Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Hike, Arenal/La Fortuna
Hike a jungle trail skirting Arenal Volcano and see the stark effects of the 1968 eruption on the landscape

This was an amazing hike up the volcano to see the impact the of the lava flow. We got to see multiple types of ecosystems and... Read more
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.
Overview
Embark on a guided adventure through Arenal Volcano 1968 Park, where you'll find Arenal Volcano. As you navigate the path around the volcano's base, you may be lucky enough to spot exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures that your expert guide's keen eyes will try and find. You'll continue your hike through segments of the park that the lava flow affected during the volcanic eruption in 1968, leaving the landscape devoid of vegetation. This unique terrain offers beautiful vistas of the crystal-clear Lake Arenal and the dormant Cerro Chato.
Highlights
- Hike the 1968 Trail as you learn about the area's history and the infamous 1968 eruption
- Spot a variety of rare birds and monkeys in the wild, if luck is on your side
- 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
Fruit and water
What you'll do
The day's activities begin with a convenient transfer from your La Fortuna hotel to the northwest area of the volcano at the entrance of the 1968 Trail, where your naturalist guide will meet you. Before setting off, take a moment to explore the visitor center to read up on the area's history and geology, setting the stage for your hike. Over about 1.5 hours, your guide will lead you along paths that meander through sections of regenerating forest and over a vast block of petrified lava—areas that bear the scars of the 1968 eruption that surround Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
During the hike, you might be lucky enough to spot a variety of birdlife, playful monkeys, and other native creatures, all the while engaging with your guide as they point out the flora and fauna that thrive in this volcanic region. They'll also share anecdotes about the volcano's history and impact on the ecosystem, lithological (rock) cycle, forest formation processes, and general volcanology.
While the hike is fairly easy, one section of the trail is steep and rocky, challenging for small kids and non-avid hikers. 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. Fantastic photo ops await along the trail, too: get your camera ready for sweeping views of the massive Arenal Volcano, beautiful Lake Arenal, and the extinct volcano Cerro Chato.
Once you've finished the hike, you'll head back to La Fortuna to end the adventure.
Start times
-
Daily8:15 am, 3:15 pm
What's included
- Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
- Naturalist guide
- Park admission
- Fruit
- Water
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Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Set out on a guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Set out on a privately guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Arenal Volcano National Park Boat & Hike

Waterfall & Volcano Hiking Adventure with Lunch

Lake Arenal Sunset Cruise with Wine & Cheese

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.
Traveler photos
Traveler reviews
4.3
4.7
4.7


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.



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