Arenal Volcano
National Park
Central America (Alajuela)Designated in 199129 km²
One of the youngest and, until 2010, most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, with an unexpected eruption in 1968 that buried three villages
Area
29 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1991
Declared in 1991, it protects the Arenal volcano, reckoned geologically very young, which lay dormant and forest-covered for centuries until on 29 July 1968 it erupted suddenly and violently, with almost no warning, burying three villages and killing more than 80 people. After that eruption the volcano kept up almost continuous activity for more than four decades, with lava flows visible at night that became one of the great tourist attractions of Costa Rica, until it entered a quiet period in 2010 which continues to this day.
Location
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4 dive sites within 300 km are also shown.
Arenal Volcano: 58 documented species
Mammals23Birds18Reptiles4Amphibians
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in Costa Rica, where Arenal Volcano lies.
Tropical rainforestMarine / coastal
Experiences in this park
Diving and snorkellingBirdwatching
Nearby dive sites
Where can I dive near here?
216 km away
264 km away
295 km away
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in Costa Rica?
Now is a good time: Olive ridley arribada at Ostional (July to November (largest arribadas; smaller ones occur year-round))
Now is a good time: Sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica (July to October at Tortuguero (peak in August and September); March to July for leatherbacks)
Now is a good time: Sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica (July to October at Tortuguero (peak in August and September); March to July for leatherbacks)
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: Costa Rica
Same country: Costa Rica
Same country: Costa Rica
Same country: Costa Rica
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
Comments
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