The Arenal Volcano National Park has 12,124 hectares, and is located in the northwest region of Costa Rica, 15 km. from La Fortuna. The park has several trails and viewpoints, which allow the observation of much of the flora and fauna of the area, as well as remains of lava flows. The park is considered a living laboratory due to its complexity in the development of biological processes. It also provides 70% of the water contained in the Arenal reservoir basin, the country’s main source of hydroelectric energy.
The Arenal volcano remained inactive for a long time, until in 1968 it made a strong eruption that caused the destruction of the towns at the foot of the volcano, and the death of many people. With a height ranging from 500 to 1,633 meters above sea level, the volcano stands out visibly with an almost perfect conical conformation, which is why it stands out from the rest of the other volcanoes in the country.