10 Tips to Hiking Arenal Volcano on Your Own

Having visited Arenal Volcano countless times, my husband and I have fallen in love with everything about the place. The landscape is amazing, and the view is simply out of this world. 

Tim and I have completed many hikes up and around Arenal, which have given us a deep appreciation and understanding of this incredible natural wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious adventurer, I want to share my insider knowledge to help you make the most of your experience. 

I’ve put together a list of pro tips just for you. With these ten tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the trails, soak in the stunning vistas, and stay safe while exploring one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. You’ll get all the goods, including how to get there, what to bring, and what to expect along the way. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Begin your hike early to avoid afternoon showers and enjoy cooler temperatures. The best time to hike is early in the morning (5-7 AM), when the likelihood of rain is only 10%.
• Invest in sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to navigate Arenal’s uneven and potentially slippery terrain safely. Proper footwear reduces the risk of injury.
• Carry at least two liters of water, as there are no water sources on the trail. Staying hydrated is crucial in a humid climate.
• Trekking poles provide better stability on steep terrain, distribute weight, and reduce strain on your knees. Adjustable poles are recommended for varying trail conditions.
• Respect the local wildlife by keeping a safe distance and avoiding straying from marked trails to ensure your safety and preserve the delicate ecosystem of Arenal.

Tip 1: Start Early

The weather at Arenal can change rapidly. Since it’s several meters above sea level,. I advise you to start your hike as early as possible to avoid the afternoon showers. Believe me when I say that you really don’t want to get caught up in one of those. 

Tim and I once got stuck in the rain during one of our hikes in May. Our clothes were drenched, and we had to wait for the rain to stop falling before we could leave. I had a terrible cold afterward.

Besides, starting early provides cooler temperatures for the ascent. It’s possible to trek, but I don’t advise it. The fastest way to the volcano is by car. La Fortuna is a bit far, so it might take you a while to get there; it just depends on where you’re coming from. 

If you drive from San José, it will take around three hours to get there. If you don’t have a car, you can always take a direct bus from San Jose. Assuming you start out at 6:00 a.m., you should be able to get there before 9:00 a.m. 

If you ever lose track of time and wonder if starting late is a good idea, you should just put a pause on the whole thing and start the next day. Don’t worry, Arenal Park isn’t going anywhere. It’s open every single day of the year, even on holidays!

Here is a table that shows the best time of the day to hike the Arenal and the temperature to expect:

Time of Day	Temperature (°C)	Likelihood of Rain (%)
Early Morning (5-7 AM)	20-23	10
Midday (11 AM–1 PM)	26-30	50
Afternoon (2-4 PM)	24-27	70

Tip 2: Wear Proper Footwear

Arenal’s uneven terrain isn’t friendly to unprepared hikers. Last year, my husband almost sprained his ankle during one of his many routine hikes. That particular day, the trails were muddy and slippery. Thankfully, he had some friends with him, so he was able to get out safely. 

Your trip to Arenal should be fun and enjoyable, so it would really stink to get hurt while hiking. Remember that there’s still so much you’ll probably want to do in Costa Rica afterward, so be careful.

Invest in sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Regular sneakers are alright, but you don’t want to have them on when you’re losing your balance on a cliff. Consider getting the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX. It has a strong grip, and it supports your ankle. You’ll have nothing to worry about once you have them on.

Proper footwear ensures better grip and reduces the risk of injury. Also, if it’s your first time hiking, make sure you go with an experienced friend. I recommend getting waterproof hiking boots.

View my list of hiking gear for Costa Rica

Footwear Type	Pros	Cons
Waterproof Hiking Boots	Excellent grip and ankle support	Heavier, more expensive
Regular Sneakers	Lightweight, comfortable	Poor grip, not waterproof

Tip 3: Hydrate Well

Remember that it’s going to be a long journey and that there are no water sources on the trail. Also, the humid climate up there can quickly lead to dehydration, so it’s best to prepare for the worst. Just carry a lot of water with you—at least two liters. Personally, I enjoy carrying my water bottle along with me, but Tim drinks like a camel. So he just takes a hydration pack. I wanted to get one too, but those things are expensive. The last one I checked on Amazon was $40. 

If you have the money to spare, it’s a great option. You simply place it on your back and continue with the journey.

While we’re on the subject of water, here’s a little fun fact: The Arenal Volcano has a large basin that contributes to the Lake Arenal reservoir. The water from this basin is used to generate hydroelectric energy. It helps out with the national interconnected system and other irrigation projects. You can check it out once you get there.

Hydration Method	Pros	Cons
Reusable Water Bottle	Eco-friendly, durable	Requires carrying multiple
Hydration Pack	Convenient, hands-free	More expensive

Tip 4: Use Trekking Poles

I always say that hiking is not for the weak. Even though it’s a great recreational activity, it can still be pretty exhausting. The steep terrain at Arenal is also very challenging, so you might need something to assist you while you climb and walk. During my early years as a hiker, I didn’t have any problem using long iron rods for this, but Tim is a stickler for safety. So, after I met him, I got trekking poles, and it goes without saying that they are way better than long rods. 

The trekking poles help you get better stability by distributing your weight and reducing the strain on your knees. Here’s a pro tip: When buying your hiking equipment, try to get the adjustable poles since they are better suited for varying trail conditions. That’s what I use and recommend to every new hiker I meet. A fixed-length pole is also a decent alternative, but I guess it’s as good as getting yourself a long iron rod.

Trekking Poles Type	Features	Ideal For
Adjustable Poles	Customizable height, compact	Varying trail conditions
Fixed Length Poles	Lightweight, durable	Consistent terrain

 

Tip 5: Pack a Rain Jacket

Even though there’s a trend with the rain and sunshine in Costa Rica, you need to understand that Arenal’s weather can still be very unpredictable. The day Michelle and I got stuck in the rain, only one of us brought a jacket, so we simply shared it. It turns out it was a terrible idea because we both got beat by the rain.

It might be hard to believe, but a sudden downpour can occur even on a seemingly clear day. So make sure you go there well-prepared, guys. Carry your best lightweight, packable rain jackets along, but if you’re as forgetful as I am and end up leaving them at home, you can always improvise. 

Rain Jacket Type	Benefits	Drawbacks
Lightweight/Packable	Easy to carry, quick-dry	Less insulation
Heavy-duty	Better protection, durable	Bulky, heavier

Tip 6: Stay on Marked Trails

Arenal Volcano is an active volcano with hazardous areas, and even though the last record of an eruption was from 1968, you need to be extra careful. Staying on marked trails helps to ensure your safety. If you ever go there with your kids, please keep them close. I’m saying this because I once went hiking with my son, David. But our little father-son experience quickly turned into a serious search after David went off with some friends to chase a parrot. We eventually found the kids and gave them a good scolding afterwards.

If you go alone without a group and a guide, you’ll definitely get an official map from the park, and you’ll get to see the walking trails. However, going there on a tour doesn’t only give you a better experience; you’ll also know that you’ll be safe no matter what happens. It’s very unlikely for over 50 people to go missing at the same time.

Basically, if you’re thinking of straying from designated paths on the map, your safety won’t be guaranteed. You might not get eaten alive by odd-looking monsters, but just to be on the safe side, don’t ever try it. 

Trail Type	Description	Caution
Marked Trails	Clearly indicated, safe	Less exploration
Unmarked Trails	Riskier, adventurous	Potential hazards

Tip 7: Carry a First Aid Kit

Before embarking on your daring journey on the terrains of La Fortuna, you must’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s risky. Sure, it’s an ethereal experience that very few get to enjoy before they die, but you’re also putting yourself in harm’s way by going there. So, be smart and take a First-Aid kit with you. Minor injuries can happen, and being prepared helps manage them effectively. 

Since my wife and I hike frequently, we always carry one along, but most tourist groups travel with at least one qualified nurse. You can try to confirm this before leaving. Your first aid box might not be complete, but don’t leave without carrying the most important items along with you. Some of them are in the table below.

First Aid Item	Purpose	Comments
Bandages	Treat cuts and scrapes	Various sizes
Antiseptic Wipes	Clean wounds	Single-use packs
Pain Relievers	Alleviate pain and inflammation	Ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Tip 8: Check Weather Forecasts

While Arenal’s weather can be unpredictable, it’s also smart to check the weather forecasts before making any decisions. As a matter of fact, some hikers check for details months before they even land in Costa Rica. They look for the safest time and make their plans accordingly. 

I enjoy hiking during all seasons, but like I’ve mentioned before, my wife is a stickler for safety, so she prefers hiking during the dry season. I’ll advise you to do the same. You’ll want to go during the dry season, from December to April, when the trails are less muddy and the weather is a bit more predictable. Understanding the forecast helps you prepare for sudden weather changes and decide if it’s safe to hike. You’ll also know what to wear on your way there. You don’t want to look ridiculous while wearing a jacket when other tourists are wearing hats and crop tops.

Weather Condition	Recommended Gear	Potential Risks
Sunny	Sunscreen, hat	Dehydration, sunburn
Rainy	Rain jacket, waterproof bag	Slippery trails, poor visibility

Tip 9: Hire a Local Guide

As I mentioned earlier, it’s safer to go with a group of people since you’ll get a guide, but if you’re not going to visit Arenal volcano as part of a tour, it might be hard for you to get one of those. If you and your friends are going there alone, you can consider contributing money to hire a qualified local guide, especially if it’s your first time in Costa Rica. No matter how well-equipped you are, if you don’t know which way to go, your “fun” journey can become very frustrating in a matter of hours.

Besides, while independent hiking is possible, a guide can provide valuable insights about the volcano’s geology and history. Who doesn’t love a good history lesson?

Guide Service	Benefits	Drawbacks
Local Guides	Expert knowledge, safety	Additional cost
Self-Guided	Flexible, cost-effective	Less information

Tip 10: Respect Wildlife

On your way to the volcano, you’ll most likely come across different animals. Don’t be silly and try to hunt them down. Last year, Michelle and I went on a hike with some friends from England. It was so much fun until one of them got into a lot of trouble after chasing down a creature in the park. 

Make sure you treat the animals with respect and keep your distance when observing them. Howler monkeys and jaguars are among the many animals you’ll see on your way. It’s certainly okay to take pictures, but try not to touch them. Arenal’s ecosystem is delicate. Minimizing your impact helps preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Wildlife Type	Common Sightings	Safety Tips
Birds	Parrots, toucans	Do not feed or disturb
Mammals	Monkeys, coatis	Keep a safe distance.

 

Planning Your Hike

Hey there, It’s Michelle again. 

Now, you definitely don’t want to go to Arenal unprepared, so here are a few things you need to tick off your list before heading to the most active volcano in the world!

1. Logistics

Planning your hike involves knowing entry fees, permits, and the best times to visit. Arenal Volcano National Park requires an entrance fee, but don’t worry, it’s not too expensive. Natives only have to pay ¢ 500, but non-resident adults pay $15. If you go with your kids, they each have to pay $5. In my opinion, this is a steal. $15 to see one of the world’s greatest wonders? Count me in. Arenal Park is open every day of the week from 8 AM to 4 p.m.

Detail	Information
Entrance Fee	USD 15 per person
Permit	Not required for day hikes
Best Time to Visit	Dry season (December–April)

 

2. Essential Gear and Supplies

Ensure your gear is complete before going on the trip; you need to be prepared for anything. To save you the trouble of having to do research and finding out the essential gear you need for Arenal’s conditions, I’ve prepared a nice table for you below that should help out. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a start.

Item	Purpose
Sturdy Hiking Boots	Traction, ankle support
Rain Jacket	Weather protection
Trekking Poles	Stability
Hydration Pack	Hands-free water access
First Aid Kit	Minor injuries

 

3. Safety Precautions

Safety is paramount when hiking the Arenal Volcano. Even though the volcano was declared inactive 14 years ago, you should know that tourists still see underground rumble, ash, and bright-orange lava flows on the volcano’s site. 

There are other dangers, but I’ll keep it simple. Always stay on marked trails, understand the weather conditions, and have emergency contacts.

Safety Measure	Guideline
Stay on Marked Trails	Avoid hazardous areas.
Check Weather	Prepare for sudden changes.
Emergency Contacts	Park Office: (+506) 8986-5959 +18003394570

 

If you’re at the start of your hiking journey in La Fortuna, don’t miss  10 Most Beautiful Hikes in La Fortuna. This guide will help you discover some of the most breathtaking trails in Costa Rica.

Conclusion

Join us in experiencing the beauty of Arenal Volcano with these pro tips. Visit Arenal Park’s travel website for more information and bookings. If you enjoyed this little guide, sign up for our newsletter for exclusive travel tips and updates. Happy hiking!