Arenal Volcano Hike

Overview

If you've ever wanted to hike near a volcano, this experience is for you! Set in Arenal Volcano National Park, you'll enjoy a moderate two-hour hike along a trail that takes you over hardened remnants of a lava flow from 1968—the year of Arenal's last major eruption. The event was so catastrophic that it transformed some of the region's topography: lava fields now dominate one side of the volcano.

You'll find a network of trails winding through these lava fields and the surrounding rainforest, many offering short hikes (about one-half mile (1 km)), whereas others reach about two miles (3 km). Along the way, you'll find lookout points featuring prime views of Arenal's iconic peak. The best time to enjoy a volcano hike is during the drier months between February and April; the lack of rain ensures the trails will be dry and accessible.

Discover more nature excursions in Costa Rica and other experiences in the Arenal/La Fortuna area.

Itineraries with Arenal Volcano Hike

Ultimate Costa Rica Honeymoon - 10 Days

This romantic itinerary is ideal for adventurous couples with more than a week to spend. Together, you'll bask in Costa Rica's biodiversity, take a whitewater rafting trip down the Río Pacuare, and go on multiple day hikes. Relax on Pacific beaches, soak in natural hot springs, and check into some of the country's best luxury resorts throughout your memorable stay.

Costa Rica's Essentials - 11 Days

This 11-day itinerary allows you to enjoy a comprehensive Costa Rican experience that will take you from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast and everything in between. Beyond the virgin rainforest and exotic wildlife, however, you'll also get to experience Costa Rica through its delicious flavors, be it local cuisine or the famed coffee grown in its volcanic soil.

Arenal and the Nicoya Peninsula - 7 Days

Experience the best of Costa Rica's tropical forests and its beaches on this week-long itinerary. You'll explore the rainforest via suspension bridges and zip-line tours while spotting exotic birds, playful monkeys, and other wildlife. Then, it's on to the western Nicoya Peninsula for a few days spent snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing at the beach.

Discover Costa Rica's Natural Highlights - 14 Days

Experience the country from both coasts on this two-week trip. You'll visit San José, Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, Monteverde's cloud forest, and the remote beaches of Guanacaste. There will be plenty of activities to choose from along the way: watch sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach, sample locally produced chocolate, and take a surf lesson in the glittering Pacific.

Costa Rica Adventure Tour - 12 days

This high-octane trip is designed to get your adrenaline pumping as you take on some of the best adventure activities Costa Rica has to offer. You'll see the country's rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches, and encounter tropical wildlife as you take part in a variety of thrilling activities. From whitewater rafting through the rainforest to biking around a volcano to zip-lining down a mountain, this exhilarating itinerary is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.