Arenal Volcano National Park

National park Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica

What to expect

Arenal Volcano National Park is a popular destination in Costa Rica, located near the city of Fortuna. The park offers several trails, including Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes, and Los Miradores, which allow visitors to observe the park's flora and fauna, as well as the remains of lava tracts. The park covers an area of 12,124 hectares and provides visitor services such as information, a park ranger station, trails, communication means, restrooms, and drinking water. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and hot springs in the park. It's a great place for families to explore and learn about nature, with well-maintained trails and facilities. However, there are some rules to follow, such as not climbing the volcanic cone, not bringing pets, and not smoking within the park limits

Plan your family visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park with these blog insights 👇

COSTA RICA with family Costa Rica with children

This family's experience:

Activities: We walked in the tropical forest on suspension bridges. We were under the canopy, a few meters from the ground, in lush vegetation. We also did a night walk where the guide helped us spot fauna. We saw sloths, frogs, snakes, and spiders

Highlights: The walk on the suspension bridges was magnificent. The night walk allowed us to discover the fauna that is very active at these times of the day. It was a great experience for our kids ✨

Complete Guide to La Fortuna with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Arenal Volcano National Park, where we hiked the Coladas Trail

Highlights: It was a beautiful place to get in some easy hiking ✨

Easy to Follow Costa Rica Family Itinerary (7, 10, 14 days)

This family's experience:

Activities: Capture some beautiful perspectives of both Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal with the trails at Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal Volcano has been flowing lava since 1968. Inside the National Park, I recommend the Sendero Coladas, (“Lava Flow Trail”). The hike is only about 1.5 miles and takes you through bamboo, trees, and of course lava

Highlights: Capture some beautiful perspectives of both Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal with the trails at Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal Volcano has been flowing lava since 1968. Inside the National Park, I recommend the Sendero Coladas, (“Lava Flow Trail”) ✨

Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked the Lava Flow Trail, or Las Coladas, and enjoyed the views from the top

Highlights: The kids enjoyed hiking and being able to climb up real, hardened lava ✨

La Fortuna vs Manuel Antonio - Which Family Destination?

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked through the hardened lava trails in Arenal Volcano National Park

Highlights: We loved the volcano hike and the wildlife sanctuary ✨

10 Things to Do Near Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Costa Rica

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked the national park and saw the hardened lava flows, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the slopes of the volcano

Highlights: We enjoyed the scenic views and the opportunity to explore the park ✨