Peninsula Sector: Arenal Volcano's Lakeside Haven
Discover tranquil trails, stunning volcano views, and abundant wildlife at Arenal Volcano National Park's serene Peninsula Sector.
The Peninsula Sector of Arenal Volcano National Park offers a serene escape with stunning views of Lake Arenal and the majestic volcano. Featuring accessible trails and an observation tower, it's perfect for leisurely hikes and wildlife spotting in a less crowded environment.
A brief summary to The Peninsula, Arenal Volcano National Park
- F63R+MGG, Calle Real el Castillo, San Carlos, Alajuela Province, CR
- +50622004192
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best chance of clear volcano views, as clouds often form later in the day.
- Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially for spotting birds in the rainforest canopy.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on paved and unpaved trails.
- Pack rain gear, as the weather in Arenal can be unpredictable, even during the dry season.
- Check the official park website for trail closures or maintenance updates before your visit.
Getting There
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Driving
From La Fortuna, drive approximately 18 km (25-30 minutes) to the Peninsula Sector. The most direct route involves some unpaved roads, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season. Parking is free but can be limited, especially during peak hours. As an alternative, consider booking a tour from La Fortuna, which includes transportation.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in La Fortuna and can take you to the Peninsula Sector. The cost is approximately $25 - $35 USD each way, depending on the taxi company and your negotiation skills. Confirm the price before starting your journey. Taxis can also transport you between the Volcano and Peninsula sectors for a similar fare.
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Bus and Walking
There is no direct bus to the Peninsula Sector. The closest option is to take a bus from La Fortuna towards Tilarán and ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection of Route 142 and the entrance road to the Peninsula Sector. From there, it's approximately a 4.3 km (1 hour) walk to the entrance. The bus fare is around ₡1,500-2,000 (approximately $2-$3 USD). This option is not recommended due to the long walk.
Discover more about The Peninsula, Arenal Volcano National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Represa del lago Arenal
2.2 km
Discover the serene beauty and adventurous spirit of Represa del Lago Arenal, a stunning reservoir in Costa Rica's Alajuela Province.
Volcano Jungle Trails
4.8 km
Explore scenic jungle trails near Arenal Volcano. Perfect for families: hiking, picnics, and a playground in a natural Costa Rican setting.
Volcan Arenal Ecological Park
6.0 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems of Volcan Arenal Ecological Park, a natural wonder of Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano
6.1 km
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty and geological wonders of Arenal Volcano, a symbol of Costa Rica's natural power and biodiversity.
Catarata Danta
6.2 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of Catarata Danta, a stunning waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Parque Ecologico Arenal
6.3 km
Discover adventure and nature at Arenal Volcano Ecological Park: Hike scenic trails, kayak on the lagoon, and witness stunning volcanic views.
Los Lagos
7.0 km
Experience the natural wonders of Los Lagos, a serene park in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, teeming with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Arenal Park
7.6 km
Explore Costa Rica's iconic Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike through lava fields, discover rainforest wildlife, and witness breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Chato Volcano
7.6 km
Hike to the summit of the dormant Chato Volcano, explore lush rainforest, and discover the emerald lagoon in its crater.
Hotel Montana De Fuego All inclusive
8.2 km
Experience luxury and nature at Hotel Montana De Fuego, your all-inclusive retreat near Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Amor Arenal
8.3 km
Experience unparalleled luxury and immerse yourself in nature at Amor Arenal, an adults-only rainforest oasis near Arenal Volcano.
Hotel Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa
8.8 km
Experience Costa Rica's beauty at Arenal Paraíso Resort: Volcano views, hot springs, spa, and adventure await in La Fortuna.
Horseback Riding In Arenal By Don Tobias Horses
9.1 km
Embark on an unforgettable horseback riding adventure in Arenal, Costa Rica, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife.
Paradise Hot Springs
9.1 km
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The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
9.2 km
Experience luxurious relaxation at Arenal's Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort, with stunning views and natural hot springs.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mirador Lake Arenal
0.1 km
Discover breathtaking views and diverse wildlife at Mirador Lake Arenal, a gem in Costa Rica's national parks, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Volcan Arenal National Park, Peninsula area
1.3 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Volcan Arenal National Park, Costa Rica's iconic landscape of volcanoes, rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
Lago Arenal
2.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lago Arenal, Costa Rica’s scenic treasure, offering adventure and tranquility amidst lush landscapes.
Original Arenal ATV
2.2 km
Explore Costa Rica's breathtaking landscapes with thrilling ATV tours at Original Arenal ATV in Alajuela Province.
Arenal Wilberth Stable
2.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Arenal Volcano through unforgettable horseback riding adventures at Arenal Wilberth Stable.
Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center
2.2 km
Explore the Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center for a memorable introduction to Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Tour kayak lago arenal
2.6 km
Discover the beauty of Lago Arenal with kayaking adventures amidst breathtaking scenery and rich wildlife in Costa Rica's picturesque landscapes.
Paseos en el lago arenal
2.6 km
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Arenal, a tranquil haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica.
Paddleboarding La Fortuna- Lake Arenal
2.7 km
Discover the serene beauty and adventure of paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, a must-visit destination in Costa Rica's stunning landscape.
Arenal Water Sports- La Fortuna
2.7 km
Experience thrilling water sports in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and expert guidance for all skill levels.
Paradero Lacustre El Castillo.
2.7 km
Experience nature's tranquility at Paradero Lacustre El Castillo, where stunning lake views and vibrant wildlife create unforgettable memories in Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails
2.8 km
Discover breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and explore lush lava trails in this stunning nature preserve, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers in Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano Vista Point
2.9 km
Experience stunning views and vibrant wildlife at Arenal Volcano Vista Point, a premier hiking area showcasing Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
3.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, a paradise of biodiversity, adventure, and stunning volcanic landscapes in Costa Rica.
Butterfly Conservatory
3.5 km
Explore the vibrant Butterfly Conservatory in El Castillo-Arenal, Costa Rica, home to an array of stunning butterflies and a commitment to conservation.
Essential places to dine
Fusion Arenal Mirador Restaurante, El Castillo Costa Rica.
2.7 km
Experience exquisite dining with breathtaking views at Fusion Arenal Mirador Restaurante in El Castillo, Costa Rica - where nature meets culinary art.
Lava'68 Cafetería
2.9 km
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La Ventanita
3.4 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at La Ventanita - an inviting restaurant in El Castillo known for its fresh ingredients and warm hospitality.
Restaurante La Roca Bistró
3.8 km
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Chillout Restaurant
4.1 km
Experience local flavors amidst stunning views at Chillout Restaurant near Sky Trek in San Carlos.
El Jilguero Restaurant
5.6 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at El Jilguero Restaurant in San Ramón—where every dish tells a story.
Ave del Paraiso Restaurant at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
5.6 km
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Tucanes Restaurant
5.7 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican cuisine amidst stunning landscapes at Tucanes Restaurant in Nuevo Arenal.
Restaurante El Novillo del Arenal
6.4 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at Restaurante El Novillo del Arenal - where tradition meets taste in La Fortuna.
Heliconias Restaurant by Kioro
6.6 km
Experience exquisite Costa Rican cuisine with breathtaking views at Heliconias Restaurant by Kioro in Alajuela Province.
Soda La Palma
7.1 km
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Mirador Arenal Steakhouse
7.8 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Mirador Arenal Steakhouse - where every meal is accompanied by breathtaking views.
Benedictus
8.4 km
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Oscar's
8.8 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at Oscar's in La Fortuna—where every meal is a celebration of local ingredients and culinary creativity.
Que Rico Arenal Restaurante
9.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Britt Shop Místico Park Arenal
3.7 km
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Britt Shop Sky Trek La Fortuna
4.1 km
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Rumbo Shop Tabacon Las Fuentes
5.5 km
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Britt Shop Tabacon
5.6 km
Discover the essence of Costa Rica at Britt Shop Tabacon, where local crafts, gourmet chocolates, and unique souvenirs await every traveler.
Mini Market El Mirador
8.2 km
Explore local flavors and essentials at Mini Market El Mirador, your one-stop grocery store in scenic La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
SLOFFEE BEST COFFEE IN LA FORTUNA
8.9 km
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Britt Shop Baldi
9.2 km
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la fortuna, costa rica
9.4 km
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Souvenir store
10.2 km
Explore the vibrant culture of Costa Rica at this charming souvenir store in San Carlos, where unique treasures await every traveler.
Arte Natura, Boutique Hotel in La Fortuna - Costa Rica Vacations, Book it Now
10.4 km
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Biosfera Skincare (Experience Store)
10.4 km
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Neptune's House of Hammocks
10.5 km
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Wood & Art Gallery
10.5 km
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Original Grand Gallery
10.6 km
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Britt Shop The Springs Resort & Spa
10.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Howlers Bar & Grill
2.9 km
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Shangri La Gardens. Tabacon Resort Club área
5.4 km
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Terra bar
8.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Terra Bar in La Fortuna, where exceptional drinks and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Lemnnos WetBar
8.7 km
Discover the vibrant Lemnnos WetBar in La Fortuna, where tropical drinks meet stunning views and unforgettable experiences.
Volcán Look Disco
9.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife at Volcán Look Disco – a vibrant bar in San Carlos, perfect for dancing and enjoying refreshing cocktails.
Nostalgia Wine Bar
9.5 km
Discover the enchanting Nostalgia Wine Bar, a serene oasis in Arenal, offering exquisite wines and a captivating atmosphere for relaxation.
Restaurante Relax
9.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Restaurante Relax, a charming bar in La Fortuna offering local cuisine and stunning views.
MAGIC SPORT BAR, Magic Mountain Hotel
10.3 km
Discover the lively Magic Sport Bar at Magic Mountain Hotel, where great drinks and vibrant atmosphere meet in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Tamarindo Chill
11.8 km
Discover the serene vibe of Tamarindo Chill in La Fortuna, offering refreshing cocktails and a perfect escape in Costa Rica's lush landscapes.
Cha
11.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere at Cha, La Fortuna's beloved bar, perfect for unwinding after exploring Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Bar Patrón Costa Rica
11.9 km
Experience a vibrant cocktail bar in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with exotic flavors, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
Voodoo Bar & Cocktails
12.0 km
Discover the vibrant Voodoo Bar & Cocktails in La Fortuna, where enchanting drinks and a lively atmosphere await every traveler.
La Fortuna Pub
12.1 km
Discover La Fortuna Pub, a lively destination for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and an unforgettable atmosphere in the heart of Costa Rica.
Tropical Lounge Bar
12.4 km
Experience the flavors of Costa Rica at Tropical Lounge Bar, a vibrant grill bar in La Fortuna offering delicious food and refreshing tropical drinks.
Voodoo Mixology
12.4 km
Experience vibrant nightlife in La Fortuna at Voodoo Mixology, where innovative cocktails meet a tropical atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.