If you want to hike near Arenal Volcano, but prefer more challenging trails than those in the national park, then head to Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal (Arenal Volcano Ecological Park)
Along the main road from La Fortuna to Arenal Volcano National Park is a private reserve with hiking trails that also lead to viewpoints of the volcano.
It’s called Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal (Arenal Volcano Ecological Park) and, in my opinion, the trails here are better than those within the national park. Not only are they more challenging, but they also bring you closer to the volcano.
While I recommend going to both the national park and Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal, if I had to choose 1, it would be the latter.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal including the key information to know for your visit.
How to get to Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal
The private reserve is located right alongside Ruta Nacional 142 — the main road leading out of La Fortuna — roughly 11 km northwest of the town.
The easiest way to get here is with your own car and there is parking outside the main entrance. A taxi is the next best option and will cost around 6,000 CRC ($12 US). Uber operates in La Fortuna and is usually a bit cheaper than taking a regular taxi.
The only way to get here with public transport is by catching a bus to Tilaran and asking the driver to drop you at Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal. However, there are only 3 buses per day between La Fortuna and Tilaran.
If taking the bus, then make sure to ask when buses coming from Tilaran pass by the ecological park so you can get back to La Fortuna. The bus shouldn’t cost much more than 500 CRC ($1 US) each way.
Entry fees for Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal
Foreign adults wanting to self-guide in the reserve pay 8,500 CRC ($17 US). This only includes access to the hiking trails and not any of the other activities.
While this is the same price you pay to enter the national park, it doesn’t get you entrance there as well. When you consider that Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal has significantly fewer hiking trails, the entrance fee seems pricey. However, I thought the trials here were more fun.
At Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal you’re able to get closer to the volcano giving you a much better sense of its true size than you get while hiking in the national park.
Trails in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal
There are 4 interconnected trails forming a big loop which brings you to a viewpoint of the volcano. The viewpoint is a mound of volcanic rock which spewed out of the volcano as lava in 2010.
Sendero Coladas de Lava 1535 (Lava Flow 1535 Trail)
This is the hardest trail and it begins just after the main entrance. The route is the remnants of lava flows from the eruption estimated to have happened around 1535. You follow the rocky trail making your way through thick jungle filled with the sounds of birds and insects.
Lava 1535 is the hardest trail. There are steep sections, uneven underfoot and fragile pumice which can break as you walk over it. If you fancy an easier route, then you can take the Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail) which also starts at the main entrance. However, I think that Lava Flow 1535 is the best trail in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal.
Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail)
This is the easiest route in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal and can take you all the way to the viewpoint. It’s really a gentle stroll along a flat path through the forest. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths hanging out in the treetops.
Sendero Caballo (Horse Trail)
The Horse trail is self-explanatory. I wouldn’t recommend taking this route to avoid running into horses but also because it’s just not that fun.
Sendero Saino (Saino Trail)
I recommend taking the Saino Trail instead of the Sloth Trail when you come to the end of Lava Flow 1535. Saino Trial is the more challenging and interesting of the 2 options as you pass by a nice lake with views of the volcano peak and tackle steeper sections in the forest.
The Saino Trail eventually connects with the last section of the Sloth Trail which leads you to the viewpoint. On the way back from the viewpoint you can mix it up by choosing the Sloth Trail. This way you cover all of the routes in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal.
Other things to do in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal
The main attraction to the ecological park are the hiking trails. However, among other activities you can also ride horses and quad bikes, swim in the lake and zipline. Different activities have different prices and you can check these on the Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal website.
Tips for visiting Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal
I’d bring something to eat along with plenty of water. Although the hiking trails are short and not too challenging, you’re still going to work up a sweat. Remember your shades and sunscreen too. At the volcano viewpoint there’s no tree coverage and the sun in La Fortuna is bright, especially during the dry season.
More Costa Rica travel guides on A World Over
Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal is a great alternative hiking spot to the national park. The trails are more exciting and the viewpoint of the volcano is better. However, if you’ve got the time, I do recommend going to both areas.
There are plenty of adventurous things to do in La Fortuna and in my complete guide I cover the best activities. Make sure to check that out as it’s packed with information for planning your visit.
I’ve listed all of my other La Fortuna guides below and here’s a link to the Costa Rica section of the blog for all my articles on this amazing country.