The Arenal Volcano is actually part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, established in 1991. This volcano feeds lake Arenal and is a center of natural energy projects in the region. When it exploded in 1968 after lying dormant for 400 years and destroyed three villages at its base, communities have since kept a safe distance from the Arenal Volcano Costa Rica. Since then three active craters continually spew hot ash, steam and lava in to the air. Although its eruption caused losses, it have given this area a new lease on life, becoming a main source of revenue for the area, which has always been dependent on agriculture as a means of living.

The Arenal Volcano is definitely the centerpiece of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park. It isn’t the only thing that the park boasts, however. There is also the smaller Chato Volcano, and there is a hiking trail that leads to its water-filled crater. Other wonderful hiking trails await at the park, as do waterfalls and hot springs, and there are opportunities to enjoy such activities as rappelling and zip lining through the forest canopy. Arenal tours are easy to arrange, and they can help park visitors make the most of their time.

The Arenal National Park hotels come largely in the form of lodges and resorts. The majority offer splendid views of the Arenal Volcano, and chances are good that guests will have a swimming pool and maybe even some hot springs at their immediate disposal. It is also common for the Arenal hotels to feature restaurants, and guests can often book fun tours without leaving the grounds. The town of La Fortuna is the main Arenal National Park gateway, and it offers plenty for the traveler to take advantage of , including some of the area’s best low cost accommodations.

Costa Rica Map

There is definitely plenty to do in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, and visitors to the general area should have little trouble finding lodging to suit their needs. As for finding the park itself, it is situated approximately 90 miles northwest of San Jose. The Arenal National Park map shows that Lake Arenal unfolds to the immediate west, while the town of La Fortuna is found to the near east.