If you’re planning an Arenal volcano hike in La Fortuna, chances are you’ve been weighing up the three major trails. Given that each of them has an entry fee, you’re probably not planning to hike them all - and that’s where we come in.
We hiked all three trails, and for us there was a clear winner, so you won’t find us sitting on the fence. However, we’ll also run through all the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which walk is right for you.
If you want to read our individual guides, which offer lots more detail on each trail, you’ll find them here: Arenal National Park, Arenal 1968, and Mirador El Silencio.
The best Arenal volcano hike
The volcano views
Arenal National Park
Ranking: 3rd
Whilst the national park does have two good volcano viewpoints, they were our least favourite of any of the three walks.
The dense foliage in the foreground covers much of the volcanic rock, and minimises the impact of the volcano looming over the landscape. This makes the view less dramatic.
In addition to the two lookouts on the walking trail, there is a drive up viewpoint - which is definitely worth a visit, but I am guessing if you’re reading this guide you’re keen on doing a hike.
If you only want a drive up view, then you can get those for free around the area without needing to pay an entry fee.
Arenal 1968
Ranking: 2nd
Arenal 1968 has several fabulous Arenal viewpoints. The main lookout has plenty of the black volcanic rock in the foreground, which creates a more dramatic view than at the national park.
It’s not in our opinion as dramatic as the one at Mirador El Silencio, but it’s definitely our second favourite Arenal view.
Mirador El Silencio
Ranking: 1st
For us the clear winner when it comes to volcano views is Mirador El Silencio. There are two main viewpoints and both have a huge amount of black volcanic rock in the foreground.
The volcano also feels like it looms a bit more prominently over the scenery, perhaps you are slightly closer, or perhaps that’s just how it feels, but either way it was our favourite viewpoint.
The trail
Arenal National Park
Ranking: 3rd
I feel like I am picking on it now, but the walk at Arenal National Park was also our least favourite. In fact, if you don’t do the full circuit, then it’s not a very inspiring walk at all by Costa Rica’s high standards.
The circuit walk takes you through a spectacular stretch of rainforest, and this section we enjoyed a lot. But despite this, it still didn’t match up to the trails at Arenal 1968, or Mirador El Silencio.
We enjoyed it, but had we not have done the circuit and simply walked to the viewpoint as the majority of people were doing, I would have been decidedly underwhelmed.
Arenal 1968
Ranking: 2nd
Much like at the national park, most people only walk to the viewpoint and back. We do not recommend this because the you are missing some of the best bits of the trail.
If you do walk to the viewpoint only, it’s still a better walk than at the national park, as you traverse significantly more lava flow, but the forest along the circuit trail was totally gorgeous and unlike any other we visited in the area.
It’s really mossy and beautiful and there is even a section of lava flow you can walk over inside the forest itself, which felt unique.
Arenal 1968 when walked as a circuit is a great trail, if walked as a return to the lookout, it’s good but not great.
Mirador El Silencio
Ranking: 1st
Mirador El Silencio was our favourite walk of the three. We chose to walk from the ticket office, which sees you hike through a stunning stretch of primary rainforest. It has full jungle vibes, with gorgeous strangler figs, epiphytes, twisted vines and so much more. You have a touch of road noise at the very beginning and then it’s all nature sounds, the kind I sometimes listen to when trying to get to sleep, so it was really relaxing.
You’ll pass a good viewpoint of Arenal volcano before you arrive at the two main viewing areas, and you’re likely to have this first view all to yourself, which makes it extra special. There’s a good portion of lava flow to hike up too.
I’d say if you don’t hike through the rainforest and instead drive to the second car park, from which it’s a very short walk to the viewpoint, then it’s possibly not as good as the walk at Arenal 1968 as it’s so much shorter, but if you do the full circuit then it’s the winner for us.
Difficulty
Arenal National Park: Easy
The walk at Arenal National Park is the easiest of the three if you hike the full circuits. This is because it has the least elevation gain. The shortest walk (directly to the viewpoint and back) is longer than the shortest versions at Arenal 1968 or Mirador El Silencio, and probably sits about even with the shortest version at Mirador El Silencio.
When it comes to terrain, you have some rocky and uneven ground when traversing the lava flow, but also a lot of smooth ground leading up to the volcanic rock. In the forest section you will face significant mud.
It’s mainly flat, so you don’t have to worry about muddy hills, but you will definitely have to squelch through some large muddy areas, even in the dry season. In the rainy season, the forest section could become rather boggy.
This section was the only part of any of the three trails that had significant mud.
Arenal 1968: Easy on the short circuit, moderate on the longer circuit
If you walk the full circuit at Arenal 1968, it’s harder than the walk at the national park, but easier than the full circuit at Mirador El Silencio. You have twice the elevation gain of the national park, but a third less than at Mirador El Silencio, which makes it a nice middle ground.
When it comes to terrain, you will have quite a bit of rocky ground to walk over, but it’s pretty good up to the viewpoint.
The second half of the circuit, beyond the viewpoint, has some rougher terrain. Nothing I would say is really challenging, but definitely some short ups and downs on rocky and tree rooty tracks.
Mirador El Silencio: Easy on the short circuit, moderate on the longer circuit
If you walk the full circuit through the rainforest, then the trail at Mirador El Silencio is the hardest as you have the most climbing to do. It has some rocky and tree rooty terrain like the other two walks, but nothing too challenging.
There are a couple of short steep downhill sections, but there are handrails in place at these points.
There is also some slightly confusing signage at points, as the words on the signs don’t always correspond to the words on the map, but we detailed where this happens and what path to take in this guide.
The crowds
Arenal National Park
Ranking: 3rd
Arenal National Park was the most crowded of the trails we walked. I guess because it’s the national park, so it’s more well known.
The forest section of the track was less crowded, but overall we found significantly more people along the trail at the national park than either of the other two reserves.
Arenal 1968
Ranking: Joint 1st
There were a fair few people walking the trail at Arenal 1968 as far as the viewpoint. However, beyond the viewpoint we didn’t see another soul, which made the second half of the walk much more special.
I would say it’s not overly crowded, but you will see a decent amount of people along the first half of the walk, unless you go early or late.
Mirador El Silencio
Ranking: Joint 1st
As with Arenal 1968 we didn’t see anyone at all on one section of the trail - the rainforest leading to the second car park. From the second car park to the viewpoint we saw a reasonable number of people, but less than at Arenal 1968.
Overall, on our visit, Mirador El Silencio had the least crowds overall. However, you are likely to share the viewpoints with others unless you go early or late.
The cost
Arenal National Park - Middle ground
The national park is the middle ground price-wise as it’s USD $15 plux tax, I think that made it around $17 from memory. It’s not cheap by world standards, as that’s only entry for one day, but it’s average for Costa Rica.
Arenal 1968 - Most expensive
Arenal 1968 is the most expensive of the three hikes at a whopping USD $25 per person. I think this is really high and it is hard to justify the price. Especially when you see the price of Mirador El Silencio.
Mirador El Silencio - Cheapest
Inexplicably Mirador El Silencio is by far your cheapest option at 5000 colones, or approx USD $9 per person. I have no idea why it cost so much less as it was our favourite of the three trails, and we’re not factoring cost into our opinion on that.
I feel like next time we come to La Fortuna it will probably cost much more, but for now it’s a bit of a bargain!
The wildlife
Arenal National Park
Ranking: 2nd
I almost didn’t include this section because we didn’t see much wildlife on any of the trails (by Costa Rican standards).
At the national park we saw a few birds, most notably the Great Curassow’s, which were numerous in the forest section of the track. We also saw some cute micro bats in the tree hollow of La Ceiba (the oldest tree in the forest).
Arenal 1968
Ranking: 3rd
We saw the least amount of wildlife at Arenal 1968, just a few birds here and there. However, we did narrowly miss seeing some monkeys, which the people at the cafe at the end of the trail had seen, so they’re out there, we just didn’t spot them.
Mirador El Silencio
Ranking: 1st
We saw the most wildlife at Mirador El Silencio, as we saw several coatis as well as five toucans, motmots and a variety of other birdlife. We didn’t spot any monkeys, although people often do.
So which is the best Arenal volcano hike?
| Arenal NP | Arenal 1968 | Mirador Silencio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 3.6 - 5.5km | 3.5 - 5.4km | 1.1 - 6km |
| Views | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️✔️ |
| Trail | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️✔️ |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy - moderate | Easy - moderate |
| Crowds | ❌❌❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Wildlife | 🦋🦋 | 🦋 | 🦋🦋🦋 |
| Cost | $17 | $25 | $9 |
I think we’ve made it pretty obvious already, but incase anyone wants to skim read, we thought we’d do a quick summary.
Mirador El Silencio is our favourite of the three hikes, followed by Arenal 1968 and then the national park. The national park is a fair way behind the other two.
For us Mirador El Silencio had it all: the best views, the least crowds, the most wildlife and the lowest prices. Need I say more?
Where to stay in La Fortuna
Arenal Observatory Lodge
The Arenal Observatory is a pretty special place. The lodge has incredible views of the iconic Mount Arenal - even from the rooms!
The rooms are clean, comfortable and well away from the hustle and bustle of La Fortuna town.
It’s surrounded by nearly 900 acres of privately managed rainforest, there are walking trails and even a bird sanctuary on site.
Check the latest prices & availability on:
Apartamento Equipados RyA del Volcan
For those looking for a comfortable stay in a central location, this apartment is a great choice.
Apartamento Equipados RyA del Volcan is a short walk from the centre of La Fortuna, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking or paying for a taxi every time you go out for a meal.
The rooms are stylishly furnished, clean and have a small living area and kitchen for the times you don’t fancy eating out.
Check the latest prices & availability on:
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Thanks for your support.
