Arenal Volcano National Park
This national park was created in 1991, and it has a total length of 12 124 hectares distributed along the Arenal region in the northwest part of Costa Rica. It is covered with a varied layer of nature brought to life thanks to the geological and geomorphological complexity of the area, resulting in four different life zones: Very Humid Tropical Forest, Montane Rainforest, Low Montane Rainforest, Very Wet Premontane Forest.
These conditions create an environment ideal for several species of flora and fauna. A variety of snakes, birds like hummingbirds, the fantastic Resplendent Quetzal, and over a hundred of mammal species like Jaguars, Capuchin and Howler Monkeys, deers, and Coatimundis, are some of the inhabitants.
There are two areas to explore in this park. The first is the "Las Coladas" sector, which includes the main entrance of the park and trails through recovery, secondary, and primary forest, lookouts to the volcano and Arenal Lake, and the solidified lava from the mentioned explosion. The other sector of the park is called the "Peninsula," which includes surrounding areas of the Arenal Lake as well. It is the newest sector of the park, and the trails cover primary forest, an observation tower, and a viewpoint at the lake's shore.
The major tourist attractions that constitute this Park are:
Cerro Chato
An ancient volcano that has been inactive for 3 500 years, which hosts an enormous lagoon in its crater. The Park authorities prohibited access in 2017 due to the lack of proper infrastructure to reach the place and control the entrance. Currently, the trails eroded due to the rains and have become dangerous to transit.
Arenal Volcano
The giant who woke up in 1968; the year when unexpectedly exploded changing Arenal forever. This majestic volcano can be explored by different trails within the national park.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Although it's access is in a different place, closer to La Fortuna, its located within the National Park area. It offers a descending trail to the waterfall canyon, an orchid garden, a restaurant and restrooms with showers.
