The Arenal Volcano is considered one of the seven wonders of Costa Rica and many people have called the heart of tourism in the country thanks to the wide variety of adventure and ecotourism activities that this destination has to offer.
Many year ago, most of the deforested lands around the Volcano where dedicated to agriculture and cattle ranches, however nature lovers and visionaries started a reforestation process, creating small oasis of jungles where life began to emerge again.
Arenal Natura Park, is a conservation project of 3.7 hectares with the objective of promoting the education and research behind Costa Rica natural richness and its natural ecosystems. The park support the conservation of species in danger of extinction specially amphibians and reptiles and develop an effective sustainable plan to take care of the resources they use.
Located at only 10 minutes from most of the hotels in Arenal, the tourist transportation will be waiting for you in the lobby of your selected hotel and will transfer you to this amazing park.
Once in the place, the professional naturistic guide will bring you a briefing and regulations while you are walking through the 800 meters trail, which is mostly flat and well maintained, making this an easy and enjoyable tour, accessible to guests of all ages.
Along the 2 hours walk, you will visit the different stations and viewpoints that surrounds these regenerating jungles filled with biodiversity that have become important habitats for wild species.
First stop will be at the butterfly garden. The experience not only includes an opportunity to spot a variety of different species of butterflies flying about, but the educative tour showcases the various stages of a butterfly’s life cycle in the insect’s own habitat. From spotting eggs and larva on leaves to watching full-grown butterflies feast on what will soon be their final meal.
In the Crocodiles Lagoon, you can observe the giant crocodile, one of the most feared reptiles on earth also the Cayman, which are abundant in lakes, rivers, and marshes. These carnivorous animals lays absolutely in silent, poking only their eyes out, watching the movements of their possible prey to attack at just the right time.
In the Snake Garden, the park have carefully recreated the natural habitats of several species of poison and non-poison snakes found in Costa Rica. This serpentarium offers a safe exhibition to assure their living conditions. The naturalist guide will provide interesting information about each species: their ecosystem, food sources, different colours, evolution, and natural adaptation.
In the middle of the trails, you will be able to see colonies of leafcutter ants working tireless day and night. The guides will point them out and will explain the important role of these tiny insects in the rainforest ecosystem, regulating the dead leaves on the ground and permitting sunlight to pass through the forest.
The frog gardens is the next stop, here you will find eight modules that exhibit around 30 different species of diurnal and nocturnal frogs which inhabit the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. You will learn about the importance of preserving their natural habitats and the life style of these species in the forests.
In the Turtles Pond, you are going to learn important facts about the different species of turtles. By nature, they are one of the longest living species, many of which reach over 100 years of age and it is very interesting that in the last 80 million years they have not evolved, making them the reptiles which have best conserved their natural form. This attraction is a family-favorite among guests of all ages.
At the end of the path, you will learn important facts about the stingless bees (meliponini), the pollinators per excellence of the tropical and subtropical forests of the world.
Type of Excursion: Nature
Difficulty Level: Suitable for all tourists
Days of Operation: Monday to Sunday
Approximate Duration: 2.5 hours
Approximate Pick Up Time: Schedule 1: Between 07:45am to 08:15am
Schedule 2: Between 09:45am to 10:15am
Schedule 3: Between 12:45pm to 01:15pm
Schedule 4: Between 02:45pm to 03:15pm
Recommendations: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, raincoat, sun visor hat or similar, Sunglasses with UV protection, Sunscreen, insects repellent, aluminum water bottle, camera and binoculars.
In case of passengers with reduced mobility, heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, overweight, or women in any stages of pregnancy, please advise us in advance in order to take the previsions and provide them with the best possible care.
Children Policy: Infant rate apply from 0-5 years old. CHD rate apply from 6 to 11 years old sharing the service with 2 adults.
Important Remarks: This tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate and maximum of 265 passengers per schedule. Maximum passengers per guide: 10 passengers
