Arenal Volcano rises over the town of La Fortuna in the northern lowlands, about three hours by road from San José airport. Most visitors stay in La Fortuna and split their days between the volcano's trails, the hot springs and the lake.
Getting there
By car, allow about three hours from SJO. Public buses leave from San José's Terminal Atlántico Norte and take around five hours. Shuttle companies also run the trip.
Arenal Volcano National Park
The national park opens daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Tickets are sold at the entrance and paid by card only: cash is not accepted. No bus goes to the park entrances, so you need a car, a taxi or a tour. The closest town is La Fortuna, about half an hour away.
On to Monteverde: the jeep-boat-jeep
The quickest way from La Fortuna to Monteverde is the jeep-boat-jeep: a short drive to Lake Arenal, a boat across the lake of about 40 minutes, then about an hour and a half on gravel roads up to Santa Elena. The whole trip takes three to four hours, depending on the weather and the roads.
Good to know
- Emergencies. Call 911, the national number for police, fire and ambulance.
