Nestled in the verdant northern highlands of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano National Park is more than just a well-known volcano with an almost perfect conical shape. Hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone else who enjoys tranquility in strolling through dense tropical trees with the odd breathtaking view will find paradise here. Old lava flows, swinging bridges, howler monkeys, or simply the sound of your footsteps on a calm morning are all revealed by the park’s and the adjoining reserves’ numerous pathways.
1. Las Coladas Trail
This one’s probably the best known, and for good reason. The Las Coladas Trail (also called the Lava Flow Trail) takes you across a mix of terrain that includes old lava fields from the 1992 eruption. You’ll be climbing over some uneven ground. Totally doable for most people though. The real highlight is the viewpoint at the top. On clear days, you get a dramatic look at the Arenal Volcano itself, and if you turn around, there’s Lake Arenal spread out behind you. It kind of sneaks up on you.
2. El Ceibo Trail
Just off from Las Coladas is the El Ceibo Trail, which offers a completely different vibe. It’s quieter. Less dramatic, maybe, but more immersive. It leads you through deep forest, where the trees seem older, the air a little cooler, and the trail a little less traveled.
The name comes from the massive ceiba tree at the center of the hike. And it is massive. Like, jaw-dropping massive. You can stand at the base and look up, but you’ll never see the top—just a mesh of branches disappearing into the canopy.
It’s a peaceful trail, and if you go early in the morning or just after a rain (which happens a lot here), the forest feels extra alive. You might hear howler monkeys in the distance. Or not. Sometimes it’s just still. That’s nice, too.
3. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Loop
Technically a bit outside the national park’s official borders, but still very much part of the experience. The Mistico Hanging Bridges are part trail, part suspension bridge, part treetop adventure. If you’re even slightly nervous about heights, you’ll probably question your life choices at least once on this loop. But it’s worth it.
The loop is around 3.2 kilometers, and it’s well maintained. You’ll pass over 16 bridges, six of which are hanging. Some sway a little. Some feel surprisingly solid. All give you this unique view above the forest floor—like stepping into a different world.
This is also where you’re most likely to spot wildlife, especially birds. We saw a toucan (or maybe it was just a bird with a big beak—hard to say), and a guide pointed out a sloth that none of us would’ve seen otherwise. If you’re into photography, bring a lens. The light coming through the canopy can be beautiful.
4. Mirador El Silencio Trail
“Mirador” means viewpoint in Spanish, and El Silencio delivers on that promise. It’s located on private reserve land not far from the park entrance, and the trails here are a mix of volcanic rock, forest, and open stretches with long views.
One thing about El Silencio—it’s quiet. The name fits. It doesn’t usually get the same crowds as Mistico or the main park trails. The hike up to the viewpoint isn’t too strenuous, but it gets your heart rate up just enough to make the view feel earned.
You’ll get a closer look at the volcano’s western face here. Some people say this side looks more intimidating, more “volcanic.” Maybe it’s just the light in the afternoon, but it has a weight to it. Like it’s watching you back.
5. Arenal Observatory Lodge Trails
This one is interesting since it combines luxury with wilderness. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is not only a hotel but also has a system of walkways that are open to everyone, not just visitors.
There are almost ten kilometers of pathways in this area. You don’t have to hike them all, but you could. One loop takes you to a waterfall. Another brings you to a hanging bridge (less dramatic than Mistico, but still cool). There are old lava flows, small rivers, and open meadows with views of both the volcano and the lake.
What’s unique about this spot is how you can start your hike with a cup of coffee from the lodge café. Or end it that way. That’s kind of rare when you’re out in the rainforest.
6. La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
Short but steep. That’s the best way to describe the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike. It’s only about 500 steps down (and then 500 back up), but those steps can feel like more depending on how hot it is.
The waterfall itself is gorgeous. No other way to say it. It drops from about 70 meters into a clear, cold pool that’s surrounded by moss-covered rock and greenery so thick it feels like a painting.
You can swim here, though the water is cold and the current near the base is strong. Still, after the hike down, dipping your feet in feels amazing.
7. Arenal Volcano Peninsula Trail
It’s a little under the radar. Part of the national park system, the Peninsula Trail focuses more on Lake Arenal than the volcano. This is a wonderful choice if you enjoy views of the sea or simply want a softer hike.
Wide roads and little inclination make up this simple 1.5-kilometer loop. You’ll see birds, sometimes lizards, and often just… stillness. There’s a wooden observation tower near the lake where you can stop and sit. You could stay there a while. We did.
It’s especially nice in the late afternoon. The light on the water turns gold, and the air cools down just enough to notice. It might not be dramatic, but it’s peaceful in a way that stays with you.
8. Arenal Ecological Park Trail
Another lesser-known option, the Arenal Ecological Park feels a little more wild, a little less curated. That’s not a bad thing. The trail network here is more rustic, and it doesn’t see the same volume of visitors as the more famous routes.
You’ll walk through secondary forest, see remnants of past eruptions, and maybe—if the day is clear—get that perfect volcano silhouette everyone hopes for. But it’s the atmosphere here that stands out. It’s a little quieter, a little rougher, and maybe a bit more rewarding because of that.
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind not having everything perfectly mapped, this might be the trail you remember most.
9. Cerro Chato Trail
Let’s end with the most challenging of the bunch. The Cerro Chato Trail is technically closed as of the last few years due to safety and erosion concerns, but hikers still talk about it. Some still attempt it—though that’s not exactly recommended.
Cerro Chato is the dormant little brother of Arenal Volcano. The trail used to climb steeply up its side and drop down into a green crater lake. It was muddy, intense, and very, very steep.
If it ever reopens officially, it’ll be one for the adventurous types. Until then, it’s part of local hiking lore—a reminder that nature’s beauty often comes with boundaries, and respecting those matters.
Final Thoughts
Arenal Volcano National Park offers a little of everything—lush jungle, open vistas, winding trails, and quiet paths that lead somewhere unforgettable. No two hikes feel the same, and maybe that’s why the region sticks with you.
You don’t have to tackle all nine of these trails (unless you’re really ambitious). But even just one or two will leave you with that feeling that you’ve walked through something ancient and alive. And if you’re lucky, you’ll leave a little more aware of the ground beneath your feet—and maybe looking up more often than before.
