Arenal Volcano National Park
Established in 1994, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the largest parks in Costa Rica, encompassing some 7,212 acres. This is the most popular national park in Costa Rica as visitors come from all over the world not only to view the magnificent volcano, but also to enjoy the many hot springs and adventures of the area.
Since 1968, Arenal Volcano regularly erupted until it suddenly stopped in November of 2010. Scientists are not sure what caused this, but have given warning that it can start erupting again at any given time as the lava chamber is still quite active just under the surface. Whether the lava is flowing or not, the volcano still provides an iconic and unforgettable backdrop to the amazing hot springs and adventures this area is famous for.
Aside from the captivating Arenal volcano, this national park houses a second volcano as well - Cerro Chato. This volcano has been inactive for about 3,500 years - about the same time as the creation of Arenal. Hiking the volcano is a popular activity amongst visitors. The hike is fairly strenuous, lasting a total of about two hours to the summit. You will be glad you persevered when you arrive at an aquamarine lake at the peak, which is the old crater of the volcano.
At the base of Arenal Volcano is Lake Arenal, a favorite fishing spot, with several species of game fish. This lake was created in the 1970s by ICE, which is the state run electric and Telecommunications Company, with the primary purpose of generating power with the manmade dam.
Wildlife is all around Arenal Volcano National Park as it is composed of primary and secondary tropical rain forest. Common sightings include howler monkeys, sloths, coatimundi, toucans, and hummingbirds.
The Arenal Volcano area is considered by many to be the Adventure Capital of Central America. A handful of the more popular activities include; whitewater rafting, birdwatching, hiking, rappelling, zip lining, horseback riding, or a dip in the hot springs to name just a few options.
Arenal Volcano National Park is located 80 miles north of San Jose and near the village of La Fortuna. Park hours are 8am - 4pm Tuesday through Sunday and visitors should expect a 10USD park entrance fee. It is highly recommended to go with a guide for safety and all around experience as the wildlife is camouflaged.
The Northern Zone is an area of fairly unpredicatble weather where one can wake to sunny skies, weather torential down pours by 10am and then have sunny skies again by noon. Temperatures usually hovering in the upper 70s during the day and lower 60s at night. The rain season here runs from May through June and September through November. The heaviest rains are generally during September and October. Worth mentiong is the fact that despite the rains, September and October are usually the best months of the year for volcano observation. Though clearly not scientific, locals attribute this to the heavy rains knocking down the cloud cover around the volcano.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt.
Fun Fact: There have been two small airplane wrecks on Arenal Volcano, the second of which still remains where it crashed.
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