Authorized trails in and around Arenal Volcano National Park cross forest and landscapes shaped by past eruptions. The volcano is active but has not produced the nightly lava displays described in older guidebooks, and access to the volcanic cones is prohibited. Pair a daytime trail with a separate guided night walk if wildlife is a priority.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Arenal’s current appeal is the scale of the volcano, forest ecology, and evidence of earlier eruptions—not a promise of visible lava. SINAC manages the national park and prohibits climbing the Arenal and Chato cones. Use authorized trails, check current park conditions and hours, and consider a naturalist guide for context. Night walks take place on separate private reserves and can reveal frogs, insects, sleeping birds, and other nocturnal species, but sightings are never guaranteed.
What Stands Out
- Lava field trails from 1968 eruption — most dramatic hiking in Costa Rica
- Steam and fumarole activity visible on upper slopes
- Night tour ($35–50, departs 8pm): best way to see nocturnal species
- Park entrance $19 · dry season (Dec–April) offers best volcano visibility