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Puma Expeditions
Arenal 1968: Lava Fields & Volcano Views, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna

Arenal 1968: Lava Fields & Volcano Views

Moderate
Difficulty
Half day
Duration
~3–4 hours
From 1 guest
Private, up to 14
La Fortuna
Destination

Hike across Arenal Volcano’s 1968 lava fields with a naturalist guide, enjoying some of La Fortuna’s clearest views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.

Walk across the lava fields left by Arenal Volcano's historic 1968 eruption on this guided hike through Arenal 1968, a private reserve in La Fortuna. Well-maintained trails lead through regenerating rainforest, secondary forest, and open lava flows, with some of the clearest views of the volcano's cone and Lake Arenal in the area.

Along the way, your naturalist guide explains the volcano's geological history, the events of 1968, and how the forest has gradually reclaimed the land in the decades since. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to take in the scale of the volcano, and watch for birds and other wildlife that have returned to the area.

The hike ends with a tropical fruit snack and cold water. Ideal for travelers looking for open landscapes, volcano views, and excellent photography, this experience offers a close look at the forces that shaped La Fortuna.

  • Puma Expeditions: 5.0 on Google · 3 reviews
  • Certified by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), fully insured local operator.
  • No payment is required yet. A local host normally replies within one business day.

La Fortuna

We pick you up at your hotel or the airport and handle the full route, door to door.

≈ 2¾ h from LIR · ≈ 3 h from SJO

Driving times are approximate.

GuanacasteAlajuelaHerediaSan JoséCartagoLimónPuntarenasPapagayoLiberiaRincón de la ViejaBijagua · TenorioTamarindoPalo VerdeOstionalNosara · SámaraSanta TeresaMonteverdeLa FortunaTortugueroJacóQuepos · Manuel AntonioOsa PeninsulaPuerto ViejoLIRGuanacasteAirportSJOJuan Santamaría Int'l
  • LIRGuanacaste Airport
  • SJOJuan Santamaría Int'l
  1. Papagayo
  2. Liberia
  3. Rincón de la Vieja
  4. Bijagua · Tenorio
  5. Tamarindo
  6. Palo Verde
  7. Ostional
  8. Nosara · Sámara
  9. Santa Teresa
  10. Monteverde
  11. La Fortuna
  12. Tortuguero
  13. Jacó
  14. Quepos · Manuel Antonio
  15. Osa Peninsula
  16. Puerto Viejo

Meet your local hosts

One of them plans your day, picks you up and brings you back. Who exactly depends on the date.

  • Daniel Alvarado, Driver Guide at Puma Expeditions

    Daniel Alvarado

    Driver Guide · ES, EN

    Around twelve years in Costa Rican tourism. On the drive between Guanacaste and Arenal he points out how fast the landscape and climate change, and shares the history of both regions along the way. His picks: the Palo Verde boat safari and Rincón de la Vieja's Pailas trail.

  • Kevin Arias, Naturalist Guide at Puma Expeditions

    Kevin Arias

    Naturalist Guide · ES, EN

    Twenty years guiding Costa Rica as a general and naturalist guide, with a special passion for botany: he points out plant adaptations, ecological relationships and the quiet work that trees, flowers and lianas do in the ecosystem. His favorite day is Palo Verde, where wildlife, tropical wetlands, cultural traditions and history meet — and the birdlife is spectacular.

  • Ronny Bonilla, Driver Guide at Puma Expeditions

    Ronny Bonilla

    Driver Guide · ES, EN

    Twenty-two years in tourism, from restaurants to tour sales to driving and guiding. Místico is his favorite trail: rich in wildlife, easy to walk, and full of the forest's secrets. On transfers north he loves the moment the dry Pacific crosses an invisible line into rainforest green.

From$385
2 guests
Final price depends on pickup