Note: This national park has two sectors, the volcano sector and the peninsula sector. Here we will focus on the volcano sector. Check out this post on the peninsula sector. Your ticket to the park will grant you access to both sectors for the same day. You cannot do one sector one day and the other sector another day unfortunately.
About: There are 3 parking lots for your convenience. The first and lowest parking lot will provide you with the longest hike. The second and middle parking lot is a little further up the road, allowing you to skip the first kilometer or so. Park at the second parking lot if you wish to hike up to the lava. You can hike the direct path to the lava and then come right back the way you came, or after seeing the lava, make a loop which is a bit longer of a route but allows you some different scenery. The third and highest parking lot has a viewpoint of the volcano (on a clear day). There is no hiking necessary at this point.
Province: Alajuela
Starting from: La Fortuna
Time to reach from starting location: 22 minutes
Time needed for activity: 2+ hours
Kid friendly: Yes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, the viewpoint at the third parking lot is accessible to all.
What to wear and bring: Comfortable clothes, walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, poncho, camera, water, snacks
Tips: Park at the second parking lot, hike to the lava and decide if you have energy for the longer loop back or just come back the way you came. Then drive to the third parking lot for a nice view of the volcano. Hiking earlier in the morning is best. You can avoid the hotter part of the day and the rainier part too usually. You will also have a better chance of clear skies to see the volcano. A guide is not necessary but as usual will provide a lot of information and help spot any wildlife. Take a break for lunch before heading to the peninsula sector. However, there are not restaurant options too close (you have to head back towards town), so this would be a good day to pack a lunch.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rkmewzD7kya22HsK8
Website: https://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/ac/ACAHN/pnva/Pages/default.aspx
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