Arenal 1968 Lava Trails
Hike across solidified lava from the 1968 eruption and witness breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Arenal 1968 Lava Trails
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike across solidified lava from the 1968 eruption and witness breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano.
"An amazing hike with beautiful views, well-kept trails, and lots of wildlife."
Choose Your Trail Wisely
Red & Yellow trails offer volcano views; Green trail is easier. Decide at forks.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating loose rocks and uneven lava fields.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
1968 Lava Flow Trails
Main trail network
Hike across solidified lava from the historic 1968 eruption, offering a unique perspective on nature's power.
Volcano Vistas
Vista platforms on Red and Yellow trails
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.
Lush Rainforest
Forest trails
Explore dense jungle paths teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offering a stark contrast to the volcanic rock.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Footwear & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Your Trail Wisely
Red & Yellow trails offer volcano views; Green trail is easier. Decide at forks.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating loose rocks and uneven lava fields.
Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Consider a Guide
Enhance wildlife spotting and learn about the volcano's history.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Trail Wisely
Red & Yellow trails offer volcano views; Green trail is easier. Decide at forks.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating loose rocks and uneven lava fields.
Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Consider a Guide
Enhance wildlife spotting and learn about the volcano's history.
Early Bird Gets Views
Arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and get the best volcano visibility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of hiking on solidified lava from the 1968 eruption and the breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. The well-maintained trails and diverse scenery, from stark lava fields to lush rainforest, are consistently praised. Some find the entrance fee a bit high, and the trails can be challenging, especially in the heat.
"If you're like me you'll probably want to know as much as possible beforehand to be best prepared for the experience.
So I'll try to give you a few details, which hopefully help a bit.
First of all the entrance area offers plenty of parking space. We arrived there mid of August 2025 at around 8:30 and were the 2nd car at the parking lot plus one guided tour entering the trail ahead of us, which we overtook pretty quickly.
The good thing about the round-trip trails is that you don't have to make a decision in advance. All three trails (red, yellow and green) start at the same point and then divide some time later. So you can make the decision at each bifurcation depending on how you feel at that point of your hike.
The green trail is more like a stroll and avoiding any of the lore difficult lava area. Which also means you're missing the vista platform, which the red and the yellow trail offer.
We originally planned to do the Red trail, but after going up and down through a lot of lava, my 19 y/o daughter and I decided at the fork between the red and yellow trail to take the yellow trail instead. The best parts were already behind us (going through the lava and the jungle) and we also had had our share of steep steps and loose rocks.
We weren't sure if the yellow trail was really the easier way (surely it's the shorter way with only 3 km vs. 5 km for the Red trail), because right at the fork the yellow trail continues to go down steeply. But that fortunately ended pretty quickly and the rest of the yellow trail was quite pleasant.
I can't say what you're getting to see extra taking the red way, but it looked to us like more of the same and definitely some additional up and down. Since we had covered a lot of jungle already during our days in Monteverde, I don't think we missed something that we hadn't seen before.
I will add a map of the park for your convenience and also a few photos of the trail itself showing the worst parts you'll encounter so that you can make a good decision.
We covered the yellow trail in roughly 1 hour. We were slowed down by the many steps up and especially the steps down, since you have to watch your step to not end up putting your foot on loose rocks and pumice stone. We also took plenty of photos.
All in all it's a great walk, but even in the morning with only 25 degrees Celsius you'll be sweating profoundly due to the height differences you need to cover. I'll give the yellow trail a medium difficulty rating. It's not an easy stroll and you have to watch your steps, but it is doable if this is not your first 5 km walk. Bring solid footwear and don't even think of bringing a stroller. You will definitely regret it unless you choose the green trail.
Even without a guide, we got to see a single (male) coati right at the beginning of the trail, plenty of different birds, a big frog, a few butterflies, a small dragon fly, plenty of ants and lots of lava rocks and jungle.
We've had enough guided tours in Monteverde, so we didn't want to spend too much time listening to detailed explanations here again. But if this is your first tour in the jungle, you might want to consider taking a guide to get to see more of the animal life, which you'll otherwise most likely miss."
Olaf Arlt
"What an amazing hike! We did the red loop and it had beautiful views, well kept trails, and lots of wildlife. The staff was amazing— the woman working at the entrance gate was very friendly and knowledgeable, she gave us a thorough rundown of all the trails with what landscapes and wildlife we could expect to see. To top it all off the trail ends at the cafeteria where we enjoyed a cerveza with beautiful views of the volcano. The entrance fee is a bit pricey ($26) but with our experience I think it is well worth it. It was a great way to start our stay in La Fortuna!"
Jane Snider
"We did the 5km trail which I can definitely recommend. Some parts are more open like the viewpoint, while others are more dense jungle areas. The black lava rocks are beautiful to walk through. Bring good shoes!"
Milan Cools
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arenal 1968 Lava Trails are conveniently located near La Fortuna. You can reach them by taxi, rental car, or organized tour. Many visitors opt for a rental car for flexibility, and the entrance area offers ample parking.
Yes, the entrance area provides plenty of parking space. Arriving early, around 8:30 AM, ensures you'll find a spot easily, as it can get busy later in the day.
While direct public transport might be limited, you can take a local bus towards La Fortuna and then arrange a taxi or shuttle for the final leg to the trails. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance.
Many travelers rent a car for exploring La Fortuna and its surroundings, including the Arenal 1968 trails. This offers the most freedom. Taxis are also readily available.
Several tour operators in La Fortuna offer packages that include transportation to the Arenal 1968 Lava Trails, often combined with other activities. Inquire at your accommodation or local tour agencies.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately $26 per person. While it might seem a bit pricey, many visitors find the experience and well-maintained trails well worth the cost.
It's generally recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your entry time and avoid disappointment. However, arriving early in the morning often allows for on-the-spot purchases.
The trails are typically open from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Yes, there are three main trails: Red, Yellow, and Green. The Red and Yellow trails offer more challenging terrain and better volcano views, while the Green trail is a more relaxed stroll. You can decide which to take at trail bifurcations.
Based on reviews, visitors generally feel the entrance fee is well worth it for the unique hiking experience, stunning volcano views, and well-maintained trails.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trails range from medium to challenging. The Red and Yellow trails involve steep ascents and descents over loose rocks and lava, while the Green trail is a more moderate walk. Sturdy footwear is crucial.
The Yellow trail (3 km) can take about 1 hour, while the Red trail (5 km) might take around 2.5 hours, especially if hiking with children. The time depends on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
Yes, you can hike with children, but consider their stamina. The Green trail is more suitable for younger children. The Red and Yellow trails can be challenging due to steepness and loose terrain.
You might spot coatis, various birds, frogs, butterflies, and insects. While guides can help spot more wildlife, even without one, you can see a good amount of nature.
Guided tours are available and can enhance your experience by helping you spot wildlife and learn more about the volcano's history. However, many visitors enjoy exploring independently.
📸 📸 Photography
The vista platforms on the Red and Yellow trails offer the most iconic shots of Arenal Volcano. The lava fields themselves also provide dramatic photographic opportunities.
Early mornings often provide clearer views of the volcano, while late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light. Sunset can also be spectacular.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive volcano views and lush landscapes.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and protected areas to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Expect dramatic shots of the Arenal Volcano, unique textures of the lava fields, vibrant green rainforest scenery, and potential wildlife encounters.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children who are accustomed to hiking, the Yellow Trail (approximately 3 km) offers a good balance of moderate challenge and rewarding volcano views. Remember to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, as even the easier trails can be tiring.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
+1Consider joining a guided tour if you're interested in learning more about the volcano's history and spotting wildlife. Otherwise, the flexibility of exploring at your own pace is a major advantage for solo adventurers. Don't forget to bring water and wear appropriate footwear.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the contrast between the black lava rock and the vibrant green of the re-emerging vegetation. The vista platforms on the Red and Yellow trails provide the best vantage points for wide-angle shots of the volcano. Golden hour light in the late afternoon can add a magical quality to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 1968 Eruption
+1Scientists have monitored Arenal Volcano closely since the 1968 eruption. While it remained active with smaller eruptions until 2010, seismic activity has since decreased, leading to its current dormant status. This period of activity has left behind the dramatic geological features that make the trails so unique.
Walking through these trails provides a profound sense of the volcano's destructive and creative power. The contrast between the stark, black lava rock and the resilient, re-emerging jungle is a testament to nature's enduring cycle.
Navigating the Trail System
The Red Trail and Yellow Trail are generally considered more challenging but offer the most rewarding panoramic views of Arenal Volcano from designated vista platforms. These trails traverse significant portions of the 1968 lava fields and involve steep ascents and descents over loose volcanic rock.
The Green Trail is the easiest option, described as more of a stroll. It avoids the more difficult lava areas and is a good choice for those seeking a less strenuous hike or for families with very young children. However, it does not include the main vista platforms.
Wildlife Encounters
To maximize your chances of seeing animals, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. While the trails are well-marked, a knowledgeable guide can significantly enhance your wildlife spotting experience by pointing out camouflaged creatures and explaining their behavior.
Even without a guide, keeping a keen eye on your surroundings can lead to delightful encounters. The diverse ecosystem supports a rich array of fauna, making every hike a potential discovery.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit