Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area in central Costa Rica. The park includes the Arenal volcano, the country's most active volcano, which was thought to be dormant until the great eruption of 1968. It is adjacent to Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country. From a geological point of view, Arenal is a young volcano, estimated to be less than 7,500 years old. There is a second volcano in the park, Chato, which has a lagoon in its crater. Also known as Cerro Chato, the volcano has been inactive for about 3,500 years. The National Park includes the Volcanic Museum and a ranger station. The area is popular with birdwatchers, since most of the 850 species identified in Costa Rica are found within the park's boundaries. Among these is one of the country's most elusive and beautiful birds, the endangered Resplendent Quetzal. Other resident species in the park include White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys, jaguar, deer, tapir, coati, and snakes like the Terciopelo and Parrot Snake. There is also a strong presence of flora in the park, with orchids, heliconias, ferns, laurel, cirri, guayabo de monte, palms, bromeliads and strangler figs. The volcanic soil is rich in minerals, so everything nurtures perfectly. Ornamental plants and fruit trees such as ginger, orange, cocoa and banana trees are grown on the plains. Costa Ricans are fond of flowers and plants. Even the most modest house has a lovely garden for all to see.