• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-705351245857
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "costa-rica/parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "destination": "Parque-Nacional-Volcán-Arenal",
  "title": "parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "Central-America",
  "country": "Costa-Rica",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Arenal and Bananas

Getty Images/Flickr Open

Overview

For most of modern history, Volcán Arenal was just another dormant volcano surrounded by fertile farmland. But for about 42 years – from its destructive explosion in 1968 until its sudden subsiding in 2010 – the volcano was an ever-active and awe-striking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of glowing molten rock almost daily.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

Get unlimited data while you travel with Holafly eSIM. Peace of mind and no hidden fees wherever you go.

LEARN MORE

Take your Costa Rica trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Wild Whitewater and Rugged Rainforests: Adventurous Costa Rica

8 days / 7 nights

highlights

  1. 1Whitewater rafting down the rushing Pacuare River on an exciting and exhilarating guided tour
  2. 2Searching for elusive and colorful quetzal birds during a San Gerardo de Dota birdwatching hike
  3. 3Visiting the archaeological ruins of Guayabo National Park to uncover the secrets of the past
from $3,845

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • Daring Adventures and Cultural Gems: Costa Rica's Rainforests, Volcanoes, and Coastal Oases
    Costa Rica

    12 days / 11 nights

    Daring Adventures and Cultural Gems: Costa Rica's Rainforests, Volcanoes, and Coastal Oases

    FROM $3,914

    per person

    See Trip Details

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-591862398584
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "costa-rica/parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "destination": "Parque-Nacional-Volcán-Arenal",
  "title": "parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "Central-America",
  "country": "Costa-Rica",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-495189233597
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "costa-rica/parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "destination": "Parque-Nacional-Volcán-Arenal",
  "title": "parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "Central-America",
  "country": "Costa-Rica",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-673722657014
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "costa-rica/parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "destination": "Parque-Nacional-Volcán-Arenal",
  "title": "parque-nacional-volcan-arenal",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "Central-America",
  "country": "Costa-Rica",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}