This National Park Has 2 Volcanos, Hot Springs, and Scenic Hiking Trails-and Now Is the Best Season to Visit

"Like much of the nation, Arenal Volcano National Park is renowned for its geologic and biological complexity. It is a place where you can experience the changing landscape. At the park's heart is the 5,357-foot Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active volcano. During the day, smoke billows from the peak, while at night, you can see red lava pouring down the mountain's sheer slopes. The park's second volcano, the inactive Chato Volcano, collapsed thousands of years ago, creating a picturesque turquoise lagoon in its crater."

"All that volcanic activity means natural hot springs are prevalent within and outside the park. Two favorites include Tabacón Hot Springs, which is bisected by a thermal river, and the terraced Titokú Hot Springs, surrounded by lush gardens. But before you cocoon yourself in hot water from the planet's core, you'll want to stretch your legs on one of the many trails that cut across lava fields and through rain forests."

Arenal Volcano National Park covers nearly 30,000 acres in north-central Costa Rica, combining rain forest, hot springs, and volcanic terrain. The park centers on the 5,357-foot Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active volcano, with daytime smoke and nighttime lava flows. The collapsed Chato Volcano forms a turquoise crater lagoon. Natural hot springs such as Tabacón and Titokú occur both inside and outside the park. Trails cross lava fields and rain forests, with Las Coladas Trail providing a short, beginner-friendly walk across ancient flows. Wildlife includes howler monkeys, sloths, jaguarundis, parrots, and tapirs; jaguars inhabit the park but are rarely seen. Rivers offer rafting options from calm floats to technical Class III–IV rapids.

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