Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano (Volcán Arenal) is located approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers)from San Jose, overlooking the village of La Fortuna. At less that 7,500 years in age, Arenal is considered a young volcano in geological terms -- and is very active, although activity has been decreasing in recent years. Today, the Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica's most awe-striking attractions, especially when brilliant crimson lava is visible.
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La Fortuna Costa Rica
La Fortuna is a village located 20 km from the entrance to the Arenal Volcano National Park, with numerous accommodations, restaurants, and hot springs for travelers.
La Fortuna means "The Fortunate." Once called El Borio, the village changed its name after the Arenal Volcano's big eruption in 1968, which leveled two villages. However, La Fortuna's location left it untouched.
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Getting to Arenal
There is a small airport located in La Fortuna, though many travelers arrive by bus or automobile. A common way for tourists to travel between La Fortuna and Monteverda is via "Jeep, Boat, Jeep": two 4X4 Jeep rides, with a boat ride across Lake Arenal in between. Or for an even more unique journey, opt for "Horse, Boat, Taxi."
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Smoking Volcano
A photo of the Arenal Volcano smoking.
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La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna waterfall is a rewarding fifteen-minute hike through Arenal Volcano National Park.
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Arenal Pasture
The Arenal Volcano looms over many vistas in Costa Rica's Alajuela region.
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Arenal Volcano Lava
Lava from Costa Rica's active Arenal Volcano.
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The Arenal Observatory Lodge
Pictured: the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, as photographed from the restaurant at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. The only hotel actually located within Arenal Volcano National Park, the Arenal Observatory Lodge is located just 1.7 miles from the base of the Arenal Volcano.
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Lake Arenal Costa Rica
Lake Arenal in Costa Rica.
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Volcan Arenal Sunset
The Arenal Volcano National Park is filled with lush rainforest, which thrives due to the area's rich volcanic soil.
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Hiking the Arenal Volcano
A volcanic sunset in Costa Rica.
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Arenal Volcano hikes lead travelers through the Arenal Volcano National Park, with vista points to view volcanic activity.
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