Experience one of the most active volcanos in the world

VOLCANO ARENAL NATIONAL PARK

The Arenal National Park is considered an aquifer recharge area whose waters drain into the Arenal Reservoir for use in the production of hydropower and agricultural irrigation projects of the District of Moracia.

Its main attraction is the Arenal Volcano whose explosions from 1968 formed three new and active craters. From this time, the Arenal Volcano has maintained nearly constant activity that ranges from quiet explosions of ash clouds with large mushrooms over the Volcano, booming explosions throwing hot rocks almost one kilometer into the air and explosions of lava and pyroclastic gases. At its peak, the Arenal Volcano reaches a height of about 1633 meters, although the exact height changes depending on the volcanic activity. 

Currently Arenal’s activity remains constant, without posing any danger to visitors, giving them the opportunity to appreciate the amazing scenic surroundings.

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

We invite you to obtain more information about the National Parks and protected areas of  Costa Rica in the green area of our hotel reception. You can also visit the website of the National System of Conservation Areas; www.sinac.go.cr.

On the morning of July 29, 1968, after 10 hours of intense seismic activity, Arenal erupted explosively and continued to erupt over a period of three days, killing 78 people and devastating 12 square kilometres. The activity started with a lethal lateral blast that levelled the densely forested western flank and destroyed the village of Pueblo Nuevo, 6 km west of the summit. The initial blast was followed by Plinian eruption columns, pyroclastic flows, and ballistically ejected blocks and bombs. Three new craters (A, B, C) were formed during this time, with an approximately east-west orientation on the western flank of the volcano. The largest, crater C (1100 m), was the source of all the major explosions. These events were followed by three days of relative calm consisting of minor ash and fumarolic activity. A fumarolic phase began August 10 and continued to September 14. Activity was noted at all of the craters, with the most intense activity at crater C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On May 5, 1998 around 1:09 p.m, several pyroclastic flows descended from crater C down the northwest flank.  This activity kept on up to 7:00 p.m.  A total of 23 flows were produced with distances averaging 1.5 km.  Picture: Periódico Al Día.