Top 6 Hiking Trails in Arenal Volcano National Park

See for yourself how diverse the hiking trails in Arenal Volcano National Park are.

2 min readJan 24, 2018By Madigan Talmage-Bowers

A horse grazes with Arenal Volcano in the distance in Costa Rica

Hi, I'm Madigan!

Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.

One of Costa Rica’s top hiking destinations, Arenal Volcano National Park offers a range of hiking trails that wind through wildlife-rich rainforest and old lava flows, all anchored by one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Here are your options for trails in and around the park.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

1. Los Heliconias

A woman on a suspension bridge points into the rainforest on Los Heliconias trail in Arenal.

Hikers walk the Los Heliconias trail.Photo Credit: Costa Rica Unique Transfers and Tours / Tripadvisor

0.6 miles (1 kilometers)

The most popular of four marked trails within Arenal Volcano National Park, this short hike starts at the ranger station and leads to a lookout with spectacular views over the volcano, Lake Arenal, and lava flows from former eruptions. At under a mile, it’s an easy and quick option for kids and those with limited time or mobility.

2. Las Coladas

A paved path on the Las Coladas trail, and a view of Arenal.

A view of the volcano along the Las Coladas trail.Photo Credit: YaFi / Tripadvisor

1.24 miles (2 kilometers)

Mostly flat and easy to navigate, this trail wraps around the base of Arenal Volcano and offers views of the southernmost lava fields—rocky remnants of the volcano’s last major eruption in 1992. Always use caution when crossing the lava beds, as the boulders can be slippery and sharp.

3. Los Tucanes

Bathers enjoy a big waterfall at Los Tucanes in Arenal.

Bathers enjoy a waterfall along Los Tucanes.Photo Credit: Los Tucanes / Tripadvisor

1.86 miles (3 kilometers)

Picking up where the Las Coladas Trail ends, this scenic trek winds through secondary rainforest and additional lava beds. Along the way keep an eye out some of the hundreds of bird species found in the park, including the endangered and elusive quetzal.

4. Los Miradores

Two kayakers enjoy the water at Los Miradores while looking out at Arenal.

Kayakers look out at the volcano.Photo Credit: Carmela Soto / Shutterstock

.75 miles (1.2 kilometers)

Starting at park headquarters, this leafy route takes you through the rain forest to the shores of Lake Arenal.

5. Cerro Chato

A misty day on the green Cerro Chato in Costa Rica.

A misty day along Cerro Chato trail.Photo Credit: pbat / Tripadvisor

The lesser-known (and dormant) cone of Cerro Chato has two hiking trails that begin near the famous La Fortuna Waterfall, about two miles (3.2 kilometers) southeast of Arenal Volcano. More difficult, these trails are best suited for experienced hikers, but the view of an emerald green lagoon that fills the collapsed crater is well worth the extra effort.

6. Arenal Observatory Lodge

The volcano as seen from Arenal Observatory Lodge on a still day.

The views from Arenal Observatory Lodge.Photo Credit: Arenal Observatory Lodge / Tripadvisor

Anyone can pay about $15 for a day pass to access the trails at this private lodge, which include the strenuous Lava Trail and the Laguna Volcán Chato, leading to the Cerro Chato crater lake.