The Arenal is an active volcano that has been flowing lava in the last 35 years. Thanks to this activity in the last 35 years it makes it a real volcano laboratory. The lava flows with their incandescent rocks, the explotions throw rocks and ashes and produces sounds by the degasification of the volcano as part of its normal activity.
These eruptions are not dangerous if the visitors stay out of the dangerous areas, marked by the National Park. When occasionally pyroclastic flows are produced, the danger is increased in some areas of the volcano.
Historical facts
Supposedly, volcanic eruptions were every day’s agenda. However, in the last 500 years, after Spaniards came to Costa Rica, the biggest volcanic eruption happened in 1968. In the morning of July 29, 1968 at 8:00 a.m. was a strong and sudden eruption, followed by an eruption of gases, fire and lava. Statistics show, that it was the explosion that liberated most energy and caused 78 death people and the towns of Pueblo Nuevo and Tabacón disappeared.
Location
The Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the northern part of Costa Rica between the districts Tilarán, San Carlos and San Ramón.
Foundation
The National Park Arenal Volcano was founded in September 30th of 1991 by the Executive decree No. 20791-MIRENEM.
Extension
This park has 5.208 hectares and is between 400 and 1.633 meters above sea level.
Climate
The climate of this region is very diverse and has the influence of the Pacific and the Atlantic side. The temperature fluctuates between 21 and 27,5 centigrade and the rain average is 3.500 to 5.000 mm. The rain season is from May to January and the dry season from February to April.
Flora and fauna
The Arenal National Park presents different Ecosystems, divided in four different climatic zones. Very humid forest (transition), Premountain very humid forest (transition), Mountain Rain Forest and Low mountain Rain forest (transition).
Main Flora
The main species are: guayabo del monte, laurel, cocobolo, níspero, balsa, guarumo, pilón and different species of palms, orquids, ferns and bromelias, including endemics species as: Pitcaimia Funkiae.
Main Fauna
Among the principal fauna species are: pacas, deers, tapir, coatis, sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, snakes and birds like quetzal, bellbird, hummingbird.
The Arenal Volcano National Park is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
The Arenal Volcano National Park Tour can be booked directly at your hotel.
The Arenal is an active volcano that has been flowing lava in the last 35 years. Thanks to this activity in the last 35 years it makes it a real volcano laboratory. The lava flows with their incandescent rocks, the explotions throw rocks and ashes and produces sounds by the degasification of the volcano as part of its normal activity.
