Arenal Volcano Hike — 1968 Trail
Walk across the real 1968 lava flows. 3.4 km, 3 viewpoints, 2.5 hours at the base of Costa Rica's most famous active volcano.
Book guided hikeArenal Volcano is northern Costa Rica's most iconic postcard: a perfect 1,633 m cone that roared for 42 years, from the initial explosion of July 29, 1968 until it entered dormancy in 2010. While you cannot hike to the crater, you *can* walk directly on the lava flows from the original event — a geological privilege very few active volcanoes in the world allow.
The 1968 Trail (private park on the western base) is the best access: 3.4 km moderate loop, three viewpoints of the cone and Lake Arenal, and secondary forest that has already recolonized parts of the flows — with toucans, monkeys and coatis coexisting with volcanic rock. This guide covers everything: cost, difficulty, best time, wildlife and how to build the perfect day with hot springs or the Waterfall.
Can you hike Arenal Volcano?
Not to the crater: the summit is closed because the volcano is still classified as active. What you can walk is the 1968 Trail, a 3.4 km loop across the lava flows of the 1968 eruption, with three viewpoints of the cone and Lake Arenal. It takes 2 to 2.5 hours at guided pace.
You can do it as a Private Tour (your party only) or as a Group Tour where available. Pickup depends on your hotel and zone, and we confirm it in writing before you book.
Quick facts
Cost
Park entry paid at the gate · guided tour price on its tour page
Distance & elevation
3.4 km loop · +150 m · Moderate
Duration
2–2.5 hours with 3 viewpoints
Best time
Afternoon (2–5pm) — cone reveals
Wildlife
Toucans, monkeys, coatis, 200+ birds
Safety
Marked trail, local naturalist guides
Frequently asked questions
Can you hike Arenal Volcano?+
You cannot hike to the crater — Arenal is still active and the summit is closed for safety. What you *can* hike is the Arenal 1968 Trail, a 3.4 km loop on the actual lava fields from the historic 1968 eruption, with panoramic views of the volcano cone and Lake Arenal. It's the closest legal approach.
How long is the Arenal 1968 hike?+
3.4 km loop, 2–2.5 hours at guided pace including 3 viewpoints. Elevation gain is only ~150 m — moderate. Terrain is loose lava rock and packed earth. Sturdy closed shoes required. Trekking poles helpful on the descent.
Is Arenal Volcano still active?+
Yes — Arenal is dormant since 2010 but still classified as active. No lava flows or eruptions currently, but fumaroles are visible from the 1968 viewpoint. The volcano last had a major eruption cycle from 1968 to 2010, killing 87 people in the initial 1968 event.
How much does the Arenal 1968 hike cost?+
Park entrance is $18 per adult (kids under 8 free, 8–12 half). A VIVO guided hike includes a naturalist guide, the park ticket and water; the current price per person is shown on the tour page, and pickup depends on your hotel and zone. The neighboring Arenal National Park costs $15 and covers different trails — most travelers pick 1968 for the direct lava-field experience.
What is the best time to hike Arenal Volcano?+
Late afternoon (2–5pm) — clouds lift, the cone reveals itself, and light is warm for photography. Sunrise hikes (5:30am) are also spectacular but the volcano is often clouded until 8am. Avoid midday during the dry season (Jan–Apr) — no shade on the lava fields.
What wildlife can you see on the Arenal 1968 Trail?+
Coatis, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, toucans (Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled), crested guans, and 200+ bird species. A naturalist guide is what turns this from a scenic walk into a proper wildlife tour — trained eyes find far more than an unguided walk does.
Is the Arenal hike hard?+
Moderate. Fit adults and active kids 8+ handle it comfortably. The terrain is uneven (loose lava rock) so ankle support matters. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. If you've done any hike in the last year you'll be fine.
Can you combine the Arenal hike with hot springs?+
That's exactly what most guests do. The 1968 hike in the afternoon (2–5pm) then hot springs from 5pm onwards is the classic La Fortuna day. Book the La Fortuna Classic Combo to add the waterfall in the morning and make it a full day with lunch.