Arenal Viewpoints, Trails and Hanging Bridges
Know the rules first
Visitors come to La Fortuna to see Arenal, and the first thing to know is where you may stand. The cone and an area of about 4 km around the crater have been closed to the public since 1998, and only scientists and park staff may enter. Anyone who leads people inside can face criminal charges. Every legal view is therefore from the base, inside the national park or one of the private reserves. The volcano has been dormant since late 2010, so there is no glow at night.
Which view should you choose?
| If you want | Go to | Rough price |
|---|---|---|
| A short trail over hardened lava | Arenal Volcano National Park | about $15 |
| A longer walk across the 1968 lava | Arenal 1968 | about $25 |
| A tower above the trees | Arenal Observatory Lodge | about $20 to $22 |
| Canopy bridges | Mistico Arenal | from $32 plus tax |
| A waterfall | La Fortuna Waterfall | about $20 |
Arenal Volcano National Park
Open about 8am to 4pm with last entry around 3pm, the park charges about $15 for foreign adults and about $5 for children. It is split into the Volcan sector, home of the Las Coladas trail of about 1.8 km, and the Peninsula sector, which has a tower over Lake Arenal. Book online in advance where the park allows, and carry a card as well as cash.
Arenal 1968
The 1968 eruption buried Pueblo Nuevo and Tabacon, killing at least 78 people, so the black fields here deserve a respectful visit. The reserve is private, with trails totalling about 7 km, a separate ticket of about $25 for adults and opening hours from about 8am to 5pm. Last entry is about 4pm.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Pay about $20 to $22 for an entrance pass, or $40 for a day pass with lunch. The lodge maintains 11 km of trails, including 800 m suitable for wheelchairs, and The Nest tower of about 28 m looks across the forest to the cone and the lake.
Mistico Arenal
The 3.2 km path links 16 bridges, six hanging and up to 45 m above the forest floor. Hours are 6am to 3:50pm. A self-guided ticket starts at $32 plus tax and a guided one at $44. Shoes must be closed-toe with a good grip.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Count on about 500 steps each way. Foreign adults pay about $20. Opening hours run from morning to mid-afternoon, so check the official page. The pool at the base is the only place to swim.
If you only have one day
Pair a morning at the national park with an afternoon at the waterfall, and keep the tower or the bridges for another day.
Practical tips
- Keep valuables with you, since car break-ins are the usual crime.
- Confirm prices and hours before you travel.
Read more: Day trips from La Fortuna and Walking tours in La Fortuna .
Venue sites: Arenal 1968 and Mistico Park .
Guided sightseeing can be found on GetYourGuide .