- The cone is the view. The summit stays closed, as of 5 Oct 2026.
- The 1968 lava trail is open rock and little shade, as of 5 Oct 2026.
- A foreign adult pays US$16.95. IVA is included, as of 5 Oct 2026.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Costa Rica
The cone is the view, not the climb. Lava-flow trails and lake views west of La Fortuna.
Check before you go
Facts
Summit: Closed. The cone is the view.
Fee: A foreign adult pays US$16.95. IVA is included, as of Oct 2026.
Trail: The 1968 lava trail is open rock.
Contact
Phone: +506 2200-4192
Email: acahn.pnvolcanarenal@sinac.go.cr
Official page: SINAC park page
Checked with SINAC, as of 8 Oct 2026.
Map
- The cone: You look at it. The summit is not a hike.
- The 1968 lava trail: Open rock and little shade. Go early.
The cone is the view. The summit stays closed. The lava trail is the walk.
The park sits west of La Fortuna. The lava trail is inside the gate.
Go early. The lava trail has little shade, and the cone clouds over later.
La Fortuna is the base, a longer drive north from San José than the valley volcanoes.
You can plan the morning from La Fortuna. Go early.
A foreign adult pays US$16.95. IVA is included, as of Oct 2026.
Go at opening. The useful hour is before the heat on the lava rock.
No. The summit is closed, and the lava trail is a marked walk.
Do not try the summit. Stay on the lava trail, and go before the rock is hot.
Parks near
Tenorio Volcano
The blue river near Bijagua. A muddy 3 km trail to the waterfall and the place the color starts.
Juan Castro Blanco
The 'water park' above Ciudad Quesada: cloud forest and river sources. Call before you drive.
Miravalles
The newest volcano park, north of Bagaces. Not set up for visitors yet; the hot springs nearby are private.
Poás Volcano
A steaming acid lake above Alajuela. Book a morning slot and look from the rail.
San Lucas Island
The old prison island off Puntarenas. A boat, a guided walk through the cells, and back.
Palo Verde
Wetlands on the Tempisque, full of birds from September to March. Gravel from Bagaces.