Volcan Arenal . National Park - Nationaal park Volcán Arenal

Volcan Arenal . National Park is located in the west of the province of Alajuela by Costa Rica.

Info

History

The park was established on September 30, 1991 and expanded in 1992 and 1994. National park status is important in preserving the water supply for nearby Arenal Lake and surrounding residential areas. The scenic beauty of the volcanic activities contributes greatly to the regional development of economic-tourism activities and is therefore of great national importance.

Landscape

The park covers an area of ​​12,080 ha and is located between the foothills of Cordillera de Tilarán and the plains of San Carlos. The altitude varies between 400 and 1755 meters, of which the constantly active volcano Arenal is the beautiful center. The summit of the majestic volcano is just 17 km northwest of the town of La Fortuna. Although not part of the national park, Lake Arenal is considered an integral part of the protected area.
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Volcán Arenal National Park is the imposing volcanic massif. The landscape can be characterized as follows:

• Arenal Volcano
• Volcanic Activities
• lava flows
• Secondary tropical forest
• Rivers and streams (warm water, etc.)
• Fortuna Waterfall
• Cerro Chato and the lagoon
• Wild animals
• birds
• scenic beauty

Flora and fauna

The variety of climatic conditions, in conjunction with soil conditions and elevation, has contributed to the diversity of the height vegetation and plant communities whose bromeliad (Pitcairmia Funkiae) is endemic. Some common types of flora include: Cecropia, Solanum torvum, kapok, Cirri, figs, yellow bark, guabillas, aguacatillos and various types of palms, heliconias, orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.
The park includes the following mammals: Coati (Nasua narica), paca (Agouti paca), mountain goat (mazama americana), anteater (tamandua mexicana), gray fox (Uroscyon cinereoargenteus), peccary (tayassu tajacu), tayra (Eira barbara), howler monkey (Alouette palliata), white-faced monkey (Cebus capucinus), spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), ocelot (Leophardus pardalis), cougar (Puma concolor) and tapir (Tapirus Bairdii).
Among the birds we distinguish: trogons (Trogonidae), three-wattled bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata), umbrella bird (Cephalopterus glabricollis), Peacock (Crax rubra), magpies, toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and others.

climate

Month	Jan	Feb	mrt	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Highest Temperature (C)	24	25	27	27	27	26	25	26	26	25	25	24
Lowest Temperature (C)	15	15	16	17	17	17	17	17	17	16	16	15
Rainfall (mm)	15	5	20	44	216	228	199	228	288	283	137	38
sun (hours)	9	9	9	8	5	4	4	5	5	5	5	7

Arrive

Bus

The town of La Fortuna can be reached by bus as follows:
From San Jose: every day from Terminal Atlántico Norte departures at 6:15, 8:40, 11:30. Return at 12:45 and 14:45. Distance 130km, duration 5 hours, price $3.76
From Ciudad Qeusada: every day from'Parada Municipal departures at 6:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM. Return at 5:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:15 PM and 3:30 PM. Distance 40 km, duration 1 hour, price $0.90.
From Tilarán: Departures every day at 7:00 AM, 12:30 PM. Return at 8:30 AM, 5:30 PM. Distance 101 km, duration 4 hours, price $2.

Car

If you travel by rental car, it is advisable to hire a navigator. The roads around La Fortuna are easily accessible, but the signage sometimes leaves something to be desired. Visibility is limited during heavy tropical showers. From San José you can be in La Fortuna within 3 hours. If you are coming from or going to Monteverde, you will have to detour along the north side of Arenal Lake (road number 142).

To fly

From Pavas International Airport (Tobias Bolanos) flies to Andalucia near San Jose [1]Nature Air daily to and from Aeropuerto La Fortuna-El Tanque.
San Jose - La Fortuna - 11:30am
La Fortuna - San Jose - 12:00 PM
Flight times can be adjusted.
The airport has no tower. The waiting room is a large space under a metal roof.

Entrance

The entrance of the park can be reached from road number 142 about 16 km from La Fortuna. There is parking. Tickets are available at the office for $10 p.p.. The opening time is on all days, including holidays, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. First aid can be provided in the office.

Hiking trails

Senderos Los Heliconias
Length: 1 km
Duration: 15 min.
After the eruption of 1968, vegetation has developed here, including the genus Heliconias, from which the path owes its name. You will also find other species of plants and animals here such as ferns, scrub, butterflies and hummingbirds. The route is easily passable.

Sendero Las Coladas
Length: 2 km
Duration: 1 hour
The trail crosses a flat and sandy area that was created after the eruption of 1968. There is a very varied vegetation of mainly ferns, heliconia and interesting smaller plants such as mosses that can be found along the trail. The trail gives a great opportunity to observe the volcano. The name Sendero Las Coladas comes from the impressive eruption of 1992.

Sendero El Ceibo
Length: 2 km
Duration: 1.5 hours
The first 800 meters this walk is equal to Sendero Las Coladas. The path is flat and circular and plunges into a secondary forest that contains a wide variety of flora and fauna of which the kapok tree (ceiba pentandra) with a height of sometimes 50 meters is the big eye-catcher. This beautiful rainforest has been there for more than 100 years.

Sendero Los Miradores
Length: 1.5 km
Located at the base of the volcano, this is a special place to listen and observe the different manifestations of the volcano. From here you can get a good overview of the consequences of the eruptions 1968 and 1992. It is an excellent place to photograph.

To look at

Outside the national park you can also visit the following sights:

• Cataratas La Fortuna. The waterfall of La Fortuna is located about 6 km from the center of La Fortuna (south direction). Entrance $10. The ticket office is open until 17:00. However, you can stay as long as you want. It is about a 10 minute walk to the waterfall. Back about 20 minutes. The waterfall plunges from the dense jungle about 65 meters down. The emerald-colored lake has an irresistible attraction. Bring swimming gear.
• Lake Arenal is located on the west side of the volcano, about 16 km from the center of La Fortuna. From El Castillo on the south side of the lake you have a nice view. You can reach El Castillo by taking the road that goes past the park entrance. On the lake you can enjoy all kinds of activities such as boat trips, fishing, kayaking or windsurfing.

To do

•    Arenal Butterfly Conservatory, El Castillo - Arenal Volcano (20 km west of La Fortuna, turn left onto the road to the park entrance and follow the signs. The Butterfly Conservatory is 9 km from the main road.), ☎(506) 2479-1149NOCC. 8:30am-4:30pm. A visit to the Butterfly Conservatory provides practical information about nature. There are various exhibitions about the way of life of butterflies, frogs, insects and plants. There are six large atriums that provide an insight into how plants, trees, butterflies and frogs live within the four microclimates surrounding Lake Arenal: the lowland habitat, the highland habitat, the forest edge habitat, and the forest habitat. There is also a laboratory, greenhouses and an orchid atrium. If you want more adventure, take the Rainforest River Walk by Quebrada Mariposa, the stream that runs through the primary forest on the property. You are likely to see sloths, monkeys, toucans or parrots. Or take your time and enjoy the view over the lake and the volcano or the botanical gardens. $12.
• Caño Negro Wild Life Refuge, El Castillo. Take a boat trip on the Cano Negro whose environment is considered one of the richest biodiversity in Costa Rica. Here you will find a wide variety of birds and three types of monkeys (spider monkey, white-faced monkey and howler monkey). There are also turtles, iguanas, sloths and caimans.
• Activities on Arenal Lake. On the lake you can have boat trips, kayaking and fishing (the main activity). The caught fish is fried for you on the spot.
• River cruise on the Peña Blanca River. Price $45.
• 'White water rafting. That is possible on the Rio Toro (Class 3-4), with more than 45 water rapids on a 10-mile stretch through deep gorges and past waterfalls. Another possibility is the beautiful Rio Balsa (Class 2-3).
• Arenal Mundo Aventura (2 km from La Fortuna.), ☎ 506 2479-9762. Canopy, horseback riding, hiking on rugged trails, etc… The price depends on the chosen activity.

Hot Springs

• Baldi Hot Springs, ☎(506) 2519-1999NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. 16 hot springs of different temperatures.
• Ecothermales Hot Springs, on the main road between La Fortuna and Lake Arenal (opposite the Baldi hot springs), ☎(506) 2479-8787NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. More relaxed and more discreet than both baldic and tabacon. Reservations are recommended as no more than 100 guests are allowed. Good food and drink. The friendly service makes you feel like more than just a customer.
• Tabacon Hot Springs, 11 km from La Fortuna towards the volcano, ☎(506) 2519-1999NOCC. You have a view of the volcano and you can hang out at the bar without leaving the water.

$65.

To buy

There is an abundance of standard souvenirs for sale. Specific are photos of the Arenal volcano during eruptions.

Food

• Que Rico Arenal (tel. 2479-1020) is 6.4 kilometers to the lake from the Catholic Church of La Fortuna. Italian and international menu. Beautiful location with a view of the volcano. Excellent food.
• La Choza de Laurel is next to the Burger King. Much choice. Tasty food, cordial service and low prices (10000 colones for two).
• Kioro lies with El Mirador and is the closest restaurant to the Arenal Volcano. If the volcano is active, you can admire it while eating. Meat specialties. Phone 461-1700.
• Los Nenes, not a very attractive location but with reasonable prices. The nachos are worth it.
• Rocas de Lava (Lava Rocks Café) on the main street just behind the park. Phone 479-8039. Good food and big portions. Attempted Casado de pollo (2950 Colones).
• Lava Lounge on the main street in front of the park. Tiko specialties.

Going out

• Chelas, ☎(506) 2479-9594NOCC. Mon-Fri 5pm-2am. Sat from 12:00 to midnight.. This popular open air bar behind the Arenal Backpackers Resort has big bocas (small, savory dishes), including chicharrones (braised pork) and ceviche de pulpo (octopus raw marinated in lemon juice). The best evenings to visit are Monday (karaoke) and Thursday (disco). Arenal Backpackers guests receive a 10% discount (ask for).
• Don Rufino, intersection Av Central & Calle 3, La Fortuna. until 2:30 am. An attractive bar with a mix of locals and tourists.
• Lava Lounge, Av Central btwn Calles 4 & 2, La Fortuna, ☎(506) 2479-7365NOCC. until 10:30 pm. This place has a few romantic tables. The food is good, the atmosphere is lively and it is a welcome addition to evenings in La Fortuna.
• Super Cristian 2, intersection Av Central & Calle 1, La Fortuna. 07:00-21:00.
• Volcan Look (5 km west of La Fortunac), ☎(506) 2479-9690NOCC. Wed-Sat 08:00-03:00 hrs. The largest disco outside of San Jose

stay overnight

The prices have been deliberately omitted as they can change quite often. All hotels offer attractions or can arrange that for you.

• Arenal Backpackers, ☎(506) 2479-7000NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. Air conditioning, hot water, restaurant and a nice swimming pool.
• Arenal Country Inn, e-mail: [email protected]. The hotel has 20 rooms with a view of the volcano. There is a restaurant, a swimming pool and a nice garden. A tropical breakfast is included in the price.
• Arenal Manoa Hotel & Hotel Resort (Arenal Hotel), La Fortuna (Located slightly outside La Fortuna), ☎(506) 2479-1111NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. All rooms have a view of the volcano. The hotel has a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a nice restaurant.
• Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge and Wildlife Refuse (Arenal Oasis), La Fortuna (Located slightly outside La Fortuna towards the volcano.), ☎(506) 2479-9526NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. In a park-like environment, 7 comfortable bungalows are located among the greenery. There are hummingbirds flying around and there is a small butterfly garden. There is no swimming pool and you cannot see the volcano (because of the greenery).
• Arenal Paraiso (about 6 km from La Fortuna), ☎(506) 2479-1100NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. Great variety in rooms. Each room has a small patio and a view of the volcano. Furthermore: TV, fridge, coffee, hot water. There are also 14 hot springs on the hotel grounds. They offer a 3 hour canopy tour for $45 (also on site). ”.
• Arenal Springs Resort (about 8 km from La Fortuna towards the volcano), ☎(506)2479-1212NOCC, fax machine: (506) 2479-1818, e-mail: [email protected]. Hot springs on the hotel grounds. ”.
• Arenal Volcano Inn (About 6.5 kilometers from La Fortuna on road 142), ☎(506) 2479-1122NOCC. 25 rooms with all views of the volcano from their own private terrace. The hotel has a swimming pool, SPA and a good Italian/international restaurant.
• Finca Luna Nueva Lodge (30 min south of La Fortuna in San Isidro de Peñas Blancas), ☎ 506 468-0352, e-mail: [email protected]. Present itself as an eco-lodge. There are different types of bungalows. They also offer facilities for large groups. Reservations must be made for the restaurant.
• Hotel La Fortuna, ☎(506) 2479-9197NOCC. A modern five-storey hotel in the middle of La Fortuna, the highest rooms of which offer a beautiful view. The hotel is wheelchair friendly. There is a restaurant and it offers "No Limits Tours" for the elderly and disabled tourists.
• Hotel Los Heroes Nuevo Arenal, Nuevo Arenal, ☎(506) 2692 8012NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. The hotel has 10 comfortable rooms and is located near the Arenal Lake.

• Jardines de Arenal (2 km east of La Fortuna.), ☎(506) 2479-9728NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. 11 rooms, friendly staff. The owner, Hernán Blanco, will help you arrange one of the many possible attractions. With a bit of luck he will drive you there for free.
•    La Mansion Arenal, ☎(506) 2692-8018NOCC. The hotel offers a beautiful view over the Arenal Lake. Previously it was called Marina Club Hotel. There are 6 types of houses. The hotel features an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes.
• Lomas del Volcano, La Fortuna, ☎(506) 2479-9000NOCC. All rooms have a view of the volcano.

• Magic Mountain, La Fortuna, ☎(506) 2479-7246NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. Check in: 14:00, check out: 12:00. Hotel Magic Mountain is a modern hotel with a colonial atmosphere, 42 rooms and a beautiful view over the volcano.

• [www.arenal-online.comOriuma Hotel] (La Fortuna center, north of Banco Nacional), ☎(506) 2479-9111NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. The hotel has a private parking.
• Posada Roca Virgen (In the center of La Fortuna, 300 meters north of Banco Nacional). The hostel is a cheap backpackers hotel. Book on time because the hostel is popular because of the surprisingly low room rates.
• Tabacon Grand Spa (About 11 km from La Fortuna towards the volcano), ☎(506) 2479 2000NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. Tabacon Grand Spa is a luxury 5 star hotel with one of the best SPAs in Costa Rica. It has 115 rooms.>
• Volcano Lodge (At the Tabacon Hot Springs), ☎(506) 2479-1717NOCC. The hotel has 65 rooms with double beds, air conditioning and private bathrooms with hot water. It offers one of the better views of the volcano. There is a jacuzzi and a swimming pool.

Safety

Follow the warning signs on your hikes around the Arenal Volcano.

Some phone numbers:

• Clinica La Fortuna (clinic): (506) 2479-9101
• Comisaria de Policia (police station): (506) 2479-9689
• Guardaparques (park guard): (506) 2200-4192
• Patrulla de Carreteras (traffic police): (506) 2460-1838

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