Parque Nacional Vulcão Arenal (Espanhol:Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal) é uma área protegida da Costa Rica.Localizado na parte central do país, ele é parte da Área de Conservação Arenal-Tempisque. O parque abriga o Vulcão Arenal, o mais ativo do país, que se acreditava estar dormente até uma grande erupção em 1968. É vizinho ao Lago Arenal, que possui o maior projeto hidroelétrico do país.
O parque também contempla um segundo vulcão, o Chato, cuja cratera possui uma lagoa. É também chamado de Cerro Chato e está inativo por pelo menos 3500 anos - coincidentemente desde a criação e crescimento do Vulcão Arenal. O parque ainda possui acomodações como o Alojamento do Observatório Arenal e também o Museu do Vulcanismo, assim como uma estação de guarda florestal.
O parque foi criado em 1991 e se estende por 2,040 km² dentro da Área de Conservação Arenal-Tempisque, protegendo 8 das 12 zonas de vida e 16 rservas protegidas entre as cordilheiras de Guanacaste e Tilarán, além do Lago Arenal. O parque é mais acessado pela La Fortuna, mas também é facilmente acessado via Tilarán e o norte da baía do Lago Arenal.
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It is recommended to arrive at the place with a 4x4 vehicle. The reserve allows you to walk in several types of terrain, in the dense and moist forest, in the area of basalt stones with a view of the volcano, and in a neat path that leads to a view of Lake Arenal. Along the trails you will encounter a wide variety of birds, insects and reptiles and you will feel part of nature. It is recommended to take the long route.
Not like going to Yosemite or anything, so don’t expect refined services, lodging, shops, etc. The entry fee was approx USD 15 per adult and USD 5 per child. So my family was a little costly at $40 just for some simple hiking trails. We did the Heliconias trail, which continued as the Coladas trail to the base of the 1992 lava flow. We had good weather and nice views. It was an easy trail for kids, even young kids as young as 5. We didn’t see much wildlife beyond butterflies and lizards. Trail was decently maintained with mostly gravel track. Only a few places where it was muddy.
Beautiful nature! We were there during the week and only a few hikers were there with us. Note: the 15 $ entrance fee will also allow you to visit the peninsula in the lake Arenal. The 400 years old tree which you will find after walking for approximately 3.5 km was especially impressive.
A must see place whilst visiting Costa Rica just a 3-4 hour drove from Tamarindo and 3 1/2 hours from San José. The local food in La Fortuna us both delicious and fairly affordable. The souvenirs shops were a bit too over price but you can find local selling them on the side of the road and small markets for 4x cheaper the the shops. There’s loads of activities to do both recreational and interactive. Perfect for families, couples and friends looks for some adventure in the jungle or the volcano.
If you are lucky enough to see the peak it is majestic. Highly recommend making the hike
Beautiful rainforest, clouds, lava flow and hiking. I just love the hot springs so beautiful. I would love to go back and see Mountain Arenal again. I just love visiting Costa Rica.
A little pricey for foreigners and unlike in the past the price for foreigners wasn't posted. Very SUS.