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Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Surroundings Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

Created in 1995, the Arenal Volcano National Park is found in the rugged Cordillera de Tilarán. The main attraction in the park is the Arenal Volcano, reaching 1,633m/5,356ft. There is a wide range of biodiversity in the park, and an approximate half of all Costa Rican birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals can be found somewhere within its boundaries.
Picture - Arenal volcano creates its own cloud.
Picture - Volcano letting off smoke with clouds forming above at Arenal.
Picture - View of Arenal Volcano and clouds.
Picture - Cloud covered Arenal volcano.
View a slideshow of Arenal Volcano National Park Pictures
Arenal appears just as one imagines a volcano. It is extremely large and cone-shaped with huge ash columns streaming from the crater. Arenal was dormant from 1500 AD until a massive eruption on July 29, 1968 which killed 82 people, 45,000 cattle and destroyed two villages. Continued activity since that day includes large eruptions and an almost daily flow of glowing red lava.
Hiking is possible on the volcano's lower slopes, but not any higher. Conditions can be dangerous, and rocks, gasses, emissions and burns have maimed and even killed some climbers. Visitors should be aware that volcanic activity differs from week to week. While the glowing lava can't be seen that well during the day (night viewing is better), loud explosions are often heard and the ash creates huge clouds above the volcano.
Opening hours: 8am-10pm
Guides: Guided tour available as optional extra.
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Arenal Observatory Lodge

Originally a private observatory established in 1987, this is the only lodge within the Arenal Volcano National Park boundaries. The lodge is found on a macadamia nut farm on the south side of the volcano. Many researchers from around the world have stayed here to study the active volcano.
From the lodge there are excellent views of the volcano and Arenal Lake in the opposite direction. Many hikes can be taken from the area, including some to waterfalls, as well as old and recent lava flows. The lodge is a good choice for accommodation, and there are varying options.
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