Arenal 1968 Lava Trails
Trail · Arenal & La Fortuna
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A private reserve right on the 1968 lava flow, with trails climbing to a lookout that takes in the volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other.
- Cost
- about $25
- Time there
- 2.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 9 / 10
- Crowds
- 5 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 5 / 10
- Location
- 10.46631, -84.73659 — Google Maps
Tip
It stays open later than the national park next door (last entry around 4 p.m.), handy if you missed the park's cutoff.
Be careful
The lava fields are exposed and hot: bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.
Places nearby
- Mirador El SilencioParks & WildlifePrivate reserve 1 km east of Tabacón on Route 142 with a long forest-and-lava hike, a green lagoon and open views of Arenal Volcano; booking ahead is recommended.
- Arenal Observatory Lodge & TrailsDay Passes & Hot Springs · takes 3 h–4 h · from $10The only lodge inside Arenal Volcano National Park, with a 350-hectare private reserve that day visitors can explore on 11 km of jungle trails.
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges ParkParks & Wildlife · from $1Mistico is a family-owned private reserve of mature rainforest on the Lake Arenal road, 25–30 minutes west of La Fortuna, and the busiest hanging-bridges park around Arenal.
- Sky Adventures ArenalTours & Adventure · from $46Family-run park at El Castillo on Lake Arenal with ziplines, hanging bridges and an aerial tram overlooking the volcano.
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & SpaDay Passes & Hot SpringsHot springs resort at the foot of Arenal Volcano, built around a natural thermal river with waterfalls and pools.
- Restaurante El Patio al CarbónFood & CoffeeCharcoal-grill restaurant in El Castillo, busy with locals' cars out front and the smell of grilled meat in the air.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/4489208291 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4489208291 · https://twoweeksincostarica.com/arenal-1968-trail · https://mytanfeet.com/activities/hiking-arenal-1968/