Last Updated: July 16, 2025
When hiking Arenal Volcano, you have a lot of different trail options. All go around the base of the impressive volcano, giving you different vantage points. In our opinion, one of the best views of Arenal Volcano is from Mirador El Silencio. This series of easy-to-moderate trails leads to a very high lookout. Here, you feel as though you are standing eye to eye with Arenal’s cone-shaped peak. In this post, we’ll give you all the details to plan your visit to Mirador El Silencio in La Fortuna. We will also include information on booking a guide.
Location
Mirador El Silencio is located near the town of La Fortuna. This popular tourist destination is famous for Arenal Volcano and its naturally occurring hot springs, which are heated by the volcano. It is about 2.5 hours from Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose.
The entrance to Mirador El Silencio is just 7.5 miles (12 km) from the central park in La Fortuna and only 3 miles (5 km) from Arenal Volcano National Park. It borders the popular 1968 Trail property, which has similar views.
The Reserve
Mirador El Silencio has 550 acres (225 hectares) of protected land. Around 250 acres (100 hectares) is considered primary forest. This means the trees are very mature and have never been cut down, making for an awesome jungle experience.
Other parts of the property have secondary forest, which is younger, as well as grassy fields and gardens. The diversity of habitats attracts a lot of wildlife, especially birds and insects.
Looking to explore more parks and reserves on your trip? Our National Parks articles cover 40+ options all around Costa Rica.
Mirador El Silencio Hiking Trails
Overview
The property has six hiking trails that total about 8.5 miles (14 km). Some are easier, while others are more rugged and difficult.
Mirador El Silencio is a good option for those looking for a harder, more authentic hike in the Arenal area.
There is also a nice loop you can take that is easier, but still lets you get that impressive volcano view.
Choosing a Trail
When arriving at the reception area, the employees can help you decide which trails are best for your group.
We were looking for a somewhat challenging hike, so they told us to use Trail 2 (Sendero los Sainos/Peccary Trail). This one was a narrow, muddy trail that meandered up the steep mountain through a lot of primary forest. The trail is named after sainos/collared peccary. These are wild-boar-like animals that can sometimes be spotted here. They have a strong, pungent smell so keep a lookout for that.
For an easier hike up to the viewpoint, we’d recommend the trails to the right after reception. Trail 1 (Sendero la Araña/Spider Trail) and Trail 4 (Sendero Manantial/Source/Spring Trail) were the ones we came back down on. They were not as steep, and the surrounding forest was still very pretty.
We didn’t get a chance to check out Trail 3 (Sendero El Tabacon/Tabacon Trail), but think it was also an easier option compared to Trail 2. Along this trail, you can see many tabacon plants, common in La Fortuna. They are large plants with long, broad, hard leaves.
Trails 5, 6, and 7 are at the top of the hill. We’ll cover them below.
Fantastic Volcano Views
Overview
Once you reach the top of the mountain, you’ll start to get some spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. You’ll also realize that there is a parking area up there where people just drive up after paying admission.
This sort of reminded us of the time we hiked Mount Washington in New Hampshire. After lots of effort getting to the top, you see people stepping out of their cars for a quick (sweatless) selfie. But they missed out on some cool wildlife along the trail, right? (See Wildlife section, below.)
Tip: It’s not on the map, but to the left of the upper parking area (looking at the volcano) is a grassy road that leads to an even nicer viewpoint. You can see the volcano very clearly (clouds permitting) and in the opposite direction the flat northern plains that eventually lead to Nicaragua.
Lava Fields Trail
Trail 6 (Sendero Lava del 1968/Lava Fields Trail of 1968) is the highlight of Mirador El Silencio Reserve.
This one starts at the right corner of the higher up parking area.
The trail cuts through a farm field and then leads up a steep section with some rustic steps. Here, you get to walk along small rocks that were once tossed out of the volcano’s mouth.
At the end of the trail, you come to a clearing with little vegetation and much larger volcanic rocks.
This is the highest viewpoint on the property and the one that makes you feel like you are staring the volcano right in the face.
From here, you can really see the old lava flows from the biggest eruption that occurred in 1968. After all these years, they still appear as gray streaks down the side of the steep volcano.
Other Interesting Features
From the parking area, you also can check out Trail 7 (Sendero Lago Verde/Green Lake Trail) to the left. This one leads down a hill to a lake. The lake gets the green color from volcanic minerals.
Trail 5 is sort of a mystery to us since we never saw a sign for it. The map says that it leads to a viewpoint where you can see Lake Arenal. We still got a distant view of the lake from Trail 6 anyway.
Wildlife and Surrounds
On our hike, we saw some interesting wildlife and beautiful forest. First, it was our oldest son who spotted a creepy hole with a tarantula inside.
Later in the hike, we saw a lot of birds called Crested Guans. These are brown and about the size of a turkey but skinnier. They like to stay up in the trees and make a loud call, which echoes through the forest.
The jungle itself was also really impressive, especially on Trail 2. There were giant canopy trees, lush broad-leaf plants, ferns, and all kinds of cool flowering and fruiting plants and trees.
Since you are right in the rainforest, you’ll also likely see many interesting insects, and if you’re lucky, some mammals like monkeys. We didn’t get to see any monkeys, but we did hear howler monkeys in the distance. People sometimes see sloths at this reserve as well.
Planning Your Visit
Hours
Mirador El Silencio is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost
Admission: 5,000 colones per person (about $10). Children under 7 are free.
After hiking, if you want to reenter and drive to the top parking area to see the sunset or have a picnic, just save your bracelet.
Guided Tours
Although Mirador El Silencio can be done self-guided as the trails are well-marked, we recommend going with a guide. There is no visitors center or information along the trail so having a good naturalist guide to teach you about the history of the volcano is invaluable. A guide also will teach you about the local flora and fauna you will see.
The company that we work with uses local guides that are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and bilingual. If you’d like to book a tour, please use the booking links below. You won’t pay until the reservation is confirmed, and we’ll email you as part of the process. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website!
Cost of Guided Tour
Group Tour (12 people max): $61 per adult. $30.50 per child ages 4-11. Rates plus 13% tax. Free for children 3 and under.
Private Tour (only your group): $110 per adult. $55 per child ages 4-11. Rates plus 13% tax. Free for children 3 and under.
*If you have young children, consider doing a private tour so that the guide can focus on only your family and go at your own pace.
Includes
Round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental, bilingual naturalist guide, entrance fee, and water.
Times Offered
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Duration
3 hours (approximate)
What to Wear/Bring
There are some sunny areas along the trail so bring a hat and sunscreen. In the thicker, forested parts of the trail, we encountered a lot of mosquitoes, so have repellent handy. There are no amenities so be sure to pack a snack and water.
Here’s a link to our post on Packing Your Day Pack if you’d like more tips.
Accessibility
The hiking trails at Mirador El Silencio are not accessible for wheelchair users; however, the lookout at the top parking area is flat hard-packed dirt/gravel. Here, you can take in the beautiful volcano view. Trail 1 from the reception is also flat and wide for a short distance. It has some beautiful flowers and tropical forest to see.
Conclusion
Mirador El Silencio is a lesser talked about hiking option around Arenal Volcano. If you are looking for a good hike and some spectacular volcano views, we would highly recommend it.
Have a question about visiting Mirador El Silencio? Ask us below!
Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these articles:
La Fortuna Tours – Check out this list of some of our favorite tours in La Fortuna/Arenal. We can help you book them for no extra charge.
Ecotermales: A Small, Upscale Hot Springs Resort in Arenal – These hot springs were just what we needed after hiking up to Mirador El Silencio. Check out this post for details.
Sloths, Birds, and More: The Bogarin Trail in La Fortuna – Looking to see sloths on your trip? This easy trail close to downtown La Fortuna is a good spot to find them. We have seen several there!
Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park – Nearby is the official national park for Arenal Volcano. These trails give you a slightly different view and there is an accessible trail that leads down to the shores of Lake Arenal.
Safari River Float Tour – One of the most popular activities in La Fortuna, this tour takes you on a leisurely float in search of wildlife.
Things to Do: Get lots more activity ideas for your trip. Our Things to Do articles cover hanging bridges, waterfalls, wildlife tours, hot springs, and more.
Hi Jenn and Matt – Greetings from the UK. What was the total length of your walk? Wondering what the distance would be starting the at the reception, taking Route 2 to the top parking lot, heading down to Lago Verde via Route 7 and back again, then taking Route 6 to the viewpoint before returning to the reception via Routes 3 and 1. Is that the approx 8.5 miles you mention? How long did it take you? We’re experienced hillwalkers. Thank you for the great article.
Hi Fran, They really need a better trail map that breaks down the length of each trail. Our hike was around 3-4 hours long (I am not sure of the length). We took the route you are thinking about but didn’t do 3, which looks longer. You would probably enjoy that. Next time we go, we will ask the employee if they can tell us how long each trail is or use an app to track it ourselves.
Your tour of El Silencio looks very interesting. I would like to know what trails are taken and and how long they are.
Thank you!
Mary
Hi Mary, The tour company usually takes people on the trails to the right (trails 1, 3, or 4) up to the crater trail (trail 6) where you walk the old lava flows. The exact amount of time hiking varies depending on the group but is around 2 hours. The other hour is a rough estimate for transportation (30 minutes each way, but could be less depending on where you are staying).
Hello. You said that Trail 6 starts to the right of the upper parking lot and that trail 7 starts to the left. Is there any way you could use more specific cardinal directions? Something like, “Trail 6 starts at the northeast side of the rectangular upper parking lot”? I’m looking at OsmAnd and their trails don’t line up with your somewhat vague description. Thank you for your consideration.
we are looking for an easy, not too steep volcano hike. What would you recommend? How long are the walks you discuss above? would the national Park trails be easier?
Hi Judith, Arenal Volcano National Park is the best option for an easy, flat volcano hike. Just take the main trail to the viewpoint.
Hi there! This article is really helpful. Thank you so much for all the information. Could you tell me if I still don’t need to buy tickets in advance in 2025 if I visit the park without a guide? Can I just go there in high season without a reservation? Really appreciate your help. Thanks & have a good day!
Hi Tom, Yes, you can still just show up and buy tickets the day of your visit. Hope you enjoy the hike!
Hi there. Thank you so much for your help! Do you also know if the tower in the El Arenal National Park (La Peninsula Sector) with the view over the volcano and the lake is still open? I saw a few comments that the view points in this sector are closed. When I saw your pictures from the tower I really wanted to go there. But now I am not sure if it is still worth it without the tower.
Hi Tom, We haven’t been to La Peninsula sector recently. We did ask a local tour company that we work with in La Fortuna if they know if the tower is open and we’ll let you know if we hear. It does seem from online reviews that the tower and some viewpoints are currently closed.
If you happen to be going to Monteverde, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve has a really nice viewing tower. Our post that we just linked to has photos. It is definitely open.
Hi again Tom, We just heard back from the tour company. They said that the tower and observation point are still closed and are expected to reopen in February, but of course, that’s not definite.
Hi! Is it safe to park your vehicle there? Our rental company does not provide trunk covers, as they discourage leaving belongings in the car. But as we will be doing this hike on our way from La Fortuna to Monteverde, we would like to save ourselves the time it takes to head back into La Fortuna to pick up our suitcases.
Hi Stephanie, Yes, it should be fine to leave you bags in the car there. The entrance/ranger station is close to the parking lot. Just be sure to bring your most valuable belongings with you in a small bag for the hike (electronics, passports, cash, etc.). Hope you enjoy the hike!
We really enjoyed the tour of Mirador el Silencio. Jenn was very helpful in getting the booking done and our guide Roy was very knowledgeable. He explained a lot of things about the volcano and surrounding nature. At the end of the tour he provided us cold ice tea and some fresh fruit. I would highly recommend booking this tour with Jenn and Matt!
Hi Sara, Thanks so much for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the tour!
Hi. I am trying to figure out if Mirador el Silencio is still open, the website doesnt take me anywhere, do you have any information? Thanks!
Hi Naomi, Yes, Mirador El Silencio is definitely open. We have had clients there this week. If you’d like a guide, let us know if you’d like help setting it up and we can send information by email.
Planning our group trip to La Fortuna and Uvita. Working on our La Fortuna Itinerary. Thinking about one day being Mistico Park and then the National Park or 1968 Trails. What would you suggest for this day? Mistico first thing in the morning, then a volcano view trail? If you had to pick one trail which would you pick? Is there enough time to do more in that area? What would you suggest for lunch? Pack something? Or are there any Sodas in the area? Thanks.
Hi Elly, We would do only one hike per day unless you really like hiking. Maybe Mistico in the morning then a safari float tour in the afternoon? These float tours are a nice way to see wildlife and break up the hiking. For lunch, Mistico has a restaurant onsite. There isn’t much else right there so that’s probably your best option.
All three volcano hikes are nice. El Silencio is the most authentic and least crowded. The national park is easiest.
Hi there. We are planning to come to El Silencio as I appreciate the piece written above. We have two kids 9,14. Which trails would you recommend if we are looking for wildlife and manageable for kids? We are looking for a moderate trek to easy so trying to avoid the harder trails.
Thanks,
Hi Amit, We would avoid the trail on the left (Los Sainos) since it is more difficult. If you look at the trail map on our post, you could do the trails on the right, coming up one way and down another. The ranger working was really helpful when we visited so I would ask them when you get there.
Dear Jenn and Matt,
Are we getting it right that there are two ways to see Arenal Volcano: hiking the official Arenal Volcano National Park hiking trails (6 different trails) or hiking the Mirador El Silencio hiking trail? Is there only one hiking trail here? Where is the entrance to the Mirador El silencio hiking trail?
And if we want to see Lake Arenal as well, then we have to visit the Peninsula sector or you recommend hiking on other trails in Arenal Volcano Park
Do we have to pay for two tickets to visit both places?
Hi Maret, There are a few different places to see Arenal. The national park, the 1968 Trail, and Mirador El Silencio. Each has separate admission. We would do just one. El Silencio is the most off the beaten path and has a mix of trails in terms of difficulty. Here’s a map link to the entrance. The 1968 Trail is a nice hike too. It can be busier during high season. The national park is the easiest hike. The 1968 Trail and national park both have views of Lake Arenal. The Peninsula sector of the national park is right on the lake.
Thank you for all the great content on your site! Do you need to reserve or purchase tickets in advance for Mirador El Silencio or do you purchase on arrival?
Hi Jess, No need for advanced tickets. You can buy them when you get there. Glad our site has been helpful!
My family of 6 (fairly fit) adults wants to spend a day hiking around Arenal. If you had to pick one trail, which would it be? Is there one particular trial with more wildlife? We weren’t planning on using a guide. If we hiked Mirador, are there hot springs close by that we would add at the end? Finally, if you had to pick between Mistico and Sky Adventures for hanging bridges, which would you pick? Thanks so much for your wonderful website.
Hi Lisa, The volcano hikes are more for the volcano views. There is some wildlife but not as much as at other reserves. We’ve seen a decent amount of wildlife at the 1968 Trail and national park. We haven’t seen that much at El Silencio but really love that hike because it’s less busy and the jungle is more rugged/wild. We’d pick that one if we had to just pick one hike. El Silencio is close to Tabacon and Ecotermales.
Místico and Sky Adventures are completely different. The trail at Místico is all concrete now. Still nice, but not a true jungle trek. It has awesome bridges, though. Sky’s bridges cut right through primary rainforest (never been cut down) and offer a more traditional hike (dirt trail with rugged sections). Hope that helps!