Arenal Volcano Lava Flow?

FYI: In June the cloud cover will be very heavy. This doesn't mean that you won't see the top of the volcano, but you may only get a rare glimpse of it. The peak will be above the clouds for the majority of your trip. Most of the eruptions ( every 15-20 minutes or so) will not contain a great deal of lava. Not like the pictures you'll see on the internet with a really really good eruption. Most of the time it will be a hand full of red hot rocks that will roll down the cone, and you'll see about half way down the cone (due to the cloud cover). Don't get me wrong, it's still a really cool thing to experience. But I was a little disappointed when I went, and I wanted you to be prepared for what you will really see and not necessarily what professional pictures show you on a good eruption day during the dry season when there are no clouds.

Do have fun though, Arenol is amazing!

Heidi,

I visited the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, La Fortuna and the La Fortuna waterfall in August.

My concern was the same as yours - where is the lava flow so I can get a good view at night from the convenience of my hotel.

As you are more than likely aware, the lava flow is constant but its direction can change at any time. So the further out you book your stay the less sure you can be of the 'right' choice.

An online Arenal Volcano lava flow map is available at: http://www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm

The accuracy of this map I cannot vouch for ... however, I did utilize this map resource for my trip and ended up with a GREAT view of the lava flow from the Hotel Linda Vista.

For more information be sure to check the resources listed below:

I am not good at remembering the names of places but we first tried to get a room at Mt. Arenal Lodge and they only had one room without a view but we were told there was lava. We went up there and paid to walk around the place and it was pretty and all but not worth the money to stay without a view. People there said they were disappointed with the place so we left. We went around to the other side, booked this wonderful room at a less known place and had a great view of the volcano. We were told there wouldn't be lava on that side by the expensive hotel but low and behold there was lava coming down the mountain and it was Absolutely Beautiful! So don't go by what they say, stay where you like. We went to a garden called the Else Kientzler Botanical Garden. It just opened a couple years ago and was so beautiful if you enjoy places like that. Be sure to rent a car, making sure it's like an SUV and just go places. There's so much to see and the people are wonderful! ps make sure you go to La Paz!

hello i visited costa rica around two years ago and we visited mid to the end of july, and we had clear skies and could see the top of the volcano for miles - our tour guide said he'd never seen it hat clear before!!

anyway if u want a small traditional quaint lodge that had the volcano [LITERALLY] A WALK DOWN THE [VERY SHORT] PATH then go to the Arenal Observatory Lodge

website: http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/EN/

Google it for images and more links, and type in cheap deals on... thats what i do, hope this helps as this really is a spectacular place!!

we made a night visit to the lodge to see the lava and it happens every night on good days, and there is a huge decccked area right in front of it with chairs, and most rooms face the volcano, the best one must be on the right hand side at the very end.

hope you go here as there is so much to be seen, not just arenal, go to the mirravalles volcanoe and hike up to waterfalls through rainforest. if u want more info then please email me : asia_ldm2000@hotmail.co.uk

happ travelling [ and honeymoon ]

The Arenal volcano is in an almost constant state of eruption, but the spectacular views seen on websites vary from day to day. From what I saw in 2 weeks down there, it appears that most of the flows were on the north side of the volcano, but as with every natural phenomenon, you pay your dime and you take your chances. If the volcano is quiet, there are plenty of other things to see and do. Try the zip line through the forest if you can.

Try hotel Los Lagos! It is really nice and close to the volcano and it has the side of the lava flow. It also has a trail where you can walk up and see the volcano more up close.

And remember that in June there will be lots of rain, but that doesn't mean it's not beautiful! You get to enjoy the rainforest at it's max.!

Good luck!!