Arenal National Park, covering 120 km², was established in September 1994 and forms part of the Arenal Conservation Area (Area de Conservación Arenal). The park aims not only to protect the region’s flora and fauna but also to inform visitors about Arenal’s volcanic activity.
The park’s most visited site is the Mirador, 1.3 km from the entrance, reached on foot via a short trail. From this viewpoint, you can watch, hear and feel the full power of Arenal Volcano.
Its various lava flows, which carved their way down to the base of the mountain and reduced everything in their path to ash, are clearly visible.
During your visit you may hear the volcano rumbling, usually accompanied by small tremors, and with a bit of luck you’ll spot plumes of dust and ash rising from the summit.
