Arenal Volcano Emergency Forest Reserve

#161 among destinations in Costa Rica

National park

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Facts and practical information

Located in the Alajuela region of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano Emergency Forest Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This stunning natural reserve is home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, which stands at an impressive 1,633 meters and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can marvel at the volcano's perfect conical shape while exploring the lush rainforests and diverse wildlife that make this area a true paradise.

The reserve offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking trails that wind through the dense forests, providing opportunities to spot exotic wildlife such as howler monkeys, sloths, and colorful tropical birds. The Arenal Volcano Emergency Forest Reserve is also a haven for adrenaline junkies, offering thrilling experiences such as zip-lining through the treetops, rappelling down cascading waterfalls, and white-water rafting on the nearby rivers.

For those seeking relaxation, the area is dotted with natural hot springs where visitors can soak in the rejuvenating mineral-rich waters while enjoying breathtaking views of the volcano and surrounding landscapes. The Arenal Volcano Emergency Forest Reserve also boasts a variety of eco-friendly accommodations, from rustic lodges to luxurious resorts, providing the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the region.

In addition to its natural beauty, the reserve is also a great place to learn about the rich biodiversity and conservation efforts in Costa Rica. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the ongoing efforts to protect this precious ecosystem for future generations.

Established: 1972 (52 years ago)Elevation: 1699 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 10°29'40"N, 84°43'2"W

Location

AlajuelaCosta Rica

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Day trips

Arenal Volcano Emergency Forest Reserve – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Central America Volcanic Arc, Chato Volcano.

2.2 miS
Active volcano with hiking and hot springs
Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park
56 min walk • The Arenal Volcano, a majestic stratovolcano located in the heart of Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica, is an iconic natural landmark and a magnet for tourists from around the globe. Towering at 1,657 meters, this geological marvel is not only one of the...
4.6 miSE
70-m. cascade in a forest setting
La Fortuna Waterfall, La Fortuna
118 min walk • La Fortuna Waterfall is in central Costa Rica, in the Alajuela Province. In Spanish, it is known as Catarata Fortuna. The waterfall drops about 70−75 meters and is at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, about 5.5 km outside of the town of La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano.
4.1 miSE
Volcano
Central America Volcanic Arc, Arenal Volcano National Park
106 min walk • The Central American Volcanic Arc is a chain of volcanoes which extends parallel to the Pacific coastline of the Central American Isthmus, from Mexico to Panama.
4.1 miSE
Foliage-covered peak with a crater lake
Chato Volcano
106 min walk • Chato Volcano, also known as Cerro Chato, is a dormant volcanic peak that forms part of the Arenal Volcano National Park in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. Rising to an elevation of approximately 1,140 meters (3,740 feet), it presents a captivating sight with its...
2.4 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna
62 min walk • Arenal Volcano National Park is a Costa Rican national park in the central part of the country, part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area.
1.1 miNE
10°30'13"N • 84°42'14"W
Go Adventure Arenal Park, La Fortuna
28 min walk • Outdoor activities, Adrenaline
2.5 miW
Bridge, Mountain
Arenal Hanging Bridges
65 min walk • The Arenal Hanging Bridges are a series of suspension bridges in the Volcan Arenal National Park area, offering views of Lake Arenal and Volcan Arenal. The bridges form part of a 2-mile self-guided interpretive trail through a private rainforest reserve.
3 miE
10°29'2"N • 84°40'30"W
EcoTermales Fortuna, La Fortuna
76 min walk • Hot springs, Park
5.4 miSW
Zoo
Clodomiro Picado Research Institute
137 min walk • The Instituto Clodomiro Picado is a research center in Vázquez de Coronado, San José Province, Costa Rica.
5.4 miSW
Zoo, Outdoor activities, Park
Arenal Eco Zoo
137 min walk • The Arenal Eco Zoo is a nature center located in western Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. It is located across Lake Arenal, west of Arenal Volcano National Park, right at the border between Alajuela and Guanacaste Provinces.