Arenal Volcano Hike
 

Some questions regarding this:

Is it a good idea to do the Arenal Volcano Hike through a tour group? If so, which one?

Is it a strenuous hike? Or something that beginner hikers can do?

Anything we should know about it, what to pack, etc??

I booked my tour there thru my hotel which uses Sunset Tours, as many hotels in the area do. It's a relatively easy walk - mostly flat until the very end where you walk out to the old lava flow, and even that isn't very hard just you have to watch your footing a little more. The couple I was with were in the late 60's and they were just fine. Nothing particular to pack other than wear bug spray and bring some water.

ok great - thanks!

Can you do the volcano hike on your own without a guide? Or would you be missing something? Get Lost?

luvtravelin - I told nina and CathyF the same thing, but if you all hike on your own, be sure to show the volcano healthy respect as shown by this story:

www.infocostarica.com/news/28-august-00.html

This would suggest doing a guided hike rather than one on your own, and I think Sunset tours may offer that. Arenal is fascinating, but as you can see from the 2000 story, it can be dangerous too.

Yes you are right. I didn't even think of that. We will definitely do the tour :)

You can drive to EL SILENCIO and walk around the old lava fload...is just the best and the volcano view is great.

The entrance fee is about $3.00 per person...perfect place to take pictures.

Rocio

what is el silencio?

bookmarking

That is the trail Sunset Tours will take you on. You can do on your own really, you don't get into any danger areas on that trail and the booth will give you a map.

El Silencio is a very popular tour in La Fortuna..is a place that you can see an old lava fload...you can go up walking or drive all the way to the top...is next to Los Lagos Hotel...at the left hand side driving from La Fortuna!

Rocio

I like to corect my post about El Silencio...the property where El Silencio is located it belongs to Mr. Fabio Cedeno, owner of Los Lagos, he let the city people council of La Fortuna to use the "space" where El Silencio is located...and what ever money the make there is use to help poor families from La Fortuna..and even that is the same farm where Los Lagos is located...is a lot further from Los Lagos

Rocio