Arenal: Volcano hike in El Silencio Reserve with guide

Summary

Follow forest trails near Arenal Volcano & hear the jungle come alive

You’ll walk forest trails near Arenal Volcano with a local guide who shares stories about eruptions and wildlife. Spot frogs or birds if you’re lucky, feel the humid air on your skin, and pause in those rare pockets of silence among ancient trees — moments you’ll remember long after leaving Costa Rica.

What’s the experience like?

We started just outside La Fortuna, maybe a 20-minute drive — I lost track because I was too busy watching the clouds drift around the volcano’s peak. Our guide, Diego, met us at the entrance to El Silencio Reserve. He handed out bottled water and grinned, “You’ll need this.” The air smelled kind of sweet and earthy, like wet leaves after rain (even though it hadn’t rained yet). There were these low bird calls everywhere, not loud but constant, like background music you only notice when it stops.

The trail wound through thick primary forest — Diego called it “bosque primario” — and he kept stopping to point out things I’d never have noticed. Once he crouched down and showed us a tiny red frog on a leaf. I tried to get a photo but it hopped away before I could focus. He told us stories about the volcano’s eruptions and how people in La Fortuna used to watch lava flows from their porches (I can’t imagine being that casual about lava). The ground felt springy under my boots, almost soft in places where old leaves had piled up for years.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get sometimes. We’d all stop talking and just listen — you could hear your own breath, or sometimes nothing at all except a distant rustle. At one point Diego pointed out some trees that had survived the last big eruption; their bark was scarred but they were still standing tall. He said something about resilience and I remember thinking about that for a while as we walked on. The volcano itself kept peeking through gaps in the canopy — sometimes so close it felt like you could reach out and touch the slopes, even though we were still a few kilometers away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arenal Volcano Naturalistic Hike

• Guided hike at El Silencio Reserve near Arenal Volcano

Top questions

How far is El Silencio Reserve from La Fortuna?

It’s about 8 miles (roughly 20 minutes by car) from La Fortuna to El Silencio Reserve.

Is transportation included in this Arenal volcano hike?

Yes, transportation is included as part of the tour package.

Will there be a local guide during the hike?

Yes, an experienced bilingual naturalist guide leads the hike.

Are entry fees covered for El Silencio Reserve?

Yes, entrance tickets are included in your booking.

Is bottled water provided on this tour?

Bottled water is provided at the start of your hike.

How difficult is this day trip near Arenal Volcano?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for this hike.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

What’s included

Your experience includes pickup from La Fortuna, entrance tickets to El Silencio Reserve, guidance from a bilingual naturalist throughout the hike, plus bottled water along the way before returning after your walk among the trees.