Arenal Volcano Walk
The best way to get as close as possible to the spectacular Arenal Volcano is to walk the reserve’s easy series of trails, which will take you through secondary rainforest and former lava fields. The park is known for its diverse wildlife.
Area
Arenal
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
The walk around Arenal Volcano starts with a drive to the active western side of the volcano. Once there, you will embark on the Toucan Trail, which traverses the rainforest and crosses over a large lava flow from 1992. It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, and magnificent lava rock formations. While exploring the park, you will see plant life that includes guayabo de monte, laurel, cirri, various species of palms, orchids, heliconias, ferns, strangler figs, bromeliads, and many others. Most of Costa Rica’s 850 identified bird species can be spotted within the park’s borders, including the endangered and elusive quetzal. Once on top of the lava flow, you will have a beautiful view of Arenal Lake. Finish with an optional visit to the nearby mineral hot springs (entrances are additional).
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourCosta Rica with Kids
Share an adventure with family on a luxury Costa Rica tour. Wander through diverse landscapes and take in wonderful wildlife, majestic volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Enjoy adventurous activities suitable for everyone, from lagoon boat trips to canopy walks, before finishing up with a splash of relaxation on the sun-kissed Pacific coast.
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View TourFamily Fun in Costa Rica
Explore the stunning natural diversity of Costa Rica. Sample the very best activities on this action-packed and fun-filled family adventure with an escorted tour across the jewel of Central America. Stay in jungle lodges inspired by Robinson Crusoe and go kayaking with dolphins, or try your hand at rafting, tubing and paddleboarding.
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View TourActive Costa Rica
A fantastic introduction to Costa Rica that begins with an off-the-beaten-track adventure at the wonderful Pacuare Lodge. Hike, bike or kayak onwards to immerse yourself in the beauty of the province of Alajuela and stay near the iconic Arenal Volcano, then finish up with a few days of laid-back luxury in charming Santa Teresa.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationNayara Springs
Nayara Springs is the exclusive adults only part of the hugely popular Nayara Gardens, boasting 50 exclusive private spring villas, surrounded by creeks, tropical rainforest, natural hot springs and views of Arenal, the third most active volcano on earth.
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View AccommodationNayara Tented Camp
The Nayara Tented Camp is a group of stunning luxury tents in the Arenal Volcano National Park. This is the perfect base from which to explore the central region of Costa Rica.
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View AccommodationAmor Arenal
Perched on the edge of a virgin rainforest canyon at the foot of the mighty Arenal volcano, Amor Arenal is a luxury jungle lodge set in the adventurous heart of Costa Rica’s north-western highlands.
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View AccommodationNayara Gardens
A stylish hotel surrounded by lush tropical forest with unbeatable views of one of the world's most picturesque volcanoes, Arenal. Nayara Gardens provides the perfect base from which to explore the central region of Costa Rica.
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View AccommodationOrigins Lodge
Lose yourself in the wilds of Costa Rica, a sanctuary of seclusion in the heart of the rural rainforest. Seven luxury lodges with endless views from the expansive terraces and an infinity pool suspended above the canopy.
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View AccommodationAndaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is a fantastic beach resort set on the beautiful Papagayo Peninsula in northern Costa Rica with fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding tropical forest. The Andaz is a great choice for both couples and families.
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View AccommodationEl Silencio Lodge & Spa
El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an eco-lodge set amongst lush cloud forest just over an hour from San Jose in Bajos del Toro offering beautiful suites and villas, picture-perfect panoramas, and a whole host of pampering and nature-based activities.
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View Accommodation
Pasha
Lose yourself in this stunning private paradise on the pristine shores of western Costa Rica. Encased in nine acres of lush grounds this uber luxe ten-bedroom estate if the perfect spot to soak up the sun with your favourite people.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceKayak on Arenal Lake
Gently paddle around Arenal Lake and soak in the spectacular views of the volcano, best enjoyed on a clear day. Explore the shoreline and observe a variety of birds including herons, kingfishers and flycatchers.
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View ExperienceFull Day Caño Negro Wildlife Experience By Boat, canoe or kayak
The Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve is wonderful for wildlife lovers looking to discover one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse regions. It is considered to be one of the best destinations on the continent for bird watching.
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View ExperiencePrivate Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano Hike with Tico Picnic
Soak up the atmosphere on a rainforest canopy tour across the hanging bridges of Místico Arenal scouting for bird and wildlife, before enjoying a hike across the historic lava fields of the Arenal Volcano, with the reward of a luxury riverside picnic.
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View ExperienceRio Celeste & Volcano Hike
Witness the unearthly blue colour of the Rio Celeste as you take a rainforest hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Geological oddities and the Rio Celeste waterfalls are additional fascinations.
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View ExperienceArenal Canyoning - Waterfall Rappelling
Get your adrenaline pumping with this exhilarating canyoning adventure as you rappel down waterfalls, climb through canyons and immerse yourself in the tropical surroundings; prepare to get wet!
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View ExperienceArenal Sky Tram & Sky Trek
Soar through the rainforest canopy on this thrilling zip wiring adventure in the Arenal reserve. Experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view, admiring the wildlife and spectacular scenery from above. Minimum age 8 years old.
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View ExperienceDon Tobias Horseback Riding
Enjoy a gentle three hour trail ride taking you through beautiful lush scenery and as close to Arenal Volcano as possible. The Don Tobias stables have horses to suit every riding ability.
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View ExperienceNatural History Walk in Arenal Hanging Bridges
Enjoy a fantastic natural history walk through primary tropical forest, crossing 1800 metres of canopy walkway, in the company of an expert naturalist guide. See a wonderful array of flora and fauna on the way including sloths, monkeys and exotic birds.
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View ExperienceThe Original Sloth Tour
For many, a trip to Costa Rica is not complete without a sighting of one of its best-loved mammals: the funny and curious sloth. Seek out the two different species with an expert guide who will take you to the best and lesser-known areas to spot wildlife.
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