Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park

Climb through primary forest to reach the lake at the summit of Cerro Chato volcano before heading down to the waterfall of La Fortuna.

The landscape surrounding Arenal Volcano bears the marks of past eruptions, most notably the dramatic 1968 eruption, with old lava flows, secondary forest, and volcanic rock shaping much of the national park and surrounding foothills. A network of trails explores these landscapes, offering regular views of the volcano’s distinctive cone and Lake Arenal beyond.

Alongside Arenal Volcano National Park itself, reserves such as El Silencio protect extensive areas of forest and former lava fields. Well-maintained trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the volcano, while passing through habitats that support toucans, motmots, coatis, and a variety of other wildlife.

Activity Rating: easy