Arenal is the reason La Fortuna exists as a destination. The volcano rises in a nearly symmetrical cone above the town, and in July 1968 it woke without warning, burying farmland and villages on its western flank. For the next four decades it rumbled and glowed, drawing travellers who came to watch lava at night, until activity faded around 2010. Today it is resting, and the land around it is protected as a national park whose trails cross cooled lava fields, secondary rainforest that has grown back over the ash, and viewpoints facing the summit and Lake Arenal. You can walk some trails alone, but a guide makes a huge difference: the wildlife here is hard to spot without trained eyes, and the eruption story is far more vivid on the spot. The Viator tour we link, run by Callidryas Tours, is a three-hour guided hike for up to fifteen people, with the guide choosing among easy to harder trails to suit the group, then snacks and fresh fruit at the end.
How it works: Callidryas Tours collects you from hotels in La Fortuna town and the San Carlos area, or you can meet at its office about four kilometres west of the La Fortuna church. Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle, park fees and taxes are included, and several departure times run through the day. Cancellation is free up to twenty-four hours before the start, and the ticket is shown on your phone.
What to expect: the walk covers a network of trails, from flat paths through forest to rougher climbs over jagged, cooled lava, with the guide adjusting the route to the group. Expect to stop often for toucans, motmots, coatis, howler monkeys and sometimes a sloth, and for views of the summit when the clouds lift. The guide explains how the 1968 eruption reshaped the land and why the forest looks younger on one side of the volcano than the other. You do not climb the cone itself, which is off limits.
Making the most of it: book a morning slot, when the summit is most often clear and the animals are active. Wear closed shoes with grip, since lava rock is sharp and trails get muddy, and bring a light rain jacket all year. The tour is not suitable for travellers with back or heart problems, pregnant travellers or wheelchair users. Pair it with an evening in the hot springs to soothe tired legs.
What to expect
The experience
A guided three-hour hike for up to fifteen people over lava fields and rainforest trails at the foot of Arenal, with hotel pickup and snacks.
Best time
Early morning, when the summit is most often free of cloud and birds and monkeys are at their most active.
How long
About three hours door to door from most La Fortuna hotels, with roughly two hours on the trails themselves.
Tips
Wear closed shoes with good grip for the sharp lava rock, and carry a light rain jacket and plenty of water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see Arenal up close and understand the eruption that shaped the whole region.
- Families
- Fine for active children who can walk a few kilometres, since the guide can pick the easier trails for the group.
- Couples
- Take an early slot, then spend the afternoon soaking in the hot springs with the volcano in view.
- Pair with
- La Fortuna Waterfall in the morning or Tabacón Hot Springs in the evening, both a short drive away.
- Time needed
- A morning or an afternoon, about three hours including transfers.
Good questions
Can you climb to the top of Arenal Volcano?+
No, the summit and upper slopes are closed to hikers for safety. Guided hikes stay on the lower trails, lava fields and viewpoints within the park and its surroundings.
Is Arenal Volcano still active?+
Arenal is considered active but has been in a resting phase since around 2010, so you will not see lava. It erupted violently in 1968 and was constantly active for decades after that.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?+
Yes, pickup is offered from hotels in La Fortuna town and the San Carlos area. You can also meet the group at the Callidryas Tours office, about four kilometres west of the La Fortuna church.
How hard is the hike?+
The guide chooses among easy to more difficult trails depending on the group, so most reasonably fit people manage well. The lava rock is uneven and sharp, so sturdy shoes matter more than fitness.
What wildlife might I see?+
Commonly spotted animals include toucans, coatis, howler monkeys and many smaller birds, with sloths a regular bonus. Sightings are never guaranteed, but guides know where animals tend to be.
