia or LIR Airport.

What does your Arenal Volcano Hiking Day look like?

• 7:30 AM – Start your Arenal Volcano Hike. Begin with the Lava Flow trail or Arenal 1968. Morning offers the best visibility.

• 10:30 AM – Wildlife Spotting. Visit the Peninsula Sector or do a guided nature walk.

• 12:00 PM – Lunch in La Fortuna. Recommended restaurants:

  • La Parada

  • Pollo Fortuneño (local favorite)

  • Organico Fortuna

  • Tierra Mía

• 2:00 PM – Hanging Bridges or Zipline. Add a bit of adventure to your day.

• 5:00 PM – Sunset and Hot Springs. End your day at Ecotermales or Tabacón.

Conclusion

Arenal Volcano offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and stunning views—no matter which trail or tour you choose. From lava fields to rainforest wildlife and relaxing hot springs, it’s an experience every traveler should include in their Costa Rica itinerary. A quick hike or a full day of exploration—either way, Arenal never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you climb to the top of Arenal Volcano?

No. Because the crater area is protected and still emits gases, access is prohibited. However, the surrounding trails offer spectacular views.

How long should you stay in Arenal?

We recommend 2–4 nights, depending on how many activities you want to do.

Is the Arenal Volcano hike suitable for kids?

Yes, many trails are family-friendly.

Do you need reservations?

For national park entries, usually no. For hot springs and guided tours, yes—especially in peak season.

How long is the hike up Arenal Volcano?

You can’t hike to the summit (it’s restricted), but most official trails range from 1.5 km to 8 km, depending on the route you choose.

Which Arenal volcano hike is best?

The Arenal 1968 Lava Trails are the most popular for classic volcano views, while El Silencio is best for wildlife and quieter paths.

Can you hike Arenal Volcano on your own?

Yes, most trails in the national park and private reserves can be done independently, though guided tours offer better wildlife spotting and context.

Is the Arenal volcano hike worth it?

Absolutely—Arenal offers dramatic landscapes, lava fields, rainforest wildlife, and excellent viewpoints, making it one of Costa Rica’s most iconic hikes.

Is Arenal or Monteverde better?

Both are amazing; Arenal is best for volcano views, hot springs, and adventure activities, while Monteverde is better for cloud forests and wildlife diversity.

Where to start the Arenal Volcano hike?

Most visitors begin at the Arenal Volcano National Park entrance or the Arenal 1968 Private Reserve, located about 15 minutes from La Fortuna.

Should You Do a Guided Arenal Volcano Tour or Go Independently?

Most visitors say their experience was enhanced with a guide—especially when it comes to spotting animals and understanding Arenal’s volcanic history. There a so many differnt tours also for fun or relaxing after hiking in that area. If you are an experienced hiker or want to explore at your own pace it's working perfectly as well.