Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
4
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This 1,633 meter volcano has been rumbling and spewing since 1969.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Admission tickets
from $83.96
All you need to step foot in the door.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Arenal Volcano
The area
See what travellers are saying
  • betteskid
    Boston, Massachusetts1,356 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place for a hike
    We visited here during a recent trip to Costa Rica and did a short hike in the area. The highlight of the hike were the birds (toucans especially) although the lush vegetation we saw was also nice. We were treated to a clear day and could see the entire mountain and wisps of smoke emerging from the top. All in all this was a nice way to spend a few hours. I would recommend insect repellent if you plan on taking a hike.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 8 April 2023
  • Jessy Munch
    Hillsboro, Oregon58 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not horrible but not one that’s a must visit if you have to not visit something while here.
    It was ok and cool to walk through, but not as cool as other national parks we visited. We had a fabulous view from our AirBNB but you get kinda close and we walked through the trails and saw some cool trees and at the end of the trail saw lava rock from its last eruption. I’m glad we went since we were in Costa Roca and had a nice 3 mile walk. Definitely once closer to the end it gets rocky and would be difficult to do if you have any mobility issues but another national park visited, got a good walk in and learned more about it. We took out time and stopped to see all the things so it took us about 2 hours.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 May 2023
  • mvanroy
    Merelbeke, Belgium730 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Short but diverse walk ending with a spectacular view on the vulcano
    There are different hiking options in the proximity of Arenal Volcano, including the very successful Arenal 1968 Volcan trail which starts a few hundred meters before the entrance of the actual national park. Based on reviews, however, it seemed that although the price for this trail was almost double compared to the national park, it didn’t give much added value or better views on the volcano. For that reason, we decided to hike in the Parque Nacional itself (15 USD entrance fee). There are three parking areas here, P1 is immediately at the entrance, P2 is 600m further and is the biggest parking area where the actual signed path starts and then P3 another 600m further for an additional view point (and some interesting information boards). The hike we did starts at P2, is approx. 5 km long and is rather diverse. It can be shortened (approx. 2 km) if you only follow the yellow trail (path 4) back and forth to the lava fields, but the red loop (path 5) gives for sure added value to the hike. This path goes deeper in the forest and gives you a better view on fauna (e.g. we have seen the yellow eyelash viper in the deep forest and the white-throated magpie jay around the parking area) and flora (e.g. the big 400y old tree Ceibo). At the end of the trail (4&5), there are some stairs to the lava field. This part is not so long (and a bit more challenging) but it ends with spectacular views on the volcano and the lake.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 July 2023
  • Rachel G
    21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty view
    Before we left everyone told us this was THE thint we needed to do in Costa Rica. We went and had a good time, but it was definitely not our favorite thing we did. The view was great and we went in the morning before all the tours came through, which was a big help because it wasn't too crowded. We bought the tickets at the front and it included the lookout (peninsula). This was a short and bumpy drive away and had a beautiful walk and not everyone came over here. It was a decent walk and we did both in the morning. Walking the volcano and the peninsula took us from 8-11 or so. It was fun, but I wouldn't say the best thing in CR.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 July 2023
  • Mynelle H
    35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Glad it didn't erupt!
    We loved walking the Heliconias Trail to the Coladas trail to view the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. I walk with a cane, and was able to complete the walk with my family, even though a few parts were rocky and inclined. We did not take the longer El Ceibo trail which was reputed to be muddy. It is a great place to go and we could see Lake Arenal in the distance. As we went to La Fortuna first, we were able to do this later in the afternoon. Everyone we met along the trail was so friendly and helpful. They encouraged us or cautioned me as to what to expect on the trail.
    Visited August 2023
    Written 13 August 2023
  • guerrero1920
    78 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Meh
    I went what I went for, walked around a bit and left. I wasn't that impressed tbh, but if you tack on some other excursions with this it'll be worth the trip to Fortuna. It was relaxing and the warm air with warm rain felt amazing.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 13 November 2023
  • The_Wanderer1992
    Columbia, Maryland1,824 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Morning Hike
    My husband and I went to Arenal National Park for a morning hike. Tourists pay $16.95 USD per person. We found two people able to help at the park reception. They spoke little English. Also at the park reception is a restroom. The national park features a few different hiking options which are on rocks or dirt trails. Some animals are able to be spotted. At the end of the trails, you can climb up a steep hill with lava rocks to view Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. The trails could be done in less than 3 hours, so I'd definitely recommend not spending the entire day at the national park. It gives great views, but other spots around the La Fortuna area give just as good of views as the volcano.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 November 2023
  • 53Ruta_R
    Chicago, Illinois436 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cloudy conditions
    There were several trails of which the one I opted to take included the portion where the 1992 eruptions occurred. The rock conditions are of questionable safety. Since it was overcast and rainy, saw nothing ( top of volcano that is)
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 December 2023
  • Dale B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth it.
    Absolutely stunning views, although there were a lot of people the way it’s spaced out you didn’t really see them. Which was very lovely. We saw some unique birds, other than that our luck was not there for the crocodiles and monkeys but that’s ok. The grounds were very well maintained and the cafe at the end was a view in its own. We took the long path which was about 5km, most of it was very moderate but there are a few spots you really want to watch your step, the really tricky parts have rope to assist if you need it. We didn’t do a guided tour but heard it was very informative.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 December 2023
  • Hollyo41
    Burlington, Canada37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arenal Volcano
    Amazing sight from La Fortuna, but so impressive top close! Worth a visit, 3 trails to choose from, something for every fitness level, and timeline. Beautiful park, great photo opportunities(on a clear day), lots of wildlife. Great cafe at the end of the hike, beautiful views of the volcano and the lake, great food/drinks.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 6 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,974 reviews
Excellent
910
Very good
621
Average
299
Poor
108
Terrible
36

Hollyo41
Burlington, Canada37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
Amazing sight from La Fortuna, but so impressive top close! Worth a visit, 3 trails to choose from, something for every fitness level, and timeline. Beautiful park, great photo opportunities(on a clear day), lots of wildlife. Great cafe at the end of the hike, beautiful views of the volcano and the lake, great food/drinks.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Escape727086
9 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
The 2km road to the National Park Peninsula area across the road from the Main Arenal National Park entrance is nearly impassable. It took us 20 minutes in an SUV to travel at a snail’s pace over a 2km road consisting of tire punishing sharp rocks, potholes, ditches, and steep pitches only to find no one at reception and all the look-outs were roped off and closed. The platforms had no floors and the observation tower was roped off. The worst part, knowing we had to drive back down. We could not believe this is part of the National Park that takes our tourist money and that it is in such bad condition without the Main Arenal Volcano National Park ticket office telling us this when we asked if the Peninsula section was open. Do not attempt this road in a sedan!
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eaton_Out
Greenville, SC622 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Well, to be fair the volcano was in the clouds the day we were there so we really did not "see" it. There is a great overlook with what appears to be a chapel behind it. Worth a look.
Written 25 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike R
Aurora, IL68 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Day 2 of our trip, we drove to La Fortuna and grabbed lunch at Rain Forest in the downtown and then went to the park for a hike. You do have to drive around the volcano and takes time, but once there (and about $16 USD to get in) its a great visit. This is an easy hike (more of a walk) and you get a great view of the volcano and then a great view of the lake. On the walk we say a Sloth and many birds.
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dale B
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
Absolutely stunning views, although there were a lot of people the way it’s spaced out you didn’t really see them. Which was very lovely. We saw some unique birds, other than that our luck was not there for the crocodiles and monkeys but that’s ok. The grounds were very well maintained and the cafe at the end was a view in its own. We took the long path which was about 5km, most of it was very moderate but there are a few spots you really want to watch your step, the really tricky parts have rope to assist if you need it. We didn’t do a guided tour but heard it was very informative.
Written 29 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

53Ruta_R
Chicago, IL436 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
There were several trails of which the one I opted to take included the portion where the 1992 eruptions occurred. The rock conditions are of questionable safety. Since it was overcast and rainy, saw nothing ( top of volcano that is)
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The_Wanderer1992
Columbia, MD1,824 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
My husband and I went to Arenal National Park for a morning hike. Tourists pay $16.95 USD per person. We found two people able to help at the park reception. They spoke little English. Also at the park reception is a restroom. The national park features a few different hiking options which are on rocks or dirt trails. Some animals are able to be spotted. At the end of the trails, you can climb up a steep hill with lava rocks to view Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. The trails could be done in less than 3 hours, so I'd definitely recommend not spending the entire day at the national park. It gives great views, but other spots around the La Fortuna area give just as good of views as the volcano.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

guerrero1920
78 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Solo
I went what I went for, walked around a bit and left. I wasn't that impressed tbh, but if you tack on some other excursions with this it'll be worth the trip to Fortuna. It was relaxing and the warm air with warm rain felt amazing.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Larry W
Union City, CA29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
Went during rainy season, beautiful day expect to get wet, view is amazing but the tour through the forest is amazing! Guide was great, informative, fun, very interactive and made the walk very enjoyable!
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mynelle H
Levittown, NY35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
We loved walking the Heliconias Trail to the Coladas trail to view the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. I walk with a cane, and was able to complete the walk with my family, even though a few parts were rocky and inclined. We did not take the longer El Ceibo trail which was reputed to be muddy. It is a great place to go and we could see Lake Arenal in the distance. As we went to La Fortuna first, we were able to do this later in the afternoon. Everyone we met along the trail was so friendly and helpful. They encouraged us or cautioned me as to what to expect on the trail.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,188
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

ARENAL VOLCANO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $82.07, while a popular guided tour starts around $37.75 per person.

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Arenal Volcano: