Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Guided Hike, Arenal/La Fortuna
Hike a jungle trail skirting Arenal Volcano and see the stark effects of the 1968 eruption on the landscape
It was a great introduction to the area. Our guide was great.
Our guide belonged to an indigenous tribe from Costa Rica, and explained how a lot of the plants in the area have been used for years... Read more
This was amazing. Our guide was knowledgeable. The hike was more difficult than expected. Very hard for my mom.
Mariano was wonderful. The private tour was a treasure! I would recommend spending the money for a private tour.
Our guide was very helpful and attentive! We saw monkeys, snakes, and a sloth with him.
Overview
Embark on a guided adventure through Arenal Volcano 1968 Park, where you'll find the Arenal Volcano. As you navigate the path around the volcano's base, your expert guide will point out exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures. You'll continue your hike through segments of the park that the lava flow affected during the volcanic eruption in 1968 that left the landscape devoid of vegetation. This unique terrain offers beautiful vistas of the crystal-clear Lake Arenal and the dormant Cerro Chato Volcano.
Highlights
- Hike around the base of Arenal Volcano
- Explore trails crossing the lava flow from the volcano's 1968 eruption
- Take in gorgeous views of Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato
- Learn about the park's history, forest formation, and volcanology
Know before you go
3.5 hours
5 years old & up
Small group
What you'll do
While the hike is relatively easy, one section of the trail is steep and rocky, which can be challenging for children and travelers who don't hike frequently. The standard excursion takes you on a 1.9-mile (3 km) trail, but another option for travelers with reduced mobility is 1.1 miles (1.8 km) long. Discuss your options when booking the adventure and with your guide.
In addition to the park's forested areas, you'll also walk through areas of the park that the 1968 volcano eruption affected. You'll discover landscapes where the lava flow obliterated much of the natural vegetation. Your guide may explain the park's history before and after the eruption, share a bit about forest formation and volcanology, point out flora and fauna that managed to grow in the area, and answer questions.
During the hike, you'll have ample photo opportunities. Have your camera ready for sweeping views of the massive Arenal Volcano, beautiful Lake Arenal, and the extinct volcano Cerro Chato. Once you finish the hike, you'll head back to La Fortuna to end the adventure.
Start times
-
Daily8:00 am, 3:00 pm
What's included
- Transportation
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Entrance fee
- Water bottle
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Get startedSee alternatives
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways, up to 180 feet (55 meters) above the rainforest floor, you'll have a chance to appreciate this area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 350 avian species that live here.
Arenal Volcano National Park Boat & Hike
Waterfall & Volcano Hiking Adventure with Lunch
Sunset Cruise with Wine & Cheese on Lake Arenal
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Chocolate Farm Visit & Workshop
In this hands-on chocolate experience, you'll learn all about one of Costa Rica's most famous exports. Participate in the cacao harvest, see how the seeds are dried and ground to produce creamy cocoa butter, and sample freshly made chocolate. Your bilingual guide will share insights into chocolate's cultural and economic importance in ancient Mesoamerican societies and show you how to make a traditional Costa Rican drink that dates back centuries. Don't miss the chance to taste the cacao beans' fruity pulp straight from the pod, offering a fresh and delightful experience for chocolate enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Arenal Volcano Horseback Adventure
Explore the landscapes around the Arenal volcano on horseback with this scenic, three-hour excursion. Once you're paired with the perfect mount, you'll journey through diverse landscapes of farmland and forests as your seasoned guide points out local flora and fauna. Pause at a lagoon for photos, then ascend a high viewpoint for panoramic volcano views. Ideal for nature and animal lovers, this excursion offers a captivating glimpse into the region's natural beauty.
Backroad Mountain Biking Around Lake Arenal
Sky Adventures Zip Lines
Get your thrills at Sky Trek, a zip line circuit and aerial amusement park. You'll start in an open-air gondola, rising up over the rainforest and enjoying sweeping views across the mountains. Arriving at the end of the line, the exhilarating adventure of whizzing down the mountain begins. Connect to a zip line cable stretching over rainforest treetops and clifftops. After traversing seven cables and reaching heights of 660 feet (201 meters), you'll arrive back at the starting point of the adrenaline-pumping adventure.
La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Traveler photos
Traveler reviews
4.5
4.8
4.8
It was a great introduction to the area. Our guide was great.
Hike wasn't long, although the climb was a good workout. Bring water. LA Fortuna waterfall is a must see. Expect lots of stairs and people.
The hike was not too difficult, and it had 3 levels of difficulty to choose. I chose the longest route, and it was still a pleasant hike although it rained and we didn't have a view of the volcano or lake.
I would suggest if you could not book in the future, but based on the weather, as it would've been excellent if we had a view of volcano and lake together at the mesa top.
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Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
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