Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, the national park and Lake Arenal: what is what?
The volcano: Arenal
Arenal is a stratovolcano (a cone-shaped mountain built by successive eruptions) in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. It stands 1,633 metres tall with a nearly perfect symmetrical shape. It last erupted in December 2010. The volcano itself is the destination; tours base themselves near it and walk its lava fields.
The town: La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a small town about 15 kilometres east of the park gate, in the forest. It is the nearest settlement and the base from which most tours depart. Hotels, restaurants and guide operators cluster here. When you "stay in La Fortuna," you are not on the volcano — you are in the town, and most tours drive 15–30 minutes to reach the lava fields.
The protected area: Arenal Volcano Ecological Park (the national park)
This is the government-managed reserve that surrounds the volcano and its lava fields. Entry is $17 for adults. It covers 12,124 hectares and includes the lava fields, lower trails and some wildlife habitat. When you book a "park entry ticket," you are buying access to this specific protected zone. Read the park vs. reserve distinction.
The lake: Lake Arenal (Lago Arenal)
This is a separate geographic feature: a large artificial reservoir along the volcano’s western flank, about 17 kilometres from La Fortuna by road. The Sangregado dam was completed in 1979 for hydroelectric power, tripling the size of the natural lake that preceded it. Some tours mention it because it is in the region and visible from the road, but it is not part of the volcano experience. Do not assume a "lake tour" is volcano-related.
Why the naming confusion matters
Search results for "Arenal" return information about the volcano, the town, the park, the lake and sometimes hot springs — all of which are different. A tour that says "Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal" is covering two separate locations, not one. A "La Fortuna tour" might mean the town itself, not the volcano. When you book, read the tour description carefully to confirm you are going to the lava fields or the cone base, not just the town or the lake.
Quick navigation
- Want to hike lava fields? Book an Arenal Volcano Ecological Park tour. See all available tours.
- Want to see the cone? Go on a morning tour to the lava fields. Visibility is weather-dependent.
- Want to spot wildlife? Book a night walk or wildlife safari. Learn what species you might see.
- Want the lake? That is a separate activity not covered by volcano tours.
Book a tour
Arenal Volcano Ecological Park tours run daily. GetYourGuide listings specify which location (volcano, town, lake) each tour visits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arenal Volcano the same as La Fortuna?
No. Arenal is a volcano (a mountain). La Fortuna is the nearest town, roughly 15 kilometres from the park gate. Most tours base in La Fortuna and drive to the volcano for the hike.
What is the difference between Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal town?
The park is a protected area around the volcano covering 12,124 hectares, established in 1991. The town (La Fortuna) is a settlement about 15km away where tourists stay and tours depart from.
Is Lake Arenal part of a volcano tour?
Not usually. It is a separate reservoir along the volcano’s western base, dammed in 1979 for hydropower. Some tours mention it because it is in the region, but the volcano itself is the main attraction.