Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails: A Hike Through Costa Rica's Volcanic Past
Hike through historic lava fields with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Experience Costa Rica's natural beauty and volcanic history.
Explore the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano on trails winding through hardened lava flows and lush rainforest. Witness the power of the 1968 eruption and experience diverse ecosystems with panoramic views of Lake Arenal.
A brief summary to Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails
- Calle Real el Castillo, San Carlos, Alajuela Province, 21007, CR
- +50640011968
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain, as the trails involve walking on volcanic lava flow areas.
- Bring essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and rain gear due to standing water and mosquitoes.
- Visit early in the morning for the best views of the volcano, as clouds often form later in the day.
- Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the volcano, lake, and surrounding landscape.
Getting There
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Driving
From La Fortuna, drive approximately 25 minutes west on Route 142 towards Lake Arenal. Turn left onto the dirt road leading towards Arenal Volcano National Park and El Castillo. The entrance to Arenal 1968 will be on your left, about 1.25 km down this road. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public bus to Arenal Volcano National Park, you can take a bus from San José to La Fortuna. From La Fortuna, taxis are readily available to reach Arenal 1968. A taxi ride from La Fortuna to Arenal 1968 costs approximately $15 - $20.
Discover more about Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Represa del lago Arenal
2.7 km
Discover Costa Rica's largest lake, a hub for green energy, water sports, and breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano.
Volcano Jungle Trails
3.7 km
Explore scenic jungle trails near Arenal Volcano. Perfect for families: hiking, picnics, and a playground in a natural Costa Rican setting.
Arenal Water Sports- La Fortuna
4.7 km
Experience thrilling water adventures on Lake Arenal with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. Jet ski, kayak, paddleboard, and more!
Arenal Park
4.8 km
Explore Costa Rica's iconic Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike through lava fields, discover rainforest wildlife, and witness breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Catarata Danta
5.0 km
Discover the hidden beauty of Catarata Danta in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: a refreshing waterfall escape surrounded by lush rainforest.
Butterfly Conservatory
5.1 km
Discover a world of fluttering beauty and rainforest wonders at the Butterfly Conservatory near Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica.
The Hand
5.3 km
Discover The Hand in El Castillo: Where art meets nature in a breathtaking Costa Rican landscape. A must-see for art and nature lovers!
Amor Arenal
5.6 km
Experience unparalleled luxury and immerse yourself in nature at Amor Arenal, an adults-only rainforest oasis near Arenal Volcano.
Hotel Montana De Fuego All inclusive
5.6 km
Experience Costa Rica's natural beauty at Hotel Montana De Fuego: Arenal Volcano views, hot springs, adventure, and all-inclusive comfort.
Chato Volcano
5.7 km
Hike to the summit of the dormant Chato Volcano, explore lush rainforest, and discover the emerald lagoon in its crater.
Hotel Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa
6.1 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
6.3 km
Explore Arenal's stunning landscapes on horseback with Don Tobias. An unforgettable adventure through rainforests and cattle farms awaits!
Paradise Hot Springs
6.3 km
Unwind in the therapeutic mineral waters of Paradise Hot Springs, surrounded by lush gardens and stunning views of Arenal Volcano.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
6.5 km
Experience luxurious relaxation at Arenal's Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort, with stunning views and natural hot springs.
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
6.5 km
Discover Costa Rica's biodiversity at Arenal Natura Ecological Park: Explore rainforests, spot exotic wildlife, and learn about conservation near Arenal Volcano.
Unmissable attractions to see
Arenal Volcano Vista Point
0.2 km
Experience stunning views and vibrant wildlife at Arenal Volcano Vista Point, a premier hiking area showcasing Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Original Arenal ATV
0.6 km
Explore Costa Rica's breathtaking landscapes with thrilling ATV tours at Original Arenal ATV in Alajuela Province.
Arenal Wilberth Stable
0.6 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Arenal Volcano through unforgettable horseback riding adventures at Arenal Wilberth Stable.
Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center
0.6 km
Explore the Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center for a memorable introduction to Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
1.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, a paradise of biodiversity, adventure, and stunning volcanic landscapes in Costa Rica.
Volcan Arenal National Park, Peninsula area
1.8 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Volcan Arenal National Park, Costa Rica's iconic landscape of volcanoes, rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
Mirador el Silencio
2.2 km
Discover the breathtaking views and serene trails of Mirador el Silencio, a nature preserve in Alajuela, where tranquility and biodiversity meet.
Arenal Canopy Adventure (Athica)
2.3 km
Soar through the canopy of Costa Rica's lush rainforest with Arenal Canopy Adventure, an exhilarating zip-line tour experience surrounded by breathtaking views.
Lago Arenal
2.6 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lago Arenal, Costa Rica’s scenic treasure, offering adventure and tranquility amidst lush landscapes.
The Peninsula, Arenal Volcano National Park
2.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of The Peninsula at Arenal Volcano National Park, where adventure awaits amidst stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Wellness Park Eco Lodge & Trekking trails
2.8 km
Discover serene accommodations, exquisite nature trails, and wellness experiences at Wellness Park Eco Lodge in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Wellness Park Nature Reserve & Ecolodge
2.8 km
Explore the serene beauty of Wellness Park Nature Reserve & Ecolodge in La Fortuna, where nature meets relaxation in an eco-friendly paradise.
Mirador Lake Arenal
2.8 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.
El Choyin
2.9 km
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Las Cabañitas de Sammy
2.9 km
Experience the tranquility and adventure of Las Cabañitas de Sammy, a charming cottage village in the heart of La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Essential places to dine
Lava'68 Cafetería
0.2 km
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Ave del Paraiso Restaurant at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
3.0 km
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Restaurante La Roca Bistró
3.0 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Restaurante La Roca Bistró with stunning views of Arenal Lake in beautiful La Fortuna.
Tucanes Restaurant
3.1 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican cuisine amidst stunning landscapes at Tucanes Restaurant in Nuevo Arenal.
Restaurante El Novillo del Arenal
3.8 km
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Heliconias Restaurant by Kioro
3.9 km
Experience exquisite Costa Rican cuisine with breathtaking views at Heliconias Restaurant by Kioro in Alajuela Province.
El Jilguero Restaurant
4.3 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at El Jilguero Restaurant in San Ramón—where every dish tells a story.
Soda La Palma
4.5 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Soda La Palma in La Fortuna – where delicious food meets warm hospitality.
Chillout Restaurant
4.6 km
Experience local flavors amidst stunning views at Chillout Restaurant near Sky Trek in San Carlos.
Fusion Arenal Mirador Restaurante, El Castillo Costa Rica.
4.7 km
Experience exquisite dining with breathtaking views at Fusion Arenal Mirador Restaurante in El Castillo, Costa Rica - where nature meets culinary art.
La Ventanita
5.0 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at La Ventanita - an inviting restaurant in El Castillo known for its fresh ingredients and warm hospitality.
Mirador Arenal Steakhouse
5.2 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Mirador Arenal Steakhouse - where every meal is accompanied by breathtaking views.
Benedictus
5.6 km
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Oscar's
6.1 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
6.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors amidst breathtaking views at Que Rico Arenal Restaurante in La Fortuna.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rumbo Shop Tabacon Las Fuentes
2.9 km
Explore Rumbo Shop Tabacon Las Fuentes for the best selection of local crafts, chocolates, and souvenirs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Britt Shop Místico Park Arenal
3.1 km
Explore Britt Shop Místico Park Arenal, where Costa Rican craftsmanship meets breathtaking nature, offering unique gifts and gourmet delights.
Britt Shop Tabacon
3.1 km
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Britt Shop Sky Trek La Fortuna
4.6 km
Explore Britt Shop Sky Trek in La Fortuna for unique Costa Rican gifts, artisan crafts, and delicious local treats in a vibrant shopping experience.
Mini Market El Mirador
5.6 km
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SLOFFEE BEST COFFEE IN LA FORTUNA
6.1 km
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Britt Shop Baldi
6.4 km
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Souvenir store
7.7 km
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Arte Natura, Boutique Hotel in La Fortuna - Costa Rica Vacations, Book it Now
7.9 km
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Britt Shop The Springs Resort & Spa
7.9 km
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The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
7.9 km
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Original Grand Gallery
8.0 km
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Biosfera Skincare (Experience Store)
8.1 km
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Red Frog Coffee Roasters
8.1 km
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Arenal Bee Garden - Honey, Coffee & Chocolate Tour
8.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shangri La Gardens. Tabacon Resort Club área
2.8 km
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Howlers Bar & Grill
4.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at Howlers Bar & Grill in El Fosforo, Costa Rica's hidden culinary treasure.
Terra bar
5.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Terra Bar in La Fortuna, where exceptional drinks and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Lemnnos WetBar
5.9 km
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Volcán Look Disco
6.5 km
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Nostalgia Wine Bar
6.8 km
Discover the enchanting Nostalgia Wine Bar, a serene oasis in Arenal, offering exquisite wines and a captivating atmosphere for relaxation.
Restaurante Relax
7.0 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
7.7 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
9.3 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
9.4 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
9.4 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
9.5 km
Discover the vibrant Voodoo Bar & Cocktails in La Fortuna, where enchanting drinks and a lively atmosphere await every traveler.
La Fortuna Pub
9.6 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
9.9 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
9.9 km
Experience vibrant nightlife in La Fortuna at Voodoo Mixology, where innovative cocktails meet a tropical atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.
