Arenal National Park vs. the 1968 Reserve: which is which?
Arenal Volcano Ecological Park (the government park)
This is the main public facility and the one most tours use. Managed by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), it covers 12,124 hectares and includes the 1968 lava fields that most tours walk on. Entry is $17 for adults (non-residents), paid at the gate in cash or card only. Hours are 08:00–16:00 daily. Two main trails access the lava fields; a guide is optional on some tours but recommended. The park is accessible and open year-round.
The 1968 Lava Reserve (private concession)
This is a smaller, privately operated area with a separate gate. It also provides access to 1968 lava flows but under different terms: higher entry fees, restricted hours, and smaller group sizes (for a more exclusive experience). The reserve is sometimes promoted as an alternative, but the rock and experience are similar to the park. Most tourists use the public park because it is cheaper and more accessible.
Comparison table: what you actually get
| La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Ecological Park Entry Ticket | Most commonLa Fortuna: Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Admission Ticket | La Fortuna Night Walk at Arenal Volcano | Wildlife Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Government (MINAE) | Private | Private |
| Entry fee | $17 | $39 | $60 |
| What you see | 1968 & 1992 lava | Canopy bridges | Wildlife, lava base |
| Trail type | Lava rock walking | Canopy walk | Night forest walk |
| Hours | 08:00–16:00 | 09:00–15:30 | Varies by tour |
| Guides included | Optional | Recommended | Yes, included |
| View → | Book this → | View → |
Why the confusion?
When tourists search for "Arenal Volcano National Park" or "Arenal 1968 hike," they find both facilities mentioned in blogs and tour listings. There is no single name; different operators use both. The park itself is technically called the "Arenal Volcano Ecological Park," not a national park, which adds to the muddle. The result: visitors often do not know which gate they will enter or what the rules are until arrival.
Practical guide: which to choose
Unless you specifically want canopy bridges (in which case: Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Admission), use the public park. It is cheaper, has more trails, longer hours, and most guides work there. GetYourGuide listings default to the park for exactly this reason. Book a guided tour through the park and you avoid the confusion entirely.
What you’ll actually be walking on
The Arenal hike is a walk on 1968 and 1992 cooled lava rock, moderate difficulty and geologically striking. Both the park and the reserve offer access to the same lava fields. The park is simply the more accessible, cheaper option for most tourists. See how the eight tours compare to find the right fit.
Book park entry with a guide
Most tours include park entry, transportation and a local guide. You pay one price on GetYourGuide; the operator handles the gate and logistics.
Frequently asked questions
Are the park and the 1968 Reserve the same place?
No. They are separate facilities with different owners, gates, hours and trails. Both offer access to 1968 lava flows, but the park is public and cheaper ($17); the reserve is private and more expensive.
Which should I go to?
The public park, unless you specifically want hanging bridges or an ultra-exclusive small group. It is the main facility and is what most tours use. Book through GetYourGuide and the operator handles all details.
What are the park hours?
08:00–16:00 daily. The 1968 Reserve has different, more limited hours. Both are closed Christmas Day only.