“My Best Acquaintances Are Those With Whom I Speak No Words.”There are places in the world that speak softly but leave a lasting echo in your soul. For me, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of those places. I never tire of visiting this extraordinary corner of Costa Rica. Each trip feels familiar, yet completely new—like returning to an old friend who always has another story to tell. Here, words are unnecessary. Nature does the talking, and if you listen closely, you will hear it in the wind, the rain, the birds, and the distant rumble of the mighty Arenal Volcano itself.
Arenal Volcano National Park is not just a destination; it is an experience. It is a place where you reach out and touch nature, where time slows, and where the modern world feels wonderfully far away. Peaceful and quiet, the park is filled with the constant presence of the volcano—once one of the most active in the world—huffing and puffing as if reminding us that the Earth is alive beneath our feet.
The Mighty Arenal Volcano: A Living Giant
Arenal Volcano dominates the landscape of the San Carlos Valley in north-central Costa Rica. Rising dramatically above the surrounding rainforest, its near-perfect conical shape makes it one of the most iconic volcanoes in the country. Although major eruptions ceased in 2010, Arenal remains a powerful symbol of Costa Rica’s volcanic heart.
Each time I visit, I learn something new about the volcano and the ecosystem it has created. One of the most common questions visitors ask is: Why is there almost always cloud cover over the summit?
The answer lies in both climate and geology. The Arenal region receives abundant rainfall all year round, and the warm, moist air rising from the surrounding lowlands condenses as it meets cooler air at higher elevations. Scientists also believe that the volcano itself creates a unique microclimate, constantly releasing heat, steam, and gases into the atmosphere. These elements interact with the humid air to form the persistent cloud cover that often shrouds the summit.
Because of this, seeing Arenal fully exposed is a rare and special gift.
The Best Time to See the Volcano
If you want the best chance to see Arenal without its cloud crown, you need to rise early. Sunrise is magical in this region. Between 5:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., before the clouds begin to roll in, you may be rewarded with a clear view of the entire volcano.
Another excellent vantage point is the north face of the volcano, especially when viewed from Lake Arenal. The lake offers a wide, unobstructed perspective, and early morning light often illuminates the volcano in a way that feels almost surreal.
People often ask me what month is best to visit Arenal. While March is generally drier than other months, the truth is that there is no true dry season around the volcano. Rainfall is a constant presence, and the lush rainforest surrounding Arenal stands as living proof of that.
Rain, Rain, and More Rain—The Secret to Lush Beauty
Rain is not an inconvenience here—it is a gift. The abundant rainfall feeds the rich soils and sustains the incredible biodiversity of the region. The forests surrounding Arenal are alive with color and movement.
This is an agricultural paradise. You will see papayas, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and plátanos growing in abundance. Plants grow so quickly in this fertile environment that farms dedicated to ornamental plant cultivation have flourished, exporting exotic foliage and flowers to the United States and Europe.
The greenery is intense, vibrant, and endlessly varied. Every shade of green imaginable seems to exist here, layered upon itself in dense, living tapestries.
Hot Springs: Nature’s Healing Gift
One of the great pleasures of visiting Arenal is soaking in the hot mineral springs that flow from deep within the Earth near the volcano’s base. Heated by geothermal activity, these mineral-rich waters are naturally warm, soothing, and restorative.
After a long hike through muddy trails and dense rainforest, there is nothing quite like slipping into a steaming hot spring. Muscles relax, stress melts away, and the sounds of the jungle create a natural soundtrack for relaxation. It is easy to imagine that the volcano itself is offering this gift—a quiet reward for those who come to explore its domain.
Birdwatching at Dawn
One of my favorite activities in Arenal Volcano National Park begins before most people are awake. I rise at 5:30 a.m., just as the sun begins to color the sky, and head out with binoculars in hand.
Early morning is the best time for birdwatching. The forest comes alive with song as birds move through the trees in search of food. On one memorable morning, I spotted two different species of toucans, their brightly colored beaks flashing against the green canopy.
I was secretly hoping to see a scarlet macaw, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic birds, but I was told that scarlet macaws are not commonly found in this region. Still, the variety of birdlife here is astounding, and every outing brings new surprises.
Photography: Chasing the Perfect Shot
Photographing Arenal Volcano is both rewarding and challenging. The clouds are unpredictable, the light changes quickly, and patience is essential. But when everything aligns, the results are unforgettable.
My favorite photograph of Arenal was taken from a boat on Lake Arenal around 8:30 a.m. The volcano stood clear and unobstructed in the background, a rare sight. In the foreground, dark brown water birds flew low over the lake, creating a perfect contrast against the blue sky and green slopes of the volcano.
Moments like that remind you why patience matters. Sometimes, nature simply decides to cooperate.
How Long Should You Stay?
Whenever I visit Arenal Volcano National Park, I make sure to stay at least four nights, and often longer. This is not a place to rush through. There is so much to see and do, and the rhythm of the region encourages you to slow down.
Activities range from hiking inside the national park to horseback riding on nearby farms, exploring hanging bridges, visiting waterfalls, and relaxing in hot springs. Each day offers a different way to connect with the land and its people.
A Place That Teaches Without Words
Arenal Volcano National Park is a place where you learn by observation. You learn about ecosystems by walking through them, about resilience by watching nature reclaim lava fields, and about humility by standing beneath a volcano that reminds you of forces far greater than yourself.
“My best acquaintances are those with whom I speak no words.” That phrase feels especially true here. The volcano does not need language to communicate its power. The rainforest does not need explanation to inspire awe.
A Final Recommendation
If you are traveling to Costa Rica, I highly recommend making Arenal Volcano National Park a central part of your journey. It is unique, unforgettable, and deeply enriching. Whether you come for adventure, relaxation, photography, or quiet reflection, Arenal has something to offer.
Each visit leaves me refreshed, inspired, and eager to return. And I know that the next time I stand beneath the cloud-covered summit, listening to the whispers of the forest, I will once again feel that familiar sense of connection—to nature, to the Earth, and to something timeless and profound.