While trips to the volcano have been popular for decades, the flow of tourists has increased greatly in the last few years as red-hot lava has spewed regularly from its 5,400 foot high crater. The Arenal volcano sits next to Lake Arenal and provides for very scenic photos.

While there is daily eruption activity, the nearly-constant cloud cover gives visitors only about a 50-50 chance of seeing any action. Tours to the volcano are available from the nearby town of La Fortuna – offered during the day or in the wee hours to see the sunrise over Arenal. The last eruption that led to the evacuation of the local population occurred in August 2000, so you needn’t worry about that. Hiking on the volcano outside of the marked area is illegal and dangerous as gases and rocks may cause injury and can be fatal.

Other than the volcano, visitors come to enjoy natural hot springs and swim under a waterfall. Many adventure activities such as bungee jumping, zip lining and white-water rafting are offered by local tour operators. More sedate activities include taking a tram up a mountain to view the lake, volcano and rain forest; floating downriver in a canoe to view wildlife and flora; and walking on hanging bridges to see the forest canopy.

There are many hostels and inexpensive hotels catering to all budgets but prices are much better during the low season – which, of course, happens to be the rainy season. The high season is from December to April which is a drier season when it rains less than during the rest of the year. Arenal/La Fortuna is in the mountains and the evenings can get quite cool in the dry season and days and nights are usually cool during the wet season.

Arenal Volcano (click photos to see full size)

More Info:
Arenal National Park
More than you ever wanted to know about the Arenal Volcano
Wikipedia

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