10 Days in Arenal Volcano

What You Should Know Before Going On A Arenal Volcano Tour

10 Interesting Arenal Volcano Facts

• Arenal Volcano’s rock has been carbon dated to be 7,000 years old
• Arenal Volcano has had the 33rd most deadly volcano eruption in human history
• There are 200 volcanoes in Costa Rica, and Arenal is 1 of the only 5 active ones.
• Arenal’s first eruption was in 1968, killing 87 people and completing burying 3 villages in lava. Luckily, Arenal has remained dormant since 2010, and all current buildings are built a safe ways away from the volcano.
• 75% of all of Costa Rica’s bird species can be found in the Arenal Volcano National Park.
• It is the 3rd most perfect conically-shaped volcano in the world.
• Some of the water heated by the volcano is funneled into the Arenal Lake Reservoir, which provides 40% of Costa Rica’s hydroelectric power.
• 3 different kinds of rainforests have been identified in Arenal National Park.
• There have been several reported UFO sightings over the volcano.
• The nearby volcano, Chato, is considered to be the “little brother” of Arenal.

Arenal Volcano Weather

Temperature in the Arenal Volcano National Park is consistently warm. The temperature is usually around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though at higher altitudes the weather is a little bit cooler, averaging between 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It generally becomes a little windier in the region during the winter, which may make things feel cooler. It is recommended that you pack layers.

Annually, Arenal receives around 195 inches of rain, so consider bringing a rain jacket on your visit!

9 Best Activities at Arenal Volcano

1. Zipline for miles through the jungle canopy

2. Hike the hanging bridges through the rainforest

3. Canyon a waterfall

4. Raft some of the best whitewater rafting water in the world

5. Go for a relaxing swim in the Volcano-heated hot springs

6. Take a rafting safari on the Peñas Blancas River

7. Take a leisurely hike to get the best volcano views

8. Paddle board, swim, or canoe in Lake Arenal

9. Explore caves around the National Park

Hotels & Lodging at Arenal

Because of the destination’s popularity, there are plenty of options for accomodation around the  volcano, especially on its Northeastern side. Most hotels are resort-style lodging, and some even have direct access to the volcano’s hot springs.

If you are a traveling on a budget or basic trip, then you might expect to spend a couple nights in one of the various chain hotels in the area. These lodgings are comfortable and practical, but may lack some of the authenticity and complementary features of nicer lodging.

One of the benefits of going on a group tour is that you may also have the option to do a homestay on your trip of Costa Rica. Living in a local family’s home while on your Arenal vacation will greatly enhance your immersion into Costa Rican life.

You may be served a bona  fide Costa Rican breakfast, taken on a tour of your host’s working farm, and you will have unlimited opportunities to ask any questions you may have.