If you leave the Costa Rican coast and head inland toward La Fortuna, the Arenal 1968 Trail is well worth adding to your itinerary. It’s a beautifully maintained hike that winds through lava fields and forest beside one of the country’s most iconic volcanoes. I loved that I didn’t run into many other people on my hike, and I was especially impressed by the variety of wildlife along the way (don’t forget your camera!).
If you’re heading to La Fortuna, you’ve probably already got Arenal Volcano on your radar. I was tempted to climb it myself, but that’s not allowed. The volcano is still considered active, and access is restricted for safety reasons. Thankfully, there are plenty of great trails nearby where you can stretch your legs and still get incredible views of Arenal, including the Arenal 1968 Trail. Keep reading to find out why it’s worth adding to your trip.
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Arenal 1968 Trail Map (Costa Rica)
About the Arenal 1968 Trail
Location: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Distance: 6 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 160 metre gain
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Fee: Entrance fee of $26 USD per adult required
Dog friendly: No, dogs are not permitted in the reserve.
Family friendly: Yes, but not stroller-friendly.
Features: The trail winds through lava fields left behind after the 1968 eruption, combining well-maintained paths with a mix of shaded forest and open sections. Along the way, there are several viewpoints looking out toward Arenal Volcano, and it’s common to spot wildlife like monkeys, birds, and the occasional reptile. The trailhead is well set up with bathrooms and a café, and there are several trail options to explore.
Directions to the Arenal 1968 Trail from La Fortuna
Getting to the trailhead for the Arenal 1968 Trail is pretty straightforward. The trailhead is about a 25–30 minute drive west of town along Route 142 toward Lake Arenal. If you’re driving, the roads are paved the entire way, and the entrance is well signed. Taxis are also a reliable option from La Fortuna and can drop you directly at the gate. There’s no public bus that goes right to the trailhead, so renting a car or arranging a taxi is the easiest and most flexible way to get there, especially if you want to explore other spots afterward.
Arenal 1968 Hike — Volcano Views & Historic Lava Flows
I hiked the Arenal 1968 Trail counterclockwise, which I’d definitely recommend. It eases you into the hike before opening up into some of the most impressive parts of the loop. The trail starts out wide and well-maintained, moving through a mix of forest and semi-open terrain. It’s gentle elevation gain with the occasional peek at Arenal Volcano through the trees.
Further along, the landscape shifts into exposed lava fields from the 1968 eruption, and this is where things really get interesting. The terrain feels more rugged, with volcanic rock underfoot (trail runners are a good choice) and open views toward the volcano. The climbs are noticeable but very manageable, and there are plenty of benches and viewpoints along the way if you want to slow down or take photos.
The loop heads back into greener forest and leads you back toward the trailhead, making the counterclockwise direction feel well-balanced from start to finish. I didn’t find the trail crowded at all, and wildlife sightings were common, especially birds and monkeys. I watched a mother howler with her baby for several minutes, high in the tree canopy. All in all, it took me about two hours to complete the 6-km loop, with lots of time to stop and soak up the views.
Read next: Cahuita National Park Hike in Costa Rica
Know Before You Go
Fee: The entrance fee is $26 USD per adult, which includes access to the trail network and facilities at the trailhead. Payment is made on arrival.
Toilets: Flush toilets are available at the trailhead near the parking area. There are no facilities on the trail, so make sure to go before you start hiking.
Wildlife: Wildlife sightings are very common, especially monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Please keep your distance and don’t feed wildlife to keep them wild.
Drones: Drones are not permitted.
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you bring with you and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation. Staying on designated trails helps protect the landscape.
Safety: These trails are nicely maintained, but sections through the lava fields are exposed and can get hot under the sun. Bring a full water bottle and use sun protection.
What to Bring: Carry water and snacks, sunscreen, and even bug spray in your day pack. A hat and sunglasses are also a good idea for the exposed sections.
Other: There’s a café at the trailhead that’s perfect for a coffee or snack before or after your hike. Aim for an early start to avoid the crowds.
Things To Do in La Fortuna
La Fortuna is one of those places where it’s easy to stay busy without feeling too rushed. Between hiking around Arenal Volcano, soaking in hot springs after a long day outside, chasing waterfalls like La Fortuna Waterfall, and spotting wildlife in the rainforest, there’s no shortage of things to do. You can keep it active with ziplining or canyoning, or slow things down with good food and coffee in town. Whether you’re here for adventure or some downtime, La Fortuna is a great base for exploring this part of Costa Rica.
Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? Have you already hiked the Arenal 1968 Trail or explored other trails around La Fortuna? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
