Hotel Campo Verde, Arenal Volcano - Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park is found within the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area located in north-western region of Costa Rica. Inside the park are the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, the Lake Arenal Dam, and another volcano called Cerro Chato or Mount Chato as it has already been inactive for 3500 years. Unlike Cerro Chato, the Arenal Volcano used to be dormant until it had a major eruption in 1968. Since then, there has been constant volcanic activity in the area specifically in the volcano’s Crater C. There is presently lava flow of andesite basaltic compostion, gas emissions, and explosions of pyroclastic materials.

Arenal Volcano Views

Arenal Volcano at night

Arenal Volcano at night

  • If you plan on hiking in Costa Rica, a visit to Arenal National Park is an absolute must to experience the breathtaking beauty of Central America's natural landscape. The park is home to the spectacular Arenal Volcano, one of the top ten most active in the world. This colossal landmark, set in the depth of a lush tropical rainforest, will leave you in a sense of awe as you bear witness to its perpetual stream of rising smoke and the flow of the crimson lava creeping from the precipice. Listen carefully and you will even hear the deep earth-shaking rumblings of this prehistoric titan. Many view-points tout their views of the volcano, and if you can spare the time while hiking in Costa Rica then an overnight stay is highly recommended. As night falls, the scene becomes ever more dramatic, with the luminescent lava flow creating a spectacular image against the dark skies.

Smokes of Arenal Volcano

Smokes of Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano smokes almost daily, and it comes with small tremors.

  • While you cannot scale the volcano itself, there are many tours offering you the chance to hike around the base and view this spectacular landmark from every perspective. After a day of hiking in Costa Rica there is nothing better than unwinding at the famous hot spirngs. Set in acres of primary rainforest, the hot springs offers weary hikers the chance to revitalise in a series of lagoons, each enjoying a constant supply of natural and steamy-hot volcanic water. If action is more your kind of thing, why not try your hand at white-water rafting, horseback riding, caving or even the exhilarating canopy zip-lines. With so many activities in an around the Arenal area, you should be sure to make this a priority stop while hiking in Costa Rica.

Arenal Volcano from Hotel Campo Verde

Arenal Volcano from Hotel Campo Verde

As we are just at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, the smokes are frequently part of our living here.

  • Visit the Arenal Volcano National Park, located just 10 minutes from the hotel.  Maps are available at the front desk of the hotel.  In the park visitors can appreciate the variety of flora and fauna protected there while enjoying an about two hour walk. There is an observation point located 1 km from the entrance, which you can arrive at by car. From there, there are paths: 1. The Heliconia Trail with an area of 1 km, 2. Las Coladas Trail of 2 km or 3. The Ceibo Trail with an area of 1.8 km.  

    The park entrance is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, though you can stay in the park until 5:30pm. 

    Entrance fees are: Costa Rican Nationals, Residents, Central Americans, and all students with valid ID: ¢1.000, Children 6 to12 - Costa Rican or residents: ¢400,  Tourists: $10, Children 6 to 12 – Tourists: $ 1