Many adventurers long to see the Volcano Arenal location with the complete desire to surrender to its incredible beauty and enjoy all its activities. A Costa Rican natural wonder that invites us to enjoy Central America!
With a height that exceeds 1,670 meters above sea level, the volcanic hill is located within the Arenal Volcano National Park. Space that also houses the well-known Cerro Chato
Learn about Volcano Arenal’s location and more
To experience a true volcanic adventure, you must dare to do more than know the Arenal volcano location. Any information we may know will be nullified by the experience this iconic place offers visitors.
The natural and geological wealth of the site invites you to enjoy trails, hot springs, sulfurous lakes, and brilliant lava flows… Likewise, enjoy the flora and fauna of the place, with particular attention to those passionate about bird watching.
Where is the Arenal volcano located?
The well-known Arenal volcano is located in the northern plains of Costa Rica, specifically in La Fortuna in the province of Alajuela. It is a small town that is a reference in many tourist guides among adventure destinations.
To a large extent, the popularity of La Fortuna is due to the colossal conical-shaped structure distinguishable from different towns in the canton of San Carlos. Those in the surroundings of Aguas Zarcas, Pocosol, La Palmera, Cutris, Florencia, and other cantons such as Guatuso, Los Chiles, and Tilarán can glimpse part of the majesty of Arenal.
History and more information about this fantastic destination
It is estimated that Arenal is more than 7,500 years old. Since its appearance, and over time, it has been known by various names. Our oldest record is from 1852 and states that the volcano was known as Los Ahogados.
Other registered names are the volcano of Costa Rica (1854) and the Río Frío (1861), Arenal Hill and Sugar Loaf (1896), and the Canastes volcano or Pelón volcano (1925). The last name by which he is known (Arenal).
It was designated this way, thanks to its giant cone appearance. The location of the Arenal volcano took the shape of a sand mound. It was shaped by the different sand types deposited at its bases after various erosions.
The volcano was considered extinct for a long time because its last recorded eruption had been during colonization. However, in 1968, the volcano erupted after a prolonged inactivity.
The explosion of rocks, lava, and ash triggered a tragedy. More than 80 people died in the destruction of the towns surrounding the hill, Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo, and San Luis. Evidence of this event can still be seen at the site.
Today, it is considered a volcano in a state of rest. However, the visit is entirely safe due to the constant scientific surveillance carried out in the place. So, any prediction about whether the volcano will cause erosion will be reported in advance.
You can do all this during your visit to Volcano Arenal location
Discover the location of the Arsenal volcano to enjoy a volcanic ecosystem rich in natural benefits up close! You can enjoy communication, health services, and drinking water within a national park’s limits.
Hiking
An actual visit to the Arsenal volcano will allow you to enjoy the activities that can also be done in its surroundings. Among them, we find hiking, which is widely practiced in this city, entire parks, forests, and enormous nature reserves.
Gentle mountain trails await you so you can enjoy a walk outdoors. Walk over suspension bridges and enjoy the wonder of admiring the landscape around you. You can visit the old lava trail formed in 1992 if you dare.
Hot springs and waterfalls
Enjoy the benefits of tempered water produced by the hot magma flowing underground. Mineral-enriched waters have healing properties for many conditions. Plus, they’re great for relaxing.
Adventure sports
Dare to suspend yourself and slide through the air while enjoying an aerial view of the volcano and space in general. Canopy is one of the most popular activities among those who visit Arenal.
Rafting can be the best alternative for all those who prefer water sports. Experience the force of the current of the rivers near the volcanic mountain.
If you visit Lake Arenal, you can relax by practicing kayaking. Or if you prefer, you can enjoy lake excursions. During the walk, you can admire the extensive hydroelectric project, one of the most ambitious in Costa Rica.
Accommodation, gastronomy, and more
The hotel offers in Arenal are pretty broad, and you can enjoy Costa Rican cuisine in the lap of the volcano. It is an experience that you will never forget.
How to get to the Arenal volcano?
Now that you know where the Arenal volcano is, it is time to pack your luggage and head to this incredible destination. The first thing you should know is that the volcano is located about 80 km northwest of the canton of San José.
Knowing this, the easiest way to get to the place is by vehicle. Those who arrive driving on their own to La Fortuna from San José take between 3 and 4 hours.
Those who take the bus can leave on one of the direct trips. Another option is to take several buses on the route connected by the Ciudad Quesada, San José-Arenal, Liberia-Arenal, or Tamarindo-Arenal routes.
Take advantage of the opportunity to discover one of Central America’s most impressive natural wonders! Would you like to know about other fantastic destinations? Please browse through our portal and enter millions of adventures.