Arenal Volcano National Park

By The Mantled HowlerActivities, Costa Rica, Nature, Travel, Treks

Our next adventure takes us to Arenal Volcano National Park. The national park is near the town of La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s northwest and is home to the majestic and still active Arenal volcano.

The Drive

The four and one half hour drive from Cahuita, on the Caribbean coast, is highly enjoyable. Make sure to stop and support local vendors. They offer fresh fruit and delicious frozen “Ron Con Pasas”, perfect for your drive.

When in season, do not resist the urge to get a few bags of morning picked “Mamon Chino” better known as Rambutan from a friendly road side vendor.

The main roads are in great condition and the drive sprinkled with beautiful scenery, making for a memorable drive.

Where else but in Costa Rica will you drive by a truck filled with ripe pineapples?

After a few hours’ drive, your first glance of Arenal volcano, in the distance, will be nothing short of magical.

As we were approaching, we were lucky enough to see the volcano exempt from clouds.

Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited destinations in Costa Rica.

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Sendero Colada

As you begin your hike on Sendero Colada, towering grasses line the path.  Venturing deeper on the trail, the vegetation gradually transitions into dense jungle.

The path will lead you to walk on to the Colada de Lava, or lava flow, remnants of the 1992 eruption.

A little bit further on the trail, after a short climb, is the Mirador Colada, or “Lava Flow Viewpoint”.  If weather conditions are favorable, a breathtaking view of the volcano awaits you.  During our visit, we waited over 60 minutes hoping for the clouds and rain to subside, to no avail.

Sendero Ceibo

Not letting the rain dissuade us, we continued on, exploring the 3 kilometer Sendero Ceibo, or Ceibo trail. We were soon rewarded for our choice.

As the rains progressively intensify, we continue on, eventually arriving at the foot of a lone majestic 30 meter tree in the middle of the dense forest.

As the sun fought for dominance over the rains, we arrive at the end of the trail.

Peninsula Section

A short 2 kilometer drive is then necessary to get to the entrance of the “Peninsula” section of the park.

Making your way on the Miradores trail, you will soon be offered your first breathtaking view of Arenal lake.

As if to celebrate the sun’s victory over the rain, the forest’s inhabitants played their delightful melodies as we approached the second viewpoint of the lake.

Nearby, a 12 meter observation tower invites you to an incredible viewpoint of the lake and volcano above the canopy.

Nearing the lake, one can’t help but notice the “crocodile” warning sign.

Arriving at the lakeshore platform, we were again greeted by clouds and rain, severely impeding our view of the volcano. The view was impressive nonetheless.

We will just have to come back another day in the hopes of obtaining a cloudless view.

The Experience

Walking in the rainforest is truly enjoyable, more so when enhanced by the tranquil sounds of nature.

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